Today D and I celebrate our six years of marriage and all I can say is - boy has it gone by fast; two dogs, two cross-country moves, ten overseas trips (just him...), lots of time being separated for special occasions (six birthdays, four anniversaries, one Thanksgiving, and one Christmas), one looooong deployment... and here we are.

I can also say that it has ALL been worth it. I am constantly asked how I am able to handle it by non-military folks. Sometimes I say "Oh it's not that hard," or "I'm a very independent woman who likes constant change," or "He makes it worth it by showering me with lots of great gifts." Most times I am serious when I offer up these answers - though I'm often just trying to humorously change the subject - but always I end with "he is just worth it." And this is the truth. He constantly reminds me (especially when we're apart) that I am loved, always appreciated and always thought of, and yes, he actually does shower me with very nice gifts (like my newest upgrade): 

 

(Old Canon Rebel)                      (New Canon EOS 60D)

He's done a good job of sticking to the 'traditional' anniversary gifts (last year - wood - he bought me a pair of fantastic wooden jewelry boxes) but this year - the year of iron - he bought me a camera... wait, what???

His thought process behind this anniversary gift was very sweet. He's going to graduate school for his next job - meaning no more deployments for several years, and minimal travel - so he wanted to offer something that we could both enjoy and share together in our new surroundings, something to help forge my budding photography skills. I love it! And I love him!

Happy six years, D!