Five years…. It simultaneously seems like a really long and a really short time. In the grand scheme of life five years really isn’t that long, but at the same time, I can’t really recall a time Ryan wasn’t a part of my life… nor can I imagine my life without him in it.

Five years ago today, April 19th, 2008 Ryan and I said forever and always at Our Lady of Lourdes church… the place we met and our relationship began. Surrounded by the people we love, saying our vows in front of them all, each other, and God. It was a blissfully wonderful day…. Not because of the dress or the shoes or the reception hall or any number of expenses that are accrued on a wedding day, but because I became Mrs. Ryan Gagnon. Because from that point on I became his, and he became mine.

Five years of wedded bliss. We may have had some down points – the house fire in particular – but we are still here. Our marriage is still strong, and our love has only grown stronger through the tough times. Every day I wake up and thank God He gave me Ryan! I’m a better woman for having him in my life. He picked me up and helped me to feel good about myself in a time I just couldn’t even see a glimmer of light. He has played a huge role in molding me into the confident woman I am today. He has shown me how strong I am. He has supported me. He is my security, my peace, and my home. He is my everything.

This year we decided instead of taking a little trip to St. Louis or Chicago (as we’ve done in the past) to start an Ireland/Italy trip fund. Many times we’ve talked about how much we’d love to go to Ireland and Italy. (Neither of us has ever left the states.) The only thing stopping us is our finances and our time – so we decided to start saving now so that down the road – we will be able to take that dream vacation. (Although if we go – we might not want to come back haha). And because the traditional gift for the 5 year anniversary is wood – we are going to look into purchasing a tree or two for our home. Our whole yard needs landscaped so the purchase of a few trees only makes sense.

Well I hope you all are having a fantastic Friday! I’m sure I will be enjoying time with my wonderful man! I will see you all on Monday! 🙂