Half Way Home, Literally

July 8, 2011 means today Dave hit 10 years of active duty in the Army (half way to a military retirement). I'm probably one of the very few who cares about that kind of thing, but I am excited. It has been an eventful 10 years. Here is the short version: 5 years at Fort Campbell where we endured separation while I finished college, two 12 month deployments, got married, and bought our first house. 3 years at The Army Baylor physical therapy school where Dave got a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, I became Catholic, and we had our first child. 2 years at Fort Belvoir where began his physical therapy career, we had twins and now have another baby heading our way. 

If I'm being honest, I would have to admit that the Army is not my first choice of life paths. The two back to back deployments just weren't worth it. I also prefer the idea of staying in one place and that place being somewhere in Southern California. That being said, we have been very happy. Isn't that what really matters? I almost never complain because the Army has brought so many wonderful things into our lives!! Dave had college mostly and pt school totally paid for by the Army. We have always had job stability and a dependable pay check. We have lived in and experienced three completely different areas of the country. The best part has been the people. I have gotten to know some truly amazing people with completely different backgrounds. Besides all the joy and support friends give,  I have learned so much about how what kind of person, wife, and mother I want to be. I can't imagine that the next 10 years will be as eventful as the first, but it is exciting to see where the Army will take us next!