Almost a decade.

There I was, sitting in a history class, scoping out my new classmates. In walks this guy, a guy that I recognized because he was also in my chemistry class. Washburn University wasn't a huge university, but it was pretty odd to have the same student in two of my classes. He looked at me and gave me a little "that is the girl from my chemistry class" smile. Then he sat down in front of me. Over the next semester a friendship blossomed between me and this guy. We figured that if we were going to be in two classes together that we might as well be study buddies, work on group projects together, etc. Two and a half years, several dinners out, a bunch of movies, and a whole lot more classes together later, that guy asked me to marry him.

Nine years ago today, I married that guy and became Mrs. Benjamin Ockree. Over the course of these last nine years we have experienced many trials and much joy. We've owned our own home, sold that home, quit our jobs, and moved 700 miles away from our family. We've been blessed by the birth of three beautiful and wonderful children and suffered the grief of losing four children in the womb. We've given time outs, changed diapers, said good night prayers, and received good night kisses. There have been fights, tantrums, and forgiveness. 

It has been an amazing nine years and I cannot imagine my life without Ben in it. We've been so blessed and are looking forward to the next nine years and many more after that.