Hitting the Family Lottery

I grew up in a very loving and supportive household. My parents' relationship was the epitome of everything that I wanted for my marriage and future family someday. I always felt like the luckiest and happiest kid in the world. I had it all: loving parents, a great little sister, a home that I loved and more love and support than I ever could've imagined.

Admittedly, I've always been a pretty naive person and until recently, I was naive enough to believe that everybody grew up in a situation like I did. When I moved away from my parents, I started to try to make friends in my new area. As we were getting to know each other, we all discussed our pasts and the lives that we left behind. I was shocked to hear some of the things that they shared with me.

Some of them hadn't spoken to their parents in years and they didn't care to do so ever again. Some girls were beaten by their parents. Some were children of addicts that chose their addiction over their family. As I listened to everyone's stories, all I could think about was how sorry I was that they didn't have the same experiences that I had. Everyone deserved the same happiness that I felt growing up and it truly saddened me that everyone didn't get it. While I was talking to these girls, I truly realized just how lucky that I was.

I have strong relationships with both of my parents and being around all of these new people made me realize how truly special and rare that can be. I never took my family for granted but now, I definitely can say that I have an even deeper appreciation for them and the life that they gave my sister and I than I ever did before.

I remember seeing the way that my dad looked at my mom and wishing that one day, my husband would look at me that same way. I remember spending every Saturday at the park and every Sunday in the pool with my family. I remember being able to come to my parents with anything, no matter what. We had a connection and a bond that I can only hope and pray that I'll have with my children some day.

I miss my family more than words can say and even though I've moved away, I still do what I can to keep them involved in my life. It hurt me to hear my friends say that they never wanted to speak to their parents again. I can't imagine my life without my parents or even our (at least) 2 phone calls a week. Family is the most important thing in the world and it's never been something that I've taken lightly. But I am extremely grateful that I was one of the luckiest kids in the world.

My dad used to tell me that the one thing in life that is always constant is family. He told me that things come and go in life but at the end of the day, nobody could ever take away the fact that my sister and I were his kids and his family. I carry that knowledge with me every day and will treat my future family with the same respect and care that I was raised with. I know now that how I grew up, unfortunately, isn't everybodys' "normal" but I can tell you, that I'm so thankful that it was mine.

When it comes to families, I definitely hit the lottery.

I love you, Mom & Dad. Thanks for everything.

-Chelsea

4 Years

Four years ago today, Kris and I started dating! It's been a tumultuous 4 years. We've been through a lot together. Good times and bad times. We've grown and matured a lot in those 4 years and we continue to fall in love with each other every day. 

I never knew that I'd end up marrying my high school sweetheart but I'm so glad that I did! I'm incredibly lucky and blessed to have him in my life! I love you, baby! Happy anniversary! 

-Chelsea 

Long Distance Relationships

Growing up, I knew tons of people who were in long distance relationships. They constantly complained about how much it bothered them that they couldn't be with their significant other the way that other couples could. They made the whole ordeal sound anything but desirable. So I always told myself that I'd never be in one.

And now I am.

Technically. Ironic, isn't it?

My husband is in the army and I haven't seen him since Christmas. Before that, we hadn't been together for 7 months. And I still don't know when the next time that I'll see him is. So sometimes I laugh at how skeptical I was about long distance relationships. Thanks to all of the wonderful technological advances like cell phones and Skype, communication has never been easier. There are so many ways to make it work.

Don't get me wrong, nothing compares to actually seeing my husband, kissing him and spending time together but it's not unbearable. I can see now just how narrow-minded I was before and I regret that. Having an open mind and a positive attitude has really helped me through this process. I miss him like crazy but being apart isn't as impossible as I originally thought it would be. I'm so proud of him, everything he's done and everything that he's sacrificed, which does make it a bit easier.

Distance isn't going to break our relationship, it's just an obstacle that we have to temporarily overcome until we can finally be together. So even though I never thought I'd be in this position, I don't regret it for a second.

Our love and commitment to each other is stronger because of it and there is no one that I'd rather wait for.

-Chelsea

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15 Reasons Why I Love Kristopher

I'm officially 2/3 of the way done with mine and Kristopher's first army separation. The end seems so close, yet so far away. But now that I can see the finish line in the near future, I'm definitely missing him more than ever.

I know I've talked a lot about how much I love him and how much he means to me but I've never explained why I love him. So I thought I'd share why Kristopher is so amazing with my readers and the world.

1. He pushes me to be the best person that I can be. He doesn't ever let me settle.

2. He is the most supportive, generous and kind-hearted person that I've ever met.

3. I could get lost in his blue eyes.

4. He is hard-working and dedicated in everything that he does.

5. He treats me like a princess and loves me the way that I've always wanted to be loved.

6. He makes me laugh. This is seriously the best way to my heart.

7. He tries his best to be romantic every day and puts in a lot of time and effort to do so.

8. He lets me be myself and doesn't judge me.

9. He would give his life for his family.

10. He doesn't care about what other people think of him.

11. He is very laid-back, which balances out my "worry-wart" personality.

12. He is an amazing listener.

13. He loves my family as much as he loves his own.

14. He's really silly and is a kid at heart, just like me.

15. His smile, his laugh and his personality make me want to be a better person and make me happy every day of my life, whether in person or via Skype dates.

These are only 15 of the hundreds of reasons that I love him but if I listed them all, we'd be here all year! I can't wait until we're reunited again but that day is almost here! Hurry up, December!

Happy Monday!

-Chelsea