THe Last 8 years of Tanners LIfe.

The Start to a New Chapter.

8 Years ago My Handsome soldier 17 years of age, fearlessly joined United States Army Reserve. Many neighbors, friends, and family tried talking him out of it. Tanner Did not take their advice into account. He joined anyways. He graduated a year later and got taken to boot camp. Later which his family all joined him for his graduation.

This is where I came into play. Couple weeks after he arrived home we got set up on a date. Tanner liked me a lot. I of which did not realize. We dated on and off for 9 months. Went to california and FELL IN LOVE. That is the place I found out how much he liked me. He had not let me know this  the whole time; you may ask why???

2 weeks later He wrote me a love letter and was off to iraq. That is why.

He didn't want to make me feel pinned down to wait for 14 months for him so he left it all up to me. Well two weeks went by and I knew I was in LOVE. I hurried and wrote him a love letter back saying TANNER I WANT TO WAIT FOR YOU. 6 years later I can still remember him receiving that letter. I was at my room mates, friends homecoming get together and tanner called and was soooooo excited I would wait. Through that deployment tanner wrote many many letters postcards and sent packages and planned a surprise birthday homecoming for me. He is the most amazing Soldier I know. He worked soooo hard to show me his love through such a long year. He fulfilled his deployment duties to the fullest. He never backed out of any missions, or duties he was asked to do. Tanner got in many road side bomb accidents, and still never backed out on the next. I am the proudest wife. This deployment really tried my faith I relied on my families faith that he would come home to me. Tanner however knew that he would come home. He had so much faith. I was so in love with him. I couldn't wait to see him and have him come back.

14 months later he arrived to Utah. a soldier's homecoming is prob the most patriotic, amazing and emotional thing I could witness. Soldiers stepping off the airplane running to their wives, kids girlfriends and families. I just jumped into tanners arms with so much joy of him being home. The stress was pulled off all of our shoulders. Tanners mom and I became so close through this deployment. We started off not hardly knowing each other at all and to this day we are still so close. I am so lucky to have the in laws I have. The faith of my parents is huge. I could always rely on calling my mom to re assure me that tanner in fact would come home. I love you guys.

The following year in half was quite Difficult. We fought constantly breaking up and getting back together again. I loved tanner so much yet he was dealing with the stuff from iraq. Which was a lot. Finally a year in a half later HE asked me to be his wife. AHHH hurray at that point there was no shadow of a doubt that tanner was in love. And KNEW with all his heart that he was ready to marry me. He was a totally different man. I was soooooooo happy. We worked so hard to make it to the temple and that day was a day to remember. The smiles on my face and on his face can never be forgotten.

One year later he got orders to deploy to Afghanistan. Nooooo I was devastated. I was soooo afraid for him to leave me. All it took for me to break into tears was to picture him saying good bye at the terminal. Ahh still breaks my heart. For that first year we attended the temple once a month. I needed all the comfort and faith I could get. Tanner is the most courageous man I know. He kept strong and all though sad to leave he was def. My rock leading up to the day.

Afghanistan was prob the hardest of the two deployments. HE couldn't tell me anything due to the base he was on. He was a higher rank, there fore much more busy. I just waited for that phone call each day to hear all was ok. We had a horrific accident in march that tanner watched happen and was able to help his buddies and we had our first casualty happen to a close soldier. That day was devastating for our guys. How amazing are they. I felt very proud that I could attend the funeral and viewing in place of tanner. I love him sooooo much. I was able to record and get photos of the whole thing to make a film for tanners buddies. This deployment he was very strong and went through so much. I was very very afraid of tanner not coming home to me. My bishop challenged me to go to the temple weekly for the last few months. I am so happy to report that I did do that. I know that tanner and each guy was watched upon by the angels and each of our prayers answered. Even though it seemed like most times they weren't Anne's husband did say. “NO Keep those prayers coming, I see them being answered daily.” I just love anne and love tim. They both helped me get through this deployment as well.

October came and the day I would see tanner finally arrived!! I woke up feeling like I would be getting married again!! I had butterflies in my stomach. I am A PROUD Wife. Tanner and I did it. 7 years in the military for me and 8 Years for him. What an accomplishment. We arrived at HILL AIR FORCE BASE and all sat in the hanger waiting and waiting. I thought for sure there would be a delay because that is how the army works. DELAYS!!!! Nope right on time. They opened those doors and out was the run way. I sat in tears watching that airplane circle around and land. What an emotional moment. Tanner was coming home to me. All but one of the guys would be coming home. My heart goes out to the Arruda family. And to all those soldiers who lost such an amazing man. I was so lucky to have jen film and anne olsen take pictures. They captured everything to the T. I jumped into tanners arms and just kissed and kissed him and couldn't stop smiling. I was happy to say that I did it. I was the girl that got to support this Courageous, handsome, Brave soldier.

ONE year later has past and it is time to say farewell. Those 8 years brought JOY, tears, excitement, learning, emotions, faith, prayers and so much more. Tanner is the most amazing soldier I know. He Fulfilled that contract to the most highest. He can get out with no regret. I love him so much. It will be a huge change for my handsome and prob be hard at times knowing he will never deploy again. But he will finish school and hopefully make it into the DEA. He is such a hard worker. Tanner is my best friend in the whole wide world. Even though we fought a lot. We also kissed a lot. He never gave up on me. He is the most forgiving guy I know.

Tanner thank you so much for your service. For having so much faith. Your guys will miss you so much. Thank you so much for asking me to be your wife. The 3^rd year is the charm. And here is to many many more. You did 8 amazing years in the army reserves.

Here are some photos of AFG and our reunion # Two

 Soldiers Prayer

 Tanners Sweet Ride

 The Cute monkey they bought for 7 hours. ISnt tanner HOT

 AWWW Best Moment in that YEar

 We are so in love

 So happy to be in these arms

Anne is the most amazing friend i know. She is an incredible mother of three girls who all missed their daddy and husband for 18 months. I couldnt have gone through this without her. I love you anne. WE DID IT!!!

 Today is the day.!!! these pictures that were taken will forever stay in my heart. my friend aubree did an amazing job. Tanner is my most favorite friend i have, he is mr fix and always there to help me. we fight yet we know how to communicate to work it out. i love him so much and i am so proud of the two of us for making it through these 8 years. Here is to our new chapter . I love you my tan man supa man