One Year Ago Today

I can't believe the Earth has rotated 365 times since we said "I do!"

​They say some of the things that cause the most stress in the first year of marriage are; buying a new home, starting a new job and trying to start a family. Happy to say that we've done all three (well almost... we are still trying to have little humans). Though stressful times are inevitable, it has been amazing to see how those times have only brought us closer together instead of driving us apart. 

I have many things to learn and work on personally for the rest of this journey we have together -- especially patience in areas that I didn't know I would need them. I asked God to send me a man that loved Him first, and me second; who was on fire for both of us. I wanted a man that valued family and that we would come first... before any career or object of this world. I asked for a man that would make me laugh constantly and be just as morbid and twisted as I am. I got everything I asked for and a billion other things I never imaged that I would need out of a spouse.

The gift of time is something that I really value and appreciate; when we are able to do just the smallest things together. No gifts, flowers, or expensive items will speak louder than the heart of someone who will give you their time.

Here are some things we do daily with each other that mean a lot to me:
- Going to the gym each day during the week, even if one of us could sleep in and do it later. We still set that alarm at 5AM to get the additional time in the morning together (there are a lot of jokes, small talk, planning & motivation we are able to squeeze into those two hours!)
- We read our devotions and the passages that go along with them every morning at breakfast. I love that it sets the tone for our day and brings us closer to God, together.
- Playing jeopardy on our Echo/Alexa device is a fun brain teaser. It's always interesting the random things that either of us will end up actually knowing. Eric carries the weight of our team on his back, I'm really not much help. *Ask me if I care*
- Always give/get a kiss while leaving and coming home from work. I think it's important to never let the smallest of affections slip away. After all it's the little things that add up to be the big things.

Of course we do more than workout, play jeopardy and kiss each other goodbye, Ha! However, because we've incorporated these specific things that we enjoy doing together into EACH day, it keeps us from leading separate lives from one another. It does help that we are very much best friends already.

Things aren't always perfect. Sometimes we do go to bed angry when we shouldn't. Sometimes we fight and wont speak to one another for hours, until one of us turns to mush apologizing. Sometimes we say things we don't mean. We are still learning each other and discovering what we each need on a daily basis. We are learning together to be quick to apologize and quick to forgive. I can't imagine doing this life with anyone else in the entire world. I feel so incredibly blessed to have Eric as my family. Cheers to one year down and forever to go, my love! I love you so very much!

I'd love to share some of our wedding photos below that I haven't gotten around to posting. One of my very best friends, Cassie Hamilton, did such an incredible job capturing these moments and I am forever grateful for them. I still cry every time I flip through these! Enjoy!