Andy and I were married eight years ago today. In that time:

• We lived with his parents for five years. Sometimes that was wonderful, and sometimes it was really tough. I came to understand and appreciate my husband more deeply for the opportunity to see the daily lives his family leads.
• We purchased our home, and then spent three years renovating it before we moved in (and by “we” I mean mostly Andy and his dad…I just told them what to do 😉 ). Major home renovations (while living with parents) will test your relationship. We learned and grew through that process, as well. We’ve only had one truly rough time in our relationship, and it was toward the end of those renovations. There were a few days in there, when we were in different places and couldn’t find common ground, where, to be truthful, I didn’t like him. I learned about him, and about me, and about how we communicate, and I’m grateful for those few days. I also think it’s pretty fantastic that in eight years that’s been the extent of our conflict.
• We have lost too many loved ones. Our wedding day was bookended by deaths, and we attended two funerals during our honeymoon week. It’s almost stunningly sad to think how many people we love have died in only eight years. But then, it isn’t possible to lose many loved ones unless you are surrounded by love. And we are.
• I graduated from college, and got my MBA. I was in school approximately three years of our marriage…well, maybe a little more, because after my MBA I took a couple semesters of additional graduate classes. I’m sort of a geek. The Lord provided a job for me right out of my undergrad, and I still love it today. He was gracious in giving me the best bosses, who immediately embraced my wish to be home with my children once they were born, and valued me enough to make that work.
• We became parents twice over. We moved into our house in November 2010. In December 2011 we welcomed Aria, and this July we welcomed Noah. Children bring out new aspects of our personalities and characters, and I am blessed to love and respect my husband more as we raise our children.

There are many more events, small and large, that make up our lives. We live a quiet life, and we love it that way. I am grateful we are surrounded by love and support; we were raised in strong, loving families by parents who are still happily married; we have beautiful children who are our delight; we have jobs we love with coworkers we value and enjoy.

The Lord has dealt graciously with us in every respect. I am a supremely blessed woman. I really can’t emphasize that enough. My husband has his flaws, but his flaws and his strengths complement mine, and I love sharing this life with him. I’m looking forward to year nine!