This post is a bit late, sorry!
So I told you in my last post about our whirlwind that became the end of June. And it was just that, a complete whirlwind that I think I'm still recovering from in many ways. It became so chaotic that the day we arrived to drop off our dog at my in-laws before heading to Wisconsin Dells, we were surprised to be congratulated on our 7th wedding anniversary by Mark's mom. Both of us had completely forgotten what day it was. Nothing says marriage like forgetting your anniversary! Thank goodness we BOTH forgot. ;-)
Mark is feisty, sexy, opinionated, honest, anal, loving, annoying, and motivated. But I love him. Every wonderful and annoying thing about him. I'm pretty sure he could come up with a list just like that one for me as well.
So I told you in my last post about our whirlwind that became the end of June. And it was just that, a complete whirlwind that I think I'm still recovering from in many ways. It became so chaotic that the day we arrived to drop off our dog at my in-laws before heading to Wisconsin Dells, we were surprised to be congratulated on our 7th wedding anniversary by Mark's mom. Both of us had completely forgotten what day it was. Nothing says marriage like forgetting your anniversary! Thank goodness we BOTH forgot. ;-)
I can't even believe it when I say it. Seven years. Wow. It's been quite a journey. Looking back on our wedding day I can honestly say if you told me our life would look like the way it does today I would have told you you were nuts. We've had quite a ride. From chasing some crazy careers, to living in three different cities and six actual moves within those cities, to three mortgages and two adoptions, it's been a ride of a lifetime. I can honestly say I have had the most amazing partner through it all.
Most of the time, I would tell you that our life is absolutely wonderful. I can say that with complete and utter honesty, we have an abundantly blessed life. However, a midst our many blessings, things have not always been easy, especially this past year. Some years are just harder than others, and so far, 2013 has been challenging. We've had some major stresses this year with my Grandfather dying, some medical issues among those we love, and just recently, I experienced some very sad news at work with an entire campus closing. (I still have my job, thank goodness) Mark also saw a very similar scenario unfold at his work with some major restructuring, so it has been a bit stressful. Put an adoption process on top of all that and it makes for a very anxiety-induced year. But we're still here, we're still very much in love and we are resting on God's faithfulness to get us through 2013 with a smile on our faces.
People are starting to say things like, "Wow! Seven years already, huh? What advice you got?" Well, those of you that are married know, there really is no clear-cut recipe for a good marriage. I think for us, something that has helped is that I think we have finally mastered how to fight with each other! I know it sounds funny, but we both fight with a purpose and a goal in mind. And ultimately, our fights usually end with a good, solid, compromise. We don't fight a lot, but when we do, I think we both focus on the facts and the end result rather than simply taking jabs at each other. That whole process of yelling and taking digs at each other has failed us too many times in the past.
I know this post is a bit all over the place, but I guess what I want to say is that marriage is hard, but it is worth it. I'm sure there will be other years like 2013 in the future that we will hopefully fight with the same vengeance as we have this year. I am just so very thankful to have someone who is ready to face those challenges with me.
Until next time...
