dos anos

The mister and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary this past week.  We decided it feels like 2 years have gone very fast, and at the same time, it's hard to imagine my life before Ben.  Not that I can't remember, but it just feels weird to remember life without him.  

Some random thoughts about marriage.

The oneness God gives to married couples seems like a miracle.  You are 2 separate people, even through engagement, though you might be inseparable.  But something happens when you get married - He knits your hearts together in a new way.  It takes time to adjust, yet it happens immediately. 

Our communication skills have grown exponentially since we said our I-do's.  I don't think we had any idea how differently we communicated until about 4 or 5 months into the first year.  Let's just say I process verbally, Ben processes mentally.  And that's just where the differences begin :) We've come a long way, thank the Lord, but we're still learning.

We read a book or 2 before marriage that helped us think through some things.  I think the most helpful things we discussed before marriage were expectations (in a number of areas of life) and finances.  Realizing we had expectations about various things (small and big) and discussing them made for less unpleasant surprises (and fights) these past 2 years.  Don't get me wrong... we're still discovering new things about each other frequently!  For better or worse :)

Finances - praise the Lord he's helped us be in agreement in this area and establish good habits early on.  While we aren't perfect at spending and budgeting, it is an area we are constantly trying to get better in.  Even thinking about it is a good start.  God has been faithful in meeting our needs and teaching us how to manage money. 

We're learning how to forgive and ask for forgiveness.

Marriage exposes the real you like no other relationship on earth.  I couldn't have realized that before getting married.

Ben says thank you for every meal I cook.  It makes me feel appreciated. 

Sometimes, I go a mile-a-minute and it overwhelms Ben.  I've learned to recognize it and slow down in those moments.  Usually the moment of realization goes like it this:

           me: am i overwhelming you

           ben: a little

           me: ok.  [slowing down]  then we both laugh.

   

It's fun to have a friend who shares all your secrets, good and bad.  A friend you can say anything to.  A friend where there's never any judgement.  A friend to tell you like it is, no walls or fences or barriers.  Marriage is a blessing.  



we celebrated with a picnic... a little sparkling lemonade for this pregnant lady.

Cheers to 2 years!

we spent the afternoon relaxing together then we pooped out for the 10:00 fireworks show across town.  we went for ice cream and watched our wedding video instead :)

in love,
renee