1-We were church buddies, I love that our initial common interest was our faith. We both believe we made a promise to God and each other on our wedding day and I love that it started when we were 15 sitting in Sunday school, going to life group, and Ranger games.
2-We were dating and living in separate towns. Of course we had to wait until I was in Abilene and Michael was in Tyler and then College Station, it would be too easy to date in the same city. This was actually a huge gift. We both loved our college experiences, and I don't think either of us would have been as happy at the other's school. We learned a lot about communication on ridiculously long phone calls, and we also learned the value of friends besides your best friend. I loved this phase as well.
3-We were engaged. I loved and hated this part of our lives together. Being engaged is really fun, planning and dreaming is exciting. But blending families and expectations is tough, and we were not good at it. Being engaged is weird, you are not married you are not dating....where do you fit? But, I also loved this time. We found ourselves showered with love and parties by sweet friends and family. We felt so much love and support as we planned for our special day. I also found myself in a new city working my very first real job and Michael was an amazing support for me during a very tough transition, I'm not so good at change! We learned to lean on each other in new ways, another great time.
4-We were newlyweds. I am just going to say it. It was probably very good that we were in College Station for this time. I am sure we were icky and disgusting just like all newlyweds are. But, it worked perfectly! We hung out with Michael's friends some and had lots of fun learning to be married just the two of us and Cleo, who was not an unloved pug at this phase of her life ;) What a great time this was for us to learn to be married and support each other. Michael was awesome finishing out his last semester of grad school (completing undergrad and grad in just 5 years, I have to brag) and studying so hard that he was able to sit for the CPA and pass all 4 parts the first time (I have to brag again.) This time to study hard and play hard was amazing!
5-We were grown-ups. We moved to the big city. We bought a house. We SURVIVED remodeling that house while living in it. This was a hard time, but I can now look back with some fondness. I love our house, I love the blood, sweat, and gallons of tears we put in to it. I love that we managed so many changes all at once growing together not apart.
6-We were DINKs (double-income no kids), some friends taught us phrase and I love it. This phase of life was fun. We took trips. We found a church home. We made couple friends, we had a blast!
7-We were/are pregnant. It was an adventure. I have to admit, I am not so good at it. I am a lot crabby and a little bit crazy. I love that we totally change rolls and Michael is calm, cool and collected and I worry like crazy. Michael has graciously weathered the storm 2 1/2 times. It is a crazy time, but a fun time full of lots of excitement and anticipation.
8-We are parents. I love to see Michael through our boys eyes. They truly adore him and would always chose him above anyone else. They light up when he comes home from work. I love to hear their squeals of delight when he chases them and plays with him. I love how much he loves them. To see him work so hard for them at work, yet constantly attempt the balance of family time as well. I hope and pray our boys know how very much they are loved. I also love how much this has shown me about God's love!
9-We are survivors! The past two years have been a roller coaster. Michael along with 2 partners started a business. As I have told you, building a business can be a beating! But, in all honesty I wouldn't have it any other way. Having your husband doing what he loves it worth so very much. We have weathered some very tough family times, and I think we are making it okay. We are again working hard to learn and grow and become better people throughout hard times we never imagined facing. We have been blessed by wise counsel, great friends and great family to carry us when we needed, but more than anything we have again leaned on each other and God and will continue to do so. I can't wait to see what other phases we get to go through between now and 90 years!!
