Eight

Today marks eight years of wedded bliss for us. I can't imagine my life without Tim. It would be so boring! Our first eight years have been a pretty wild ride. I didn't expect at least half of the things we've done or been through when I was planning our wedding and thinking about our future. We're very different people than we were eight years ago, but thankfully we changed and grew together. Every trial has made us a stronger couple and every bit of happiness and joy in our lives has been doubled just because we've been able to share it together.

So, Tim, thanks for eight wonderful years and I look forward to the next eight (plus all the future years after that).

(I would like to write a lot more about how wonderful Tim is, but I would end up all teary eyed and never be able to finish this post... because I'm pregnant and my crying has been elevated a trillion times above it's normal level. For example, Tim finally told me what he was secretly planning to get me for our anniversary (specialty cupcakes & maudies enchiladas- well, I assume enchiladas that's all I eat there) and I almost started crying- because CUPCAKES + MAUDIES = HE LOVES ME! and also knows me very well. I am making him a delicious steak and potato dinner and maybe if the stars are aligned just the right way I will also make some fried pickles. (I'm also making that for me, too, because we decided to go out to dinner on an evening a little more babysitter friendly.)

Making it Last

This week T and I are celebrating seven years of marriage. Last night we were watching the Marriage Ref and I noticed some difference and a few similarities between me and the wives on the show. I am definitely not the normal wife. I'm no expert on marriage or relationships but here's what I do know:

1. Don't Nag! It's annoying to your spouse and also anyone else who happens to be near you. I think the response to nagging is automatically shutting the persons voice completely out.
2. Have respect for your spouse.
3. Thank your spouse, daily. Examples: thanks for working so hard for us! Thanks for changing that diaper/ waking up early with the kids/ making coffee this morning/ feeding the dog(or cat)/ driving/ filling up the gas tank/.... Showing grattitude for the little things that your spouse does makes them feel noticed and that you truly appreciate them.
4. Acknowledge your differences! And then, embrace them as much as possible. It's probably one of the qualities you found attractive when you met. 
5. Show your affection. Hug, hold hands, give them a kiss on the cheek... let them know you still like them!
6. Know when to let things go. Did the hubster load the dishwasher the "wrong" way? If the dishes are going to get clean... leave it alone and see # 1&3. 
7. Make compromises. see #4&6.
8. Be trusting and also trustworthy. 

Happy Anniversary T! I love you more than my coffee.
 
P.S. Feel free to add your own secrets in the comments!