Joy in the Journey: One Year Anniversary

Alex and I will be celebrating our one year wedding anniversary on May 23rd! I'm absolutely amazed that one year has already come and gone. What an amazing year it has been! We graduated college the beginning of May last year, were married three weeks later, had a fabulous week honeymoon, packed up, and moved to Washington two weeks later. I feel like our lives the past year have been just about steady at that pace of busy :) We settled into a new city together, begin full time ministry, and both started new jobs. I can't express my gratefulness in getting to spend this past year with my hubby. It's been absolutely amazing just to experience life together and grow together. Marriage has definitely taught me more about myself and the family I came from and more about who Alex is and the family he came from. I've learned many valuable lessons over the past year but I'll share a few now. One: don't sweat the small stuff. I'm a perfectionist by nature and applying that in marriage is exhausting (both for me and my hubby). I'm so thankful God gave me a husband who has helped me become more easy-going and more gracious towards myself and others. Two: just because something is my "norm" doesn't make it a good thing. One of my dad's favorite country songs is Meet in the Middle by Diamond Rio it says "I start walkin your way, you start walkin mine, we meet in the middle neath that old Georgia Pine, we gain a lot a ground when we both give a little, ain't no road to long, when we meet in the middle." So true! I've gained so much from learning my hubby's perspective on life - joining two personalities and perspectives is so much better. Three: Love life together! Life is crazy, but finding special time just to have fun together is one of the most important ways we spend our time.

It's been so fun getting to know Alex better over the past year, and I'm so looking forward to many, many, many more years to come! Alex, you are an absolutely incredible man of God! God knew exactly what He was doing when He brought us together. You are gracious, a learner, loving, giving, and just so much fun to be with! I love living life with you and I'm so thankful for the many memories we've made together! You take such good care of me, treasure me, and love me. Thank you, honey! I'm so in love with you! Happy 1 year anniversary, my love!

Our wedding day was the happiest day of my life! I'd love to share all of our wedding pics again, but I'll limit myself to some of my favorites. I thought I'd include some other mile-marker pictures as well :)