It's our anniversary!
Rather than bore you on what a blessing marriage has been and what a great husband I have (all true), I decided to humor you and share some things I have learned about Paul, things about me, share some from our experiences, and give some insights into married life in general...

Year One:
Paul is not neat. His mom is neat, and picked up after him his whole life. Hopes and dreams of a neat freak husband to pick up after me dashed.
Paul is not good at throwing surprise parties (I had it all figured out). But, I learned that if I say I want something, he's going to make it happen.
Money does not grow on trees, even Canadian money.
Poutine is this nasty concoction of french fries, curd cheese, and gravy. Canadians love it. Paul loves it. I, on the other hand, DO NOT.
Not everything needs to be microwaved for 2 minutes.
Me (the social worker) have learned more about understanding others from Paul than anyone else...

Year Two:
Always package up the leftovers. This is Paul's most hated chore. He will do just about anything else housework wise, just not that.
Quick clean up for company mastered.
There are cultural differences between the US and Canada. A chesterfield is a couch. "bean" ="been" with the accent, Harvey's is a nasty hamburger joint in Canada, Canadian Tire sells WAY more than tires, tea is more of a tradition than something people actually drink. There are many more...
Only an amazingly committed person will clean an infected surgical wound for you daily. (sorry for you weak stomach people).
It's amazing how much crap two people can accumulate- the first move made this clear. I do not look forward to the next one!
Paul is way nicer than me.

Year Three:
Paul likes stuff. If an interest arises, we can guarantee a full like of accessories, "how-to's", clothing, and more! Try to change him- I think not!
My husband is not only committed to me, but to my family. This is no easy task at times, particularly during some hard times.
Toby Mac is cool (D.C. Talk aside j/k)
Buying good shoes is a must.
It's rare a find a man that is both a good husband and a good father. Thank you Lord for the blessing of both...
Seeing a man fall in love with his child is very awesome.
Allowing Paul to find his own "way" as a father was the best thing I have done. Not being a controlling, bossy, specific parent has made him even more special to our boys. They do "their" thing.
Wait, was there life before kids?

Year Four:
If something cannot be found by Paul, take your finger and draw a strait line from the end of his nose and whatever it is you are looking for will be there. Guaranteed.
Magnum P.I. is cool!
I am a "stewer". I get mad about stuff he has no clue about, then act all jerky. This is bad, husbands need to be told. They won't "just figure it out" Ever. It's just the way it is. Moral of the story- tell them what's bothering you, what needs to be done, etc...
We love Friends. Best show ever. Lots of laughs.
Being in school with a marriage and family is a challenge! I am thankful that Paul's a rock- even when he's spread thin.
Even when you KNOW you are right, it's not ALWAYS necessary to point it out.

Year Five:
Wow! Even with a busy life, laugh a lot!
Get away every now and then, overnight or a couple days. It is hard to be away from the kids, but needed! Even though you still might talk about the kids the whole time.
Only an honest man would be willing to say to his wife on the way to the hospital to give birth "I am more worried about me than you" (he had a major flu bug, all the nasty symptoms you can think of). Thank God for that nasty stuff he did in year two, or violence might have occurred.
Accepting my in-laws for who they are rather than wondering why they aren't just like me was the best thing I could have done.

Year Six:
My husband is a patient man. With the kids, with me, with my family... hard to come by!
"Let's go, so we can get back" is our motto. We love being home, love being together. This is great.
The day that degree arrived was an awesome day.
I can't remember crap, but fortunately my hubby always can refresh my memory. I am not a liar, I just forget details.
While money still does not grow on trees, having a little is nice. Student loans- not so nice.



I wonder what this will look like at year 10, 20, 30, and 40... or however long God gives us.