7 Quick Takes: The Anniversary Edition

Five years ago today, Paul and I committed to spend the rest of our lives together as husband and wife. We were young, nervous, excited, and scared to be taking such a gigantic step in our lives just three months after graduating and leaving the safety and comfort of Notre Dame, the place we had called home for four years. However, despite the natural anxiety about what the future had in store for us, we both were positive that we were being called to be together. And now, five years later, I cannot believe that so much time has passed while simultaneously thinking that we have been together for much, much longer than that. So much has happened in that short span of time, the most monumental change being that we have grown from a newlywed couple into a family of four. Our children have showed us how God continually works through our marriage to open our hearts and amplify our capacity to give and receive love. What an incredible experience that has been so far!

I am writing these 7 Quick Takes with the theme "You Know You've Been Married Five Years When..." in honor of our anniversary today:

-1-

Shortly before our wedding, my Mom began reciting my soon-to-be married name over and over in order to get used to it (also while pointing out that it was to be the name adorning my grave someday...a slightly morbid thought!). I remember thinking my new name sounded strange together. You know you've been married five years when the opposite is now true. Whenever I see my first name paired with my maiden name, I have a brief moment where I think: "Who is that?!?"

-2-

You know you've been married five years when you look back at old pictures from college of this guy and still think he is a cutie, ugly sideburns and all. (In all seriousness Paul, what the heck were you thinking?!?)

-3-

You know you've been married five years when you have no problem giving your spouse your honest opinion concerning their appearance, wardrobe, conduct, behavior, etc. You also are certain that you can rely on them to give you honest, loving feedback as well. For example, those sideburns pictured above? Now I would have no problem telling Paul: "Shave those off! They make you look like a troll!!"

-4-

You know you've been married five years when you have a designated "side of the bed" and a favorite cuddling position while falling asleep. You also are unafraid to whack the other person should their snoring become so uncontrollably loud that neither you nor the newborn baby can stay asleep.

-5-

You know you have been married five years when alone time together is precious and fleeting. You relish those moments that you wake up before the kids on Saturday morning and can enjoy a warm cup of coffee together or are able to sneak off for a dinner date alone (of course the main topic of conversation is probably the kids, but they are the major never-ending project you share).

Notice that the ugly sideburns have been disposed of by this point!

-6-

You know you've been married five years when you find your husband irresistibly sexy when he is washing dishes, folding laundry, mowing the lawn, or reading a book to the kids. 

-7-

You know you've been married five years when your idea of a wild Friday night involves putting the kids to bed, popping a big batch of popcorn, and putting in a movie. Of course, you both pass out before the popcorn can be eaten and the movie is barely 20 minutes in...but that's only because it is so comfortable to be snuggling in one another's arms. And there is nowhere else you'd rather be.

Happy Anniversary, sweetheart! I love you!!

Head on over to Conversion Diary to read more quick takes!