10 Things that Changed our Marriage

Today we've been married 10 years, so I thought I would share 10 things that have changed our marriage over the years.

1. Making time to connect - weekly date nights are our favorite

2. Learning their Love Language - physical touch does not come natural to me, but understanding the importance of it for Adam sure helps!

3. Grace - Growing my relationship with God has made this easier, but it's important to remember to give your spouse {everyone!} a little more grace.  Most of the time, people don't do things to hurt/annoy/upset you but that can be easy to forget sometimes.

4. Remembering what you loved about each other when you were dating - man, these days are full!  It's important for me to step back and remember why I chose Adam to be my partner to begin with.

5. Giving each other space - It's important for each of us to have our 'thing' -- I love reading, napping, or walking when I need some space, but Adam recharges in the complete opposite way -- he likes to catch up with friends or host family.

6. Doing something small every day to make them smile - a text message, a smack on the booty, or just a favorite meal.  Don't forget to keep your spouses' needs fresh in your mind.

7. Dreaming together - one of our favorite things to do.  Adam is naturally better at this than me, but I love to dream about the next 5, 10, 25 years when the time is right.  What can I say, I'm a very practical person! ;)  Adam is naturally the dreamer in our house!

8. Apologizing - Whew...this is probably where I've grown the most in the last 10 years.  I just didn't grow up in a house were we apologized.  It was more of a give them space until they can just move forward.  Adam has really taught me how to apologize -- and mean it! ;)

9. Talking about the little things - Adam is really good at this too.  I think being a night owl helps him to want to chat after work.  I'm drained, and kind of over talking to people by the time he gets home, so I really have to remind myself to chat about all the little details.  They do matter!

10. Not giving up!  In 10 years, we've had our ups and downs but it's so important to just keep giving it your best.  Communicate when you're frustrated.  Ask for help when you need it.  My mom said it best when she said, "someone always has to be in love"  It's best when you both are, but lets be honest -- it ebbs and flows.  As long as one of you are in love at all times, you're good to go! :)

Valentine's

Better late than never...here's our Valentine's Day in photos.  We made these Valentine's for the kids' daycare friends {same ones we took to the Friendship Party}.  I wish I had printed cute labels and had valentine-ish spoons, but we had just returned from St. Lucia and decided to work with what we had on hand.  Good news...none of the kids complained!

We made these for Cullyn's preschool friends {thanks to the help of auntie}

Speaking of...Adam and I were gone when the kids' Valentine boxes were due for school and the kids were staying with Ashley & Myles, so they helped the kids make their boxes.  Um yeah, we've decided to make that an annual date with their auntie!  They turned out amazing!!

Jordyn's school doesn't allow food of any kind, so she decided to make these since she's big into Tic Tac Toe these days.  I printed the cards up and she did the rest...easy peasy!  PS...who knew tic taco were so dang expensive, even on Amazon?!  Between neighbor friends, school friends {27!} and dance friends, we spent a small fortune!

Valentine's night was a Tuesday night, so we had a small window between school/daycare pickup and dinner, before dance that I like the kids quickly open their goodies from us, school, & daycare.  Cullyn's highlight - all the food.  Jordyn's favorite - a new sports bra. ;)  

And the week before Valentine's, my parents were in town and brought he kids little candy necklace kits to make, and eat.  They LOVED them! :)