10 Years

 We said when we got married, we were going to renew our vows every 10 years.  I couldn't be more proud that we took the time to go back to our wedding spot and recommit ourselves to each other.  It was a magical day, just the two of us.  It was very similar to our wedding day, same minister, same dress, and more rain.  One thing I said I wished I had done differently last time was writing our own vows, so we got the chance to do it this time.  

Cheers to 10 years!

I'm proud of the life we've created and can't wait to celebrate again in 10 years! 

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! :)

5 Years

5 Years!  Sometimes if feels like we should still be friends working together, but most of the time if feels like I've known you my while life.  Maybe that's because we've been married for 261 weeks, 1827 days, or 43,848 hours.

I'll be the first to admit, our 5 years have not been perfect; we've had our struggles here and there.  The days & weeks go by faster than we would like.  But when I step back and look at our life, I couldn't be more proud.  Our life is everything I always pictured, two amazing children plus our furbaby.  We're living the American dream, driving a minivan with a condo in a suburb and a small piece of property at the lake.  

I feel so cliche even saying this, but we're broker than we've ever been, yet I feel richer than I've ever been before.  Not only have we been blessed with the birth of two babies, but we've traveled to Jamaica, Las Vegas, Mexico-twice, Kansas City, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, Texas, & Oklahoma in our 5 years.  

You have a way to make me laugh and melt my heart all at the same time.  I truly could not imagine going through this life without you by my side.  I know I don't say it enough, but you're my rock--you totally keep my grounded, & I thank God for you every day.  Cheers to 5 years baby--72 more! :)

PS...In 15 years we'll start celebrating our Anniversary again!  And you better have your pennies saved & a surprise trip to Bora Bora planned! :) 

Alicia's Bachelorette Party

Last weekend 15 of my baby sister, Alicia's, closest friends from childhood, college, & work, met in Des Moines for her Bachelorette Party.  We met at the hotel to chat, pre-game, & give gifts.  We then took the hotel shuttle bus to the piano bar for most of the evening.  We all had a really good night celebrating Alicia.  Lots of dancing! :)  We quickly stopped at a pub on our way back to the hotel before ordering pizza and calling it a night around 2a.  The next morning we all checked out of the hotel and some went to brunch before heading home. 

Location :: West Des Moines, IA

Hotel :: Holiday Inn | Suites {4}

Entertainment :: Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar | Wellman's Pub

Printables :: Designed by Graphic Designer Katie Heine

Snacks :: Champagne, brownies, M&M Oatmeal Bars, & Oreo Pudding Jello Shots

Gift Boxes :: A bottle of water, an Asprin, & a homemade Granola Mix {granola, dried cranberries, & chocolate chips} to help with our headaches the next morning! :)