As we approach our upcoming first wedding anniversary (yes, first..that is not a typo), I’ve been thinking about how much our lives have changed over the past few years, and especially during these “newlywed” days…

And it occurred to me how different our journey has been from “most people”.

I know we are not a special case by any means—many people have had children before getting married.  But our life together has been on fast forward for so long I haven’t had a lot of time to reflect on how far we have come.

In a little over two years Andrew and I have gotten engaged, had a baby, a wedding and added ANOTHER baby to our family.  

We have both pursued graduate degrees— Andrew graduated with a masters in accounting, started a new job and passed the majority of his CPA exams.

I have gone from determined, single, selfish graduate student to full time stay at home mom.  I have found a new confidence in myself, and learned what it means to truly fall in love with both my husband and children.

We both have had to give up a lot and come together as a couple and as parents for our family.

But we are no different from anyone who has children.  We may have done things a little differently, but we have shared the same struggles and triumphs that all other parents have experienced.

More than anything else, Andrew and I have stayed strong because we have found our faith.  God certainly outlined this life we are living, and together we have joined a church and looked to Him in times of need and times of joy.

Matthew 16:25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.

I first heard this verse in church when I was pregnant with Charlotte.  I remember really, really GETTING IT when I heard this verse.  At that time I felt like my life was changing so fast, and I wasn’t sure I was ready for those changes.  But then—I understood that I had to lose my old life to find my strength from God for this new life I was beginning.

And I don’t think I would have ever been ready for the changes parenthood and marriage brings.  Life is no longer about ME.  It is about God, the blessings He has given us and how I handle the blessings in good times and in bad.  Life is about my children, my husband, and our family values.

Andrew and I are not perfect.  We fail on an almost daily basis, but that’s what is so amazing about God’s grace.  We have learned over the past few years how to work through difficult times, arguments and struggles. 

We have also learned that we will never stop learning from each other—it’s going to be a work in progress probably forever!

I am so grateful for these past few years and especially for our first year of marriage.  We may have been married with children, but we have so many years ahead of us to look forward to WITH our children.

I am especially grateful for THAT.  God’s blessings that I couldn’t have planned better myself :)