Hi, everyone! It seems as though it has been a while since I have written here on my blog! Working all week last week wore me out! Actually, it was only 4 days as I had a personal day to spend with Nathan for his birthday! I'm glad I have a snow day today so that I can spend a little time writing!
We are quickly approaching Valentine's Day! Nathan and I have never really done a lot to celebrate Valentine's. Maybe exchange small gifts, flowers or candy, but nothing too extravagant. Since having our babies, Valentine's has become a time where we celebrate the love of one another. Loving our friends, family and celebrating those relationships. However, I can't help but remember one of my favorite Valentine's with Nathan. It was the one after we first got married (February 2004). Nathan brought me home Godiva chocolate (they had a kiosk right outside of the retail store where he was working at that time) and he was so proud :) We cooked dinner in our new little townhouse on Crusaders Way and then went to see a movie (Along Came Polly). It's the little things we appreciate and remember the most.
So it is in the spirit of Valentine's Day that I decided I would love to share a little of our love story and what I love about him with you . I will preface that yes, this may contain some mushy content, but there must be a little mush to make this world of ours go 'round!
Nathan and I met at a birthday party when we were 16. At this time, the story is pretty short as we did not like one another! I thought he was boring and sort of a dork (which I now appreciate) and I can say that I really have no idea as to what he thought about me, but as a 16 year old girl, I don't think it mattered what he thought at the time. I was probably too worried about my own thoughts-sad but true...
It was later that fall that we happened to be in the same chorus class and through some strange twist, hit it off! It may have been our sarcastic sense of humor, it may have been that we both loved music and loved to perform (ok, you may say we were hams) but on September 17, 1998, we went on our first date-to see "Something About Mary" and we continue to date even now -but more when we have a sitter and the chance to get out :)
What I love about Nathan is that we have been together since high school. In many respects, we have grown up together. We have seen some of the best moments together in addition been through some of the most difficult moments together. From high school, to college, to marriage and parenthood, it has not always been an easy road. We've learned quickly that it takes work!
I love that Nathan is very loyal. Whether it is work, church, friendship, or family, you can be certain that Nathan is a loyal individual. He stands up for what is right for those around him and he plays by the rules. If he has something negative to say he will tell you and you can be certain that gossip can be one of his pet peeves.
Nathan's loyalty leads to the support he often shows me. He has been supportive with all my ideas and endeavors. As a matter of fact, I know he reads my blog and sneaks a peek at my journal from time to time to see what I've got to say! He shows interest in the new 31 patterns when my new catalogs come in (even if he really isn't interested) and when I went back to school to get my teaching degree, he was such a help as he patiently listened to me discuss all those confusing education acronyms.
I have always joked that Nathan lives in his own little world where everything turns out great. I believe that for Nathan, it is more of a matter of faith. Faithfulness is one of his spiritual gifts and I am blessed by this because I am sometimes more of a doubter. If something is going wrong and it seems as though it can't get any better, Nathan's response is "Don't worry, it will be fine." It usually is and he simply has faith that it will be. We know that God will never put us through anything we can't handle and with his faithful heart, he reminds me of this-I admire this about him.
I love that Nathan is not afraid of children (or having more if that is what we are called to do-who knew!?-). Nathan is a great Dad and wants the best for our family. I know he had many worries when our babies first came along. Seven years after we were married we have 3 beautiful babies that keep us busy and fill our life with lots of love and noise. We have the desire to help them grow and teach them how to be Christ-like, loving, thoughtful and hardworking individuals.
I love that I've seen Nathan's heart for God & servant-hood grow through the years. He loves to serve by using his beautiful talent in music (which is a passion for him in itself) and even if it's not your style or what have you, he loves to praise and worship God-it's not about him but the gift he's been given. I've watched now as he looks now to reach out more and find what God would have us do to serve in our community as we grow as a church (and even what our family can do for others).
Now, yes, I've been mushy and there is so much I can say about Nathan & our marriage. Know we are not all mushy (which people probably see more often and you will see as my blog continues!). This probably takes care of my need to mush and gush for awhile.
There are projects around my house that I am STILL waiting to be completed. We still hang out on the couch at night and watch tv, we play board games, we still hold hands in the car, and we juggle responsibilities around the house as if we are professionals (Nathan, by the way, cleans the vomit-not me!). I could go on and share with you many other aspects of our relationship but the fact of the matter is I am very proud of him and of us-we have always said that we are lucky to have what we have, in today's world, it can sometimes be unusual.
Happy Valentine's and may you celebrate with those you love!
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