Cheers: 2015

In the past few months I have had a few different friends ask me, "How did you know Brady was the one?"

I have thought long and hard about how I would answer because I know everyone is so different and there isn't just one right answer.

After all, choosing the person you want to spend eternity with is not a decision that should be taken lightly.

In all honestly, i'm convinced that hormones were a genius invention created to give two seemingly rational people just the right amount of "motivation" needed to seal the deal. Otherwise, doesn't committing to someone FOREVER seem so crazy?

Marriage is the best but don't let Instagram love or Pinterest quotes fool you.

Marriage is challenging... as it should be. Right?

After dating for just a few short months, Brady and I started talking about marriage. I knew I loved Brady, heck I even lusted Brady but I was overcome by the "committing to someone forever is crazy" feeling in the back of my head. Things were so good with him but felt I needed time to get a sure answer.

Hence, I went on a study abroad. #HighlyRecommend #BestDecisionIEverMade

I left determined to find my self and to also figure out if Brady was the one I should marry. I remember praying and fasting, hoping to get a sure answer.

I will never forget when I finally did. Yet it didn't come how I had expected.

Before I knew it, the semester was winding down and a sense of panic crept into my mind knowing that I still didn't have an answer. We left for our much anticipated trip to Galilee over Thanksgiving Break and I promised myself I would relax and completely be present in where I was. And I did. I let myself fully immerse in the experience- walking where Christ walked and seeing all of the sites.

At one location after a devotional I remember sitting down on some rocks next to the Sea of Galilee. With my feet in the water, scriptures in my lap and a prayer in my heart, I remember feeling pure peace.

I knew that was my answer.

That confirmation and calm feeling I felt that day has been the anchor and foundation to my relationship with Brady. I know we are supposed to be together. He is the person I am supposed to learn from, to grow old with and the one that will ultimately bring me closer to God.

Our marriage is not perfect, nor do I think it ever will be. In just the past year we have experienced great joys and difficult trials but if there is anything I have learned it is that these "refining fires" are intentional. They are made to bring us closer to the people we are capable of becoming.

I once heard my dad say, "Enduring love is not something we just stumble upon or fall into. . . we have to earn it and work at it every. single. day."

I can't think of anyone's love I would rather earn. Everyday our bond thickens and for that I will be forever grateful.

Happy Valentine's Day. I love you Brady.

At the beginning of the summer, Brady and I bought our very first home! The home was originally built in 1976 and unfortunately had not seen much upkeep since then. I will never forget our first time walking through with Brady and just rolling my eyes and saying, "There is NO way I could live here." The exterior curb appeal was non-existent. It can probably be best described as a stereotypical "crazy cat lady" house with thick over grown bushes and weeds galore. Sadly, the inside was even more alarming. We entered to find musty blue carpet, popcorn ceiling, pink floral wall paper, and outdated curtains. Not to mention the massive spiders, mouse droppings everywhere and an awful smell. We knew it was going to be a lot of work... and it was.

Today, almost six months later, we are still no where near finished but we have made some good progress. We finished the basement and have a cute couple and their little baby renting it out. We have also almost finished remodeling the upstairs and are really looking forward to the spring when we hope to work more on the yard. With the help of some awesome friends, we even managed to get a new roof before the bad weather came and for that we are so grateful! We have been been so blessed by the selfless service of our family, neighbors and friends.

Here are a few pictures from our renovation adventure.