My Wedding Day Was NOT the Best Day of My Life

Seven years ago we said "I do" and did all the holy, wonderful things to bind us together as
husband and wife in front of all our family and friends.... but no, I don't think it was the
"best day of our lives".

The "best" has come in all the days after -- in the waking up over and over again in the "real world",
choosing Christ before we choose ourselves, saying "I will, I'm sorry, I'm showing up, I love you."

Sounds all easy peasy, but for anyone that has been married, you know this is HARD and HOLY work --
NOT exactly what you find on a Hallmark greeting card. Ha!

When I was fifteen I wanted to be a nun. Like hardcore. Long story short, God made it pretty clear
that was NOT His will for my life. I stood in front of a statue of the baby Jesus during Christmastime
in Rome, Italy and told Him, hands on my hips, "Well, I offered to be YOUR bride. Marriage is for weaklings."

Basically, "Your loss, Lord."

Oh Brittany. Thank goodness we grow up. And then grow up some more, right?

I think the hardest part of life is trusting God. Like, I know I often think, "I hope YOU
have a plan..." OF COURSE HE HAS A PLAN! I'm basically an annoying 5 year old in the
backseat, "Are we there yet?"

God knew. He knew I was really going to LIKE Nathan. Like.... like-like-looooove!!!!
But seriously, sometimes I pinch myself, is this my real life? I am so blessed. WE are so blessed.

And we think that the "best" has come in the birth of our babies, building a life together,
getting through the hard times to come out stronger, more united, determined to keep working on
heaven together!!! Each year brings us into a deeper, more comfortable kind of love. NOT the kind
made of unicorns and fluffy bunny rabbits, but the kind of love that dares to imitate Calvary.

My life for yours. Laid down. Surrendered.
Easter morning glory kind of love.... and THESE,
these are the best DAYS of our lives!!!

Do we get it right every day? Absolutely not. We are two hopelessly flawed human beings living under
the same roof! We are both firstborns with dominating temperaments.... yea. Imagine. Lol.

Sometimes I joke with Nathan, "I am so proud of myself for marrying you."
Like I did a good job picking out a husband or something?! But the truth is....

ALL JESUS. I'm thankful He didn't want me for a nun....
and that we could celebrate SEVEN YEARS of marriage this month!!!!
SO THANKFUL FOR THIS GOOD LIFE. THIS GOOD VOCATION.

I was going to say "back when we were dating" -- but then I'm like SCRATCH THAT!
We are STILL dating. Married, but dating! Husband and wife, but still very much
"boyfriend and girlfriend" and all that romantic jazz.

For real you guys -- I am HEAD OVER HEELS in love with this man.

But yea back when we were dating... we visited this enchanting place....

And we ran away this past weekend to visit again!!! So much like Pride and Prejudice --
walking the beautiful grounds and stealing a kiss on the wide open front lawn.

Call me Elizabeth Bennet. Call him Mr. Darcy.

How to Date Your Spouse

Remember your dating life before marriage? It was so spontaneous and frolic-ky...


Like, "Oh! Do you want to go get pancakes at 2am?!" And then you just did it.
You'd sit side-by-side, sharing bites, laughing, having a real conversation in between
all the red heart emoticons. There was so much time! Time to spare. Time to waste.
Time to change my clothes 6 times before Nathan rang the door bell. The good 'ole days.

We were laughing not too long ago about how strategic we are with our time now. We don't
have time to take a nap together BEFORE we spend the day riding the motorcycle BEFORE we
spend the evening restaurant hopping to try all the things... because we can.

For real, one time Nathan planned an 8 restaurant excursion back before we were married.
I had to figure out the riddle of the evening...

Bruschetta's
Rosa's Pizza
Ibiza Tapas
Tom's Diner
Thai Me Up
Ali Baba's
Nakama Japanese Steakhouse
Yo Rita

He was so cute. Still is. Let's just look at him. He's all mine, ladies.
I can hear my little sisters in my head: #vomit.
This is why we are going to have so many babies.


But something we walked away with from our marriage prep classes was to

be INTENTIONAL about DATE NIGHTS.

And I don't think we've missed a week in almost 7 years of marriage? Go us.
No, but seriously -- that was not to boast, but to shed light on the blessing and
importance of this in our marriage.

We just decided that every week we would have one night specifically set aside for just the
two of us. Sometimes we get a babysitter, but more often than not it is one of our classic
"at home date nights". And our kids are aware now! They tuck themselves in bed and double check
with sheepish grins, "It's date night, riiiiight?" You can feel the security level in their
hearts rise. I mean, date nights are healthy for EVERYONE!


And I'll do anything for my kids. Even if it means dating their father. Wink.

Just those couple of hours to forget the housework, the finances, the children (I mean, don't
really forget them!), the rush of the week -- and just BE together -- make a difference!

The other night we were driving home from our date night out on the town (ow ow!) and I felt a little
giddy girlfriend-like?! I don't know. I tried to put it into words for Nathan and all that came out was,

"I like just being you and me."

THIS life is happening...

but before all of "this", and through all of "this", and after all of "this" --
at the end of the day, I go home with Nathan Vail. And we're working and praying and building
the best foundation we can right now. Even in the usual chaos of family life.


We don't let all of that be an EXCUSE not to make time for each other,
but as a REASON to make it a priority.

I went ahead and polled the crowd for this one!
Here are some tried and true date night ideas...

For the musically inclined...
"This is weird, but we have a lot of fun watching concerts on TV together!"
- Abby Moldovan

"Dinner date & Musical/Play at the Fine Arts Center!"
- Julie Fluette

When a babysitter cannot be found...
"Backyard bonfire! We read books by the fire while enjoying virgin pina coladas, country
music on Pandora and talking about our favorite moments of married life!"
- Nellie Simoneau

"Movie on the couch or coffee in the afternoon!"
- Colleen Mason

If you are travel lovers...
"Corny, but we are geography geeks and love to quiz each other and look at maps...
and then have fun taking our own adventure!"
- Natalie Reeves

"We like geocaching - so we look to see if there is something nearby and then we sit down
and make up an interesting adventure story on how we found it."
- Stacy Pustka

Calling all culinary adventurists...
"Going out for dinner!"
- Maripaz DeLuna-Rouleau

"Either long coffee dates or an evening dinner -
followed by a walk through the countryside. #26goingon86"
- Gemma Watts

A walk on the wild side...
"We like the shooting range, goodwill dates, playing board games and eating brownies
while catching up at the end of a day."
- Amy Giove

Because it smells good in this store...
"Menards!"
- April Kirkpatrick

To keep it real...
"What is this thing called dates?"
- Valerie Caron Darragh of BLANQI

...because sometimes that is reality.

But here's to being intentional and strategic in marriage about dating!
Because our dating life shouldn't die at the altar.

Of course, it should die in regards to dating other people. Oh geez.
Just date your spouse, ok?!

When Your Spouse Changes

Nathan grabbed a pad of paper and asked me to follow him.
Like an annoying 8 year old I kept asking, "Yea, but what's the paper for?"

"You'll see," he said with a grin.


I think part of the beauty of the human experience is change. From the simple to the complex, we are
not confined to those scrunchy socks we wore in the 90's or the insecure, out-spoken, wild, *insert
adjective* image of ourselves that we are convinced is true. Time, experience, influences have their
way with us, and year after year we morph again and again, in butterfly-like glory.
Stagnancy seems near impossible. We change.

He slowly ripped out two pieces of paper and handed one to me.

"We are both going to write down 5 ways that we have seen each other
CHANGE since we got married," he told me.

My eyes grew wide and I laughed at him; suddenly uncomfortable that I was about to be examined
so closely - fearful that he would see the changes that I don't even want to look at myself.
But I knew it was a good idea, kind of wishing I had come up with it myself, and began to write.

We were both so quiet, so serious - smiling to ourselves occasionally - nodding our heads.

The words we penned were ones of glory, achievement, growth. Written applause laced with
gratitude - we've grown, we've changed - and we were celebrating each other.

I think the pessimist in me was afraid my husband was going to write down, "My wife's stomach now
resembles more of a road map - more stretch marks than ever!" But, no. Ha! The conversation went
well beyond the "5 ways" - leading us both to examine and share what we saw about ourselves too.

It was raw, honest, funny, endearing...
made me love my spouse all the more.

Honestly, even though I think change is beautiful, I'm not a big fan of the idea in general. I prefer
routine, boring, the predictable ebb and flow of day to day life with the people I love. Perhaps that is
why I was uncomfortable at first with the idea of writing it all down. Fearful that it would make me
anxious or sad that time has had its way with us.

I know that the years will hold changes that we love and changes that weigh heavy on our hearts,
but today... today is good. And in writing down the "5 ways" we found much joy - relishing in the
words of encouragement and affirmation we had for each other.

Change is inevitable. I hope we (and you!) find much to celebrate throughout the years!

Go grab a pad of paper?


_________________________________________
The Lily Field doesn't end here... praise the Lord!!!
FACEBOOK. || INSTAGRAM. || TWITTER.

5 Year Anniversary

For our 5th anniversary we were able to steal away - just the two of us!
Uninterrupted conversation, the freedom to be spontaneous, eye contact, holding hands,
sleeping in, great food, beating my husband at chess for the first time, dreaming, sharing,
living life side by side - all such an incredible gift. We feel so very blessed to have these
5 years. Our hearts are full. Thank you, Jesus.

We stayed at the most enchanting bed & breakfast in the city - a small taste of Italy in Chicago!
I cannot say enough good things about Villa D' Citta. The old world charm, the luxurious details,
the 5 star service. Cathy, the hostess, not only greeted us by name, but went out the night
we arrived to buy gluten-free Belgian waffle mix so that I could have the full experience as well!
I don't remember the last time I had a Belgian waffle. I could have kissed her.

If you are coming to the city or looking for a romantic escape - Villa D' Citta.
And I was NOT paid to say that. Just sayin'.

5 Things We Would Tell Our "newlywed" Selves

The other night my husband and I had a long chat about what we would tell our newlywed selves.
Nathan says we are no longer newlyweds because we have kids. Apparently we don't share the same
romantic bubble, because I personally still feel like a newlywed! Celebrating 5 years this summer.
It was time we did a little marriage evaluation, a little heart-to-heart in the "tough" question
department. I kind of felt like I was preparing for confession or something:

Bless me Father, for I was once a newlywed (or to some people - STILL AM!) and yea *face palm*...
I've learned a lot - with so far to go! Good thing we've got a lifetime to figure it out!


1.) "I'm fine."
This was a phrase that I learned very early on was NOT going to work inside of marriage.
For some reason I thought my feelings or emotions concerning everything from the very stupid to the
very serious were somehow my fault - something that I needed to just get over and fix on my own.

Month after month of "I'm fine" was a nice little prelude to a passionate unloading of
half a dozen issues that could have easily been taken care of "in the moment", along the way, and
really been "no big deal." Suppression of feelings = Godzilla. Not pretty.

With kindness and respect, share your heart, good or bad, sooner rather than later.

2.) "You are just like me."
What a joke! This went both ways for us - just assuming that the other was going to do some things
the EXACT SAME WAY that we had done them on our own. Because obviously my ways are best
- so chop chop, get with the program! Obviously not all things, but the important
things, ya know? Like folding towels and making the bed. Ha.

And now that we have kids! Wow. It is something we are constantly having to either discuss or
"let go" of on a regular basis. Nobody wants to be nagged. Everyone wants to feel affirmed.
Finding a balance in this is key. Makes the marriage world go round.

You will each have your own unique way of taking care of the kids, cleaning the house, folding the
laundry, etc., and learning to "go with the flow", the rhythm of the other, is a really good idea.

3.) "Get off your high horse."
My husband actually used this phrase the other night while hashing this out because this is how he
felt sometimes in regards to some of the things that were important to me as his wife. We are both
so opinionated, stubborn, sharing dominating temperaments - so most of the time we just "say it how
it is" and don't bat an eye. Crazy time.

These "important things" included stuff like cleaning out the sink drain after washing dishes to taking an
active roll in our decision to use Natural Family Planning. I think this is a big COMMUNICATION issue.
It's such a novel idea to be with someone who can read your heart and soul, but it's not really a reality.
At least for us. Asking nicely, explaining the desire, laying out the "game plan" - is SO helpful!
As good as my spouse is, he/she is not Jesus.

Make "things" that are important to HIM/HER - a habit for ME.

4.) "TOGETHER. Plan money and time. TOGETHER."
My husband kept re-emphasizing the need for this to be done "TOGETHER." When we were first
married, we did not make this a habit. We were both really busy with work and school
- our schedules and money were SO SET, strapped really. Planning didn't make much difference.

Luckily we learned pretty quickly after the first year how important this was going to be to our
marriage and made it a habit. Just sitting down for 10-15 minutes on a Sunday night to go over the
"plan" for the week has helped us avoid so many arguments, broken hearts, and just
simple misunderstandings.

At the beginning of the week we know, "Hey, Tuesday you're going out with your buddies.
Wednesday we are taking the kids to the library. Etc." No big surprises, right?! Haha there will
ALWAYS be surprises and unexpected situations that come into the picture. It's life. Just knowing
that my husband, and this goes for him with me as well, is trying his best to accommodate
not only me, but our kids as well, makes me feel loved.

Slow down at least once a week to discuss the plans, expectations, that are coming up.

5.) "Pray."
This one seems like a no-brainer. Of course this is a good idea! But what we didn't know was that
the enemy was going to do everything in his power to make sure that this does NOT happen on a
regular basis. How often we skip praying together to watch T.V., work on our own business,
or just plain fall asleep!

Hearing the heart of your spouse for the Lord - joining in the thankfulness and petition -
moving towards heaven in this way together = a holy strength and unity!!!

It's not going to be as easy as it sounds, "to pray with your spouse", but make it a priority.


I feel so blessed to be married to my husband, Nathan! It's not always easy, this whole
marriage gig, but it's SO SO worth it! The greatest, refining, adventure of my life.
And I don't want it to ever be over.

_____________________________
YOUR TURN!
What would you tell your newlywed self looking back?
What would your spouse say? Spill the beans.

_____________________________

Things You Didn't Say When We Were Dating

True to pregnant lady form, I frantically scoured the shelves at Whole Foods for a box of
pudding that I just had to have. An employee gently asks, "Can I help you?"
Me: "Why yes!" I NEEEEEEED a box of pudding!"
Worker: "My wife was pregnant once, I know how this goes."
Me: "Mmmmm hmmmm... pudding?"
Worker: "I'm sure your husband would drive to Indianapolis to get you what you are craving!"
Me: "I doubt it. This is our third and he's pretty much like: get over it."

First year of marriage? First baby? Sure. But here we are, going on 5 years...
and I'm driving MYSELF to the local El Burrito Loco to eat my weight in tacos!
Mainly because I can't wait for him to get home from work, and partly because
I'm embarrassed by how much my pregnant body can eat!

Often I hear people say, "Marriage changes things." And it usually has such a negative
ring to it. It's true that things change when you get married - to be expected, right?!
Marriage isn't dating and dating isn't marriage - obviously - and each of those seasons
come with their own set of unique blessings and challenges. Oh I believe you should "date your spouse"
and all. Keep the romance, connection, fireworks, "whatever makes you happy" - kindled, alive, and
burning for 50+ years of "I DO"!!! But don't let people fool you into thinking that marriage is going
to "change things" for the worse. Marriage can be the most painfully awesome adventure of your life!!!
It's what you make of it. Make love. Make war. Make babies. Make-out. Make-up. Make peace.

Make marriage work! Here's to the little things that mean the most.



Me: "Don't kiss me with chapstick all over your lips."
Nathan: "It has come to this."

Nathan: "Can I have a drink from your water bottle?"
Me: "Sure, don't put your mouth on it."
Nathan: "Are you kidding?"
Me: "No, you could give me germs."
Nathan: "We swap more germs making-out than sharing water bottles."
Me:
Nathan: "5 years of marriage. 5 years. And now we don't share drinks."

Me: "Remember when you wrote me notes?"
Nathan: "Yea."
Me: "I think the last time was 4 or 5 months ago. I don't like notes anyway."
Nathan: "HA!"
Me: "No, seriously - if you write me a note TOMORROW because I mentioned this...
it will mean nothing. It's got to be YOUR idea or I'll just shred it."
Nathan: "You are something else."

Nathan: "Hey, we're going to watch soccer."
Me: "But I was going to watch Food Network!"
Nathan: "Aw sorry, babe. You can watch Food Network. LATER."

Nathan: "It smells like dog in here."
Me: "Weeeeell, I can assure you there is NO dog in the house."
Nathan: "I think it's the meatloaf."
Me: "I think you need to stop talking right now."

Nathan: "It annoys me that you leave the drain out of the sink all the time!"
Me: "Oh yea? Well, it annoys me that you point the shower head towards the curtain!"
5 years ago I know a compromise could be met. Now we just hold our ground and smirk. Bliss.

Date Night || Take Out Fake Out

Life is what you make of it. Rain on my parade and I'll dance. Hand me lemons and I'll make lemonade.
Cliche city is so fun. But honestly, I can preach it in alligator boots with my hand on the Bible,
but the truth is: I struggle to see the silver lining sometimes.
And I personally think cliches are stupid.

Luckily I'm married to Mr. Optimistic and professional "crazy lady" handler.
Someone canonize this man!

Me: "Ugh. It's raining."
Nathan: "Hey, you're garden is going to be so green!"

Me: "Our weekend plans are ruined, my life is over."
Nathan: "As long as we're together, it's gonna be GREAT!"

Me: "I hate it that I can't eat whatever I want."
Nathan: "But you CAN eat a LOT of really good food and are healthy for it."

And I thought I was supposed to be a NUN. God knew better.
I needed the beauty of marriage.

Lately, with all the changes in my diet that seem to be more permanent, necessary than
ever before - it makes DATE NIGHT a little challenging. I mean - most people eat together
on a date at some point... and who doesn't love the fun experience of a new restaurant,
menu option, etc?! It's hard to do "take-out" these days, but we've been coming up with
all sorts of fun "fake-outs" to celebrate our weekly date night!!!

Mrs. Pity Party has been dreaming and drooling over the ideas of "favorites" that we
can make at home - minus the allergens and for HALF the cost!!! Plus our new thing has been
"teaching Nathan to cook" - so trying new recipes, getting frisky in the kitchen, and all
IS REALLY FUN!!! Again, life is what you make of it. You give me lemons, I'm going to make...

|| NAAN ||
Gluten Free / Dairy Free / Yeast Free / Sugar Free

All the laws of "bread" have been broken, and you're going to flavor jail!!!
Even my husband, who can actually eat regular breads thought these were A+...
and not just because I made them and he's my husband either!!! I checked.

We made GYROS with these last weekend for date night. Holy wow.
I can't wait to go back... to my own kitchen!!!



INGREDIENTS || yields 9
**I think it's important to note the brand of gluten-free flours -
it will make a difference.

sift all together //
1 C. Bob's Red Mill - Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour
1 C. Bob's Red Mill - Tapioca Flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. of garlic powder (omit for regular naan)

in separate bowl, beat all together //
2 eggs
4 tbls. of extra virgin olive oil
juice of 1/2 a small lemon

Form a well in the dry ingredients and pour in wet ingredients.
Using a fork, pull everything together as best you can.
Dough will look wet, but crumbly - resembling pie dough.

Add one tablespoon of WARM water at a time until dough forms into a workable ball.
Should be holding together nicely.
Go ahead and fist pump the side of the bowl now. You rock.



Pinch off pieces of dough - just a tad bigger than a golf ball.
Pour a little olive oil onto the ball and work with your hands until smooth.
Spread out on a non-stick surface. If it sticks - roll it up and try and again.
You're shooting for 4-6" wide. You can do it!



Heat a couple slicks of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add naan and desired toppings
to the side facing UP. These have minced shallot, garlic, chive, and cilantro!!!

2-3 minutes for each side or until slightly golden, crisp.




I am amazed at how these stick together (not crumbly at all!) and still have some give.
You can fold these like a taco and they will NOT break! The gluten-free crowd cheers (in my head).
Chewy, soft, warm goodness!!!

Store in air-tight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freezer for 2-3 weeks.
Use a toaster or skillet to re-heat. They will be as good as day #1. Believe you me.

I guess laws were meant to be broken.



Take out. Fake out. Make out.
It's what date night is all about it!

Things You Didn't Say When We Were Dating

Nathan: "MOVE the chastity pillow, already!"

It's true. I sleep with a body pillow even when I'm not pregnant. It's my necessary +1
when it comes to being unconscious. It DID all begin with pregnancy, this need to be
comforted, held, cradled to sleep, and I never quite broke the habit. Now it's just me,
Nathan, and the "chastity pillow" (Nathan named it that. Not me... obviously!) every night.
Marriage is a big commitment, guys. Make sure you know what you are getting in to!

Nathan: "Come here, I want to cuddle with you!"
Me:
Nathan: "Brittany GraceAnn!"
Me: In my best pathetic voice, "can I bring my body pillow?!"

Nathan: "You know what I'm going to do with you tonight after the kids go to bed?"
Me: "Um what?!"
Nathan: "A puzzle!"
Bet ya didn't see that one coming. Me neither!

Nathan: "All we talk about is health, kids, and bowel movements anymore."

Me: "It would be so fun to see the light show at the arboretum!"
Nathan: "Yea, it would... if we didn't have kids."
Me: "WHAT?!"
Nathan: "They will FREEZE!"
Me: "You would have taken me when we were dating."
Nathan: "Yea, NO KIDS, and you'd be forced to cuddle with me to stay warm.
It would have been to my advantage to take you." #thingschange

Me: "I want to go on a warm, exotic vacation!"
Nathan: "Yea! You can do it... there's this place called the SHOWER.
A FREE, warm, exotic, no-kids-allowed vacation!"
Me:

Me: "I bought you all-natural chapstick. Without petroleum in it."
Nathan: "The first ingredient is - ANNUS - I think I'd rather wipe petroleum on my lips."
Me: "I'm saving your life here, buddy."
My poor husband. I don't think he realized how big of a hippy he was actually marrying.

Nathan: "I love you. Your food gives me gas."
All in one breath, folks. There is STILL such a thing as TMI in marriage!
Me: "I love you... too?"

Nathan: "You are so pretty."
Me: "You're blind."
Nathan: "You're an idiot."
That, my friends, is lovers' banter.

Me: "I want to go away some time this year. Just you and me. Nothing fancy."
Nathan: "Ok, babe."
Me: No, you better woo me and take me away or I'm going to RUN AWAY!"
It has come to this.

Me: Is there anything fun you want to do tonight?
Nathan: I'd love to just sit down and talk with you for a few hours!
Me: *bites bottom lip, shakes head "no"* (I know, what's wrong with me?!)
Don't get me wrong, I love to talk with my husband... in fact I freak out
if too much time goes by without REALLY talking... but sometimes I just want to
do that puzzle! HA!



e n j o y // the weekend!!! XO

The Husband and the Teapot

When a grown man asks you if you want to have a tea party, you just nod your head and smile...
and quickly put that kettle on, woman, before he realizes what he just signed up for!

My boys gifted me this darling, porcelain teapot for Christmas -
and as much fun as it is for me to just LOOK at it - it brings me that much more joy to employ
this gift. All the while imagining that Maggie Smith, in all of her Downton glory, is keeping me
on my toes between sips with her perfect, British wit!

Yes, I have an imagination that can keep up with the best of Anne Shirleys.
No, it has never gotten me into any trouble. Like ever. Maybe once. Or twice!

So the other night, Nathan offered to use my new teapot with me. I chuckled, possibly rolled my eyes...
it's not like there's anything in it for him! I thought he was joking. He obviously bought the gift so
I can use it with my favorite girl friends at play dates or late at night between gasps of laughter
and bags of chocolate.

Not to use with him. Why would he do that?

Who do you turn to for marriage advice? I'm feeling like it's got to be pretty bad for me as I find
myself taking notes from my own husband on how to BE GIFT. When he offers to do puzzles, give massages, talk for hours, or *and this one floored me* watch an episode or two of Parenthood with me...

I feel about ((( this ))) small.

Crushed really. By such detailed love. It's about the beloved. And that's hard for me to swallow.
At one point in my life I bought a lie. It was labeled: "LOVE MUST BE EARNED."

For years I've been rowing this boat, chanting along the way "earn love! earn love!" -
all the while putting on a circus of charades - bending over backwards, swallowing fire,
wrestling tigers with my bare hands all in the name of "LOVE MUST BE EARNED."

Lately, my spiritual director has been encouraging me to let God love me through my husband
(+ my children). To see it. To mark it down. To relish in the fact that LOVE is given in spite
of EVERYTHING: the messy hair, the burnt pancakes, dirty bathrooms, or the fact that I stayed
in my pajamas ALL day long.

Just you. He loves just you.

My husband could not care less about my teapot. I mean this man could drink his tea out
of recycled aluminum cans and not bat an eye. But he DOES care about me. The little things.

Our God is a God of disguises. Putting on the face, hands, clothing of those around us -
loving us in the little things, the details that seem so insignificant, but are NOTED,
TREASURED, REMEMBERED by a LOVER.

Be loved today.

"Lord Jesus, I give you my hands to do your work, my feet to follow
your path, my eyes to see as you see, my tongue to speak your words.
I give you my heart so you can love through me - so that it is YOU
Christ who lives, works, and prays through me. Amen."

Let's raise our pinkies to that!

Date Night || Romeo O Romeo

Once upon a time, not so very long ago, I grabbed a rose andhopped on the back of Nathan's motorcycle. It was a warm, summer night - the kind of night that makes you think you are in heaven.
Twinkling stars,shadows dancing in the moonlight,the sweet air kissing suntanned skin.
He drove us over to this grotto.I'm sure we prayed together, as we did often,but I also remember making him stand at the head of the aisleas I waltzed down the cobbly, old stones with that said rose in hand.
Here comes the bride.Such silly, romantic moments fill our arsenal.
I kind of like it that way.We all do this kind of stuff, right?!
It was so still. So quiet.We exchanged some made up vows, kissed, then sped off...to our separate homes. Wishing it had all been real!
We went back and did a little reenactment this past weekend, and it was specialand different to have our kids running around! It's like the fairy tale just keepsgetting better. Miss Kay would be proud. Memory lane is so much fun, huh Phil?!Duck Dynasty, anyone? Do I hear *crickets chirping*?
It's special, crazy, ridiculous, over the top, weird, sappy, lovey dovey, etc.BUT IT'S AWESOME to reach out and touch those moments that built "him and her" into "us."
When's the last time you revisited a place that holds memories for you and yours?You should do it! *Nudge, nudge!* I want to hear all about that memory!!!
*Sigh.* I love L O V E.

Things You Didn't Say When We Were Dating

I'm not going to sugar-coat it for you... marriage changes things.
I mean it's nothing to write home about, but it's something you might want
to mention to your brain. One day you don't care if you both just ate
a minced garlic pizza, you're gonna make-out... next thing you know
you're passing out Orbit and asking him not to put his arm around you
because oh. my. gosh. you're messing up my hair!

Each passing year brings us to a whole new level of comfortable.
We do and say things that would shock and appall our "dating" selves,
and I love it. Our relationship becomes more transparent, more authentic,
more worn, warm, tried, and true as the days slip into years and the years
weave together the tapestry of a lifetime.

Here's to being more open about bodily functions,
telling each other what we really think,
and brushing our teeth before anything goes down!



"Please take your hand off my back. It's sticking to me."

"I love it when you fall asleep in the kids' room
so that I can have our queen-size bed all to myself."

"Brush your teeth. I want to kiss you."

"Do you like these skinny jeans on me?"
"I like YOU."
"Yea, but the skinny jeans?"
"I like YOU."

"Let's play masseuse. I'll be your customer."
"I'm tired and have to work in the morning."
"I wish I was still your GIRLFRIEND."

"You look pretty when you sleep. Except when you fall asleep sitting up.
Then it's all ugly - weird eye movement - and drooling with your mouth open."

"You make that ZIT look beautiful."

"Ok. Don't kiss me anymore. You taste like turkey."

"I don't want to hold your hand on the carousel,
it's sweaty and people will think we're weird."

"Don't go to sleep. Stay up with me and work... and eat apple pie!"
"I'm sooooo tired."
"If we were dating you would NOT be sleeping."
"If we were dating I would NOT be getting up for work at 5:30AM."



And they all said, "Amen."

Do Opposites Attract?

Nathan and I share dominating temperaments and the exact same love language.
We're both the oldest child in our families and thrive in leadership roles.
We love to be with people, but recuperate better by being alone or with family.
We've got dueling, type A personalities, and I read in a book one time that if we were a
celebrity couple we'd look a lot like Bill and Hillary Clinton. Minus all the junk of course.
I would hope so! Vote for us? 2016.

We're literature lovers, pet haters, pizza connoisseurs, music makers, Jesus fans,
firm believers, dialogue gurus, neat freaks, sleep addicts, adventure seekers,
creativity choreographers, big dreamers, emotional souls...
essentially kindred spirits on every level.

Except I love ice-cream and Nathan prefers sorbet. Sorbet? Pa-lease. Skinny people food.

I feel like we break the rule: "opposites attract."
How about you and yours? Similar or obviously opposites?

Regardless of the combination, I think that most couples would agree with me that
"connecting" with your spouse is essential to a thriving relationship.
_________________________________
::: current favorite things to do together :::

learn new songs to harmonize and play with our guitar and djembe

read our respective books and then share all the details with the other

share something warm to drink // the salted caramel apple cider from Starbucks
is one we both can whole-heartedly agree upon!

put the kids in the stroller or on bikes + walk and talk

hash out our latest dreams and newest endeavors

watch old, but favorite, movies
_________________________________

Like I said, whether opposites attract or not, I don't know.
But I DO know that if you PLAN to connect, you'll find that all the opposite or similar
rigmarole will fly out the window. Attraction is attraction! That's the rule.
And that's the way, uh-huh uh-huh, we like it.

Date Weekend || Run Away with Me

Nathan and I practically eloped. I like to say that it was an "organized elope-tion."
Webster, add that to the dictionary. Because we DID sent out invitations and all.

We both grew up South of Chicago, but decided to ditch the formalities of a "hometown wedding"
due to the crazy season of life that we found ourselves in. After dating for almost 4 years - it was time.
And the time came as we were both living out near Franciscan University where I was going to school.

West Virginia, I never, in a million years, would have guessed you'd be the state.
The state to witness our wedding and the birth of our first child.

It was perfect. And that word is imperfectly used to describe a moment in my life
that shines so brightly in my memory. It was a hot, August day - we said "I do" as our 110
guests watched us begin our history as Mr. and Mrs.

I wanted a Friday evening wedding with a reception under the stars.
And so we did it. Nathan and I planned every inch of every detail to give as a gift
to our family and friends who would attend... and it was magical.

Christmas lights hung in the pine trees, tiki torches lined the perimeters,
a bonfire roared on the edge of the woods, candlelight danced from face to face
as hors d'oeuvres were served, music swayed, and we laughed and loved with all who came to celebrate.

It had been 3 full years since we last returned to this place - this place where it all began.

...these pictures were shot out on the lawn where our reception was held...


Nathan and I ran away this past weekend to meander down memory lane together.
It was everything you'd imagine. Romantic. Sappy. Solemn. Celebratory.
My sister and her husband so kindly took our boys for the weekend...
so we had a few days in a row to just BE "us".

...this is the view near where we lived our first year together as man and wife...


We walked on campus, sipped smoothies from the student center,
danced in the rain, prayed, visited friends, attended so many fun homecoming activities.
Our hearts were full. And it was good.