7 years

Sunday was Chris and I's 7 year anniversary. My how time flies. I officially feel old.

We got to celebrate Saturday evening with a lovely night out and wonderful restaurant.

Some people give each other gifts, we go to James Beard award winning restaurants (Canoe). Because that's how we roll. And we really like good food.

So thanks to amazing babysitters we headed out for several hours just getting to focus on one another and good food.

It was nice to take our time, chat and reflect. And did I mention the food?

I won't lie, it's been a rough year. Some years of marriage should count for extra for all you have to endure and persevere through. This has definitely been one of those.

Lots of change dealing with loss and new beginnings.

Despite the craziness of our circumstances, and at times our dispositions we have survived another year. Each year is an achievement, this one extra sweet.

We are far from perfect beings both of us still working through a ridiculous amount of sin and imperfections. Some issues are completely in the past, some we are improving on, and others will be lifelong battles the Lord uses to keep us relying on Him individually and His reminder that He is our only source of perfect comfort, protection and love that no human being can fulfill.

As newlyweds I must admit I thought older marrieds quite jaded and swore we would never let our love fade like that. Now a few years and several children in I realize they didn't necessarily let love die but it took a different form, mostly a more realistic form.

You can't always be holding hands and making out (just ask my 6 year old how gross that is), and sometimes it's a good day if you have conversation that is more than just dealing with the business of life (did you reschedule the dentist? Are we going to sign up for that sport, don't forget the deadline is approaching, so and so had that issue again do you think we should take them to the doctor? What day was practice? etc.).

It's hard to be romantic and still pursue one another in this phase of life. I think it's hard to keep the spark going until you climb out of this exhausting and physically demanding stage and transition into one with a little bit more flexibility. The balance is in keeping up the efforts until you get to that next point and not becoming content in doing life on your own or in passing. We're fighting for that. And it is a fight.

So we are CELEBRATING this year and making it through the hurdles. Even though it's been hard it's made us as a couple stronger and the our relationship that much deeper.

And very excited about the prospect of returning to the same restaurant to celebrate a year from now. It was good enough, and beautiful enough to make a tradition of. And we could use some stability right now : )