Can you keep a secret?

Maybe it's not that big of a secret but,
It's not always sunshine & rainbows & smiles -

marriage is tough. Scratch that, relationships [in general] are tough.

I guarantee: 

-You're going to argue

-You're going to disagree

-You're not going to communicate well

-You're going to be stressed

-You're going to want your own space

-You're going to cry

-You're going to want out

-You're going to say things you regret later

-You're going to wish you had taken that extra minute

However, I also guarantee:

-You're going to smile. A lot.

-You're going to feel so much love it might feel like your heart will burst

-You're going to cry. Happy tears.

-You're going to challenge each other

-You're going to make each other laugh till you cry

-You're going to enjoy every minute with each other

-You're not going to want the day to end

-You're going to want to stay in bed all day on a Sunday making out

-You're going to imagine the rest of your life with that person

-You're going to talk about your kiddos/future kiddos

-You're going to want to make them happy, even if that means giving up something you want.

It's all about what you think it worth fighting/crying/waiting for...

I'll take the good with the bad any day. But I do know it's important to continually grow and cultivate a healthy/romantic/loving relationship, ya know?

Which is why we have decided to start reading together again. We read together at one time in our life and it was amazing not just for our relationship with each other - but ourselves. Which is why I'm asking you, my bloggee friends whom I love and adore:

What books are you reading?

What books are you and your husband reading?

& [by advice from an amazing source] What books are you reading to your kids?

I appreciate any and all feedback in advance. 

Here's to hours of making our marriage more solid through pages of good books :)

via weheartit.com

Favorite Things Friday!

Good morning and Happy Friday to all my blog buddies!

First thing's first, I've been so overwhelmed by all your sweet sweet comments on my previous blogs, I just wanted to say a

BIG THANK YOU!

It is most definitely one of the greatest parts of my day! So thank you! Big hugs!

Second, I would like to introduce you all to my fabulous friend Jamie Rosemary! Our story is kind of a funny one, she married my ex-boyfriend! You're probably wondering why we are such good friends? We actually attended the same college and were in dorms right next to each other, we met, hit it off and have been friends ever since! She was one of my biggest support systems when I was at college because we were both in long distance relationships from our beaus, it's nice to have someone know exactly what you're going through. For example, one night I was non-stop crying for some reason or another, probably because I really missed Bryan, and she said, "Come over RIGHT NOW!" So I made my way over to the next dorm over, and she met me at the door with a bottle of vodka (to take shots, not drink the whole bottle! ;) and had Gilmore Girls playing on the TV :) I'm real thankful for her! So, the reason I am telling you about my fab friend is she has her very own blog now as well, and if you are looking for funny stories about becoming domesticated, tips on organizing like a champ, and yummy recipes? She is the gal to see! Visit her site -

Happy House, Happy Home - her button is also on the side of my blog!

Third, let's get right down to my favorite thing this week!

Like I stated in my previous blog this week, Bryan and I have come to some realizations this week - for the better and the worse. For the better, because I feel like it's finally brought us to a level of understanding each other that we've never had before, and I'm so thankful for that. For the worse, because it's never easy to hear criticism about yourself, whether it's helpful or not. I love this man with all my heart, and with all that I am. In the last four months, I've from time to time revisited the vows we wrote each other for our wedding ceremony, and I'd like to share them with you. We also said the traditional wedding vows, but these were just special words we wanted to exchange as well. These are my favorite things this week. They are full of love, hope, understanding, compassion, humor, and trust - all of the things you should have in a marriage. :)

My vows to Bryan:

Bryan,

When we met, I wasn’t looking for a relationship, and I most definitely wasn’t looking to fall in love. I wasn’t looking to meet a guy who could make me laugh until my cheeks hurt and make me melt just by winking at me. I wasn’t looking for someone who could instantly cheer up my day just with a phone call, and make me smile by bringing me flowers just because it was Tuesday. I wasn’t looking for someone who loves bacon and always, ALWAYS smells good. I wasn’t looking for someone that would drive over Snoqualmie pass, every weekend just to see me, or someone with an extremely loving family to accept me immediately. I wasn’t looking for someone who would want to take spontaneous road trips and who can have a conversation in movie quotes with me. I wasn’t looking for a guy who hated Christmas (even though he’s a big softie and has bought me a tree every single year) and I wasn’t looking for someone who loved me for me.

However, with a little help from a mutual friend, I found you. I found that person who sees a heart shaped rock and thinks of me, who would go to the ends of the earth just to make me happy, the guy that still opens car doors for me after six years together and the father of my future children. I found my best friend, my partner in crime, and that kind of love that most people don’t get to experience in their whole lives at 17 years old. I know I’ve said it before and I will say it for the rest of my life, I’m so thankful for you. Knowing you makes me a stronger person, more carefree, and constantly reminds me that laughing daily brings sunshine to your soul.

I love you with all my heart Bryan, and I can’t wait to wake up tomorrow as your wife.

 

Bryan's vows to me:

Amanda, for almost six years now you have shown me what it is like to truly love and care for another person beyond anything I could have ever thought possible. And I am going to try and find words that will explain what your love and friendship means to me.

I can start by saying that I can undoubtedly say that I do, and always will, love you with all that I am. I can promise that I will be there for you in any way possible for as long as I live, no matter what life brings. I also will promise you to work every day of my life to make sure that you live the life I know you deserve and treat you no less than the princess you are. I promise all of these things because I know that as long as I do, you will do the same for me. I look forward to the life time I now get to spend with someone like you; someone who is as beautiful as any sunset or mountain view anywhere on the earth, someone who can change the entire mood with your brilliant smile and your always cheerful attitude, some one I can say will be the best wife any man could ever wish for, and amazing mother to our future children. Someone who, no matter how crazy the idea, will stand behind me 100% and encourage me to do anything, someone who without even trying to, makes me want to be a better person and just enjoy life the way you do. I cherish every moment I have been lucky enough to have you in my life. The date nights we get to take and just spend time that continues to grow our love for each other, the long drives just to get away for a day to explore new places and share new experiences, the one on one conversations that allow us to learn so much about who each of us are and grow stronger as a couple. The fun we have just being silly and laughing with each other.

I can't wait to see what other adventures and challenges that we will encounter in our journey though this life together. I love you so much Amanda, I am proud to call you the girl of my dreams.

*insert me swooning here*

I would love to hear what have been your favorite things/realizations this week!

PS - Today's picture - 365 Days in Pictures - is of one of my favorite guys!

What is Marriage?

"Mawwige, Mawwige is wat bwings us together, today." 

Princess Bride, anyone - can I get a heck yes?! When I told Bryan about this post, and asked if there was anything he wanted to add, I read the title, "What is Marriage?" and he responded with that. I couldn't help but laugh, which is something he makes me do often.

We had a bit of a rough day, everything is fine now, but we both came to some harsh realizations, and my mind couldn't help but start forming a list. That's me, compulsive list maker party of one right here. And this is what I came up with, just my honest answers and opinions.

What is Marriage?

-It's filling that void in your partners life, wherever it may be. You're that missing puzzle piece

-It's coming home to the same person every day for the rest of your life

-It's the last person you seen when you go to bed and the first when you wake up

-It's putting their happiness before your own sometimes

-It's the morning after your wedding at 5am, you roll out of bed to get ready for your flight to Cabo and catch a glimpse of yourself in the hotel bathroom mirror. You know her, but she's a little different, she's no longer a fiance or girlfriend, she's a wife.

-It's proudly displaying your wedding ring

-It's a piece of paper

-It's unconditional love

-It's making plans, and eventually babies

-It's making a house into a home, and two people into a family

-It's saying your vows in front of family and friends, which means you are asking them to hold you accountable when you're ready to quit

-It's not walking away from an argument even when you feel like you can't argue or cry anymore - because you both said for better AND for worse

What does marriage mean to you? Did your preconceived notions change when you woke up the morning after your wedding? Or did it take longer? Do you make sure to treat your husband/wife with the utmost respect and love they deserve? 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on what marriage is to you and yours.

PS - Check out the How do YOU Measure a Year tab at the top of the page :) My quest in also documenting my year in pictures.

PSS - I'm sorry I haven't been so active the last couple of days, but I'm still here and here to stay! :)


PSSS - stay tuned tomorrow for a SUPER CUTE cupcake recipe and pictures, and a TAG post from Jamie over at walkinginhighcotton :)