Happy Thirdiversary!!

Three whole years. It may not sound that long to most, but it really does feel like I just met Brett on my doorstep for the first time! Now we're three years in and elbow deep in diapers and grown up decisions! The day I married Brett, I knew I married a keeper. I knew he was the one God had for me and I was completely confident in our relationship. Looking back, it's like I barely knew him. Living with someone for almost 1,100 days will make you think that. But growing to know this man more and more has become such a blessing. It's an honor to wake up beside him, watch God work in him, and cheer him on every step of the way. A few years ago I blogged about what I learned after a year of marriage. Those things still hold true, but now I have an even bigger list of lessons.

• When you spend a little time each day doing something to make the life of your spouse a little easier, life at home becomes sweeter. Examples include having dinner ready when Brett gets home (something I'm NOT good at but have tried harder at,) making sure the folded socks and underwear make it to his drawer and not left in the laundry basket so he doesn't have to search all morning (sounds pretty elementary, but again, something I'm trying to improve on), transferring money at the ATM for him so he doesn't need to stop on his way home, having Levi bathed and in his jammies before Brett gets home so they get to spend quality time together before bedtime, etc...
• Say "yes" a lot. Really. If he asks for a drink or for me to run and errand for him, I just say yes. Brett doesn't take advantage of me with this, or that would be another story. But he appreciates what I do for him, and in turn, he says "yes" to me a lot too. It draws us closer, builds our dependence on each other, and gives us easy opportunities to serve one another.
• Pray for your spouse. I can't stress this enough. Pray. Pray. Pray.
  
• Don't fight God's work in the heart of your spouse. Brett and I desire to grow closer to the Lord as a couple, but also as individuals. There have been times Brett has been convicted about something or I've been convicted about something that, at first, we don't see eye to eye on. However, when we hear each other out and pray for each other like I mentioned before, it's amazing to see what God can do in us as individuals and as a family. Example: I felt strongly from day one the need to stay home with our babies. Brett was never opposed to it, but he didn't share the same conviction. However, he heard me out and we prayed about it, and we found a solution that fit our positions. Now we are enjoying the benefits of following God's call.
• I've said it before and I'll say it again: HAVE FUN TOGETHER. There are times we are stressed.
  
  We are tired and our hands are full. Be it a sick kid or bills stacking up or stress at work, it's easy to put your relationship on hold. But we really try not to do that. Whether it's renting a movie, going on a walk, or planning a date night, we really make the effort to stop and laugh and enjoy each other. Which really takes very little effort, really. Like I said, I married a keeper. Brett is so much fun and so easy to live with. I pray I'm as much as a delight to him as he is to me. And I am looking forward to the next 3 years and counting as we grow closer to one another and the Lord.