Nolan and I are almost ready to celebrate our first year of marriage! I asked Nolan what he thought he's learned from this first year, thinking that maybe I'd hear something romantic. Instead, I got, "more responsibility really messes with our relationship." Not exactly sweet nothings but true. Life has grown more hectic now that we both have full time jobs and are involved with other activities. We spent a good deal of time straightening up the house after it has been a bit of a train wreck this last month. I am praying that life slows down enough for me to figure out a pattern in our lives where I can keep up with job, family, friends, and housework. I'll let you know when I come up with that ultimate balance.
More exciting is our weekend coming up! Nolan has an anniversary trip all planned for us! I have no idea (besides guesses) what we might be up to. I cannot wait to see what he has been planning for the last couple months! I'm sure I will love it (and I've been guaranteed satisfaction from my sister).
Other than that, we're just getting up every day and choosing to work on this thing called love
We hope you all are well and hope to hear from you!

legacies

In my Bible study this week we took a look at the mourning of Sarah's death in Genesis 22. Beth Moore is the writer of the series and she asked us to think of couples that we can't imagine one without the other. I have been so blessed to know so many Godly couples that have given such rich legacies. Luckily, these couples are still living and I am still learning from their examples. I would like to share just some of my favorite thoughts.
Rick & Denise Ried. My parents are amazing parents. Dad is so quick to help and is always ready to listen to my stories, even when he can't relate or when I'm interrupting his Cardinals game! He has taught me to work hard and to work with integrity. My mom is wise and I trust her advice. I hope I never grow out of my need to call her and ask her what ingredients go in a casserole (this usually occurs while I'm at the grocery store frantically deciding what to make for dinner). She is my voice of reason. We joke that I get so enthusiastic about an idea and I go to Mom to get my reality check. Her lack of 'getting worked up' has often frustrated me but I am learning to appreciate her steadiness.
Al & Sue Kitterman. I am still in the beginning stages of my relationship with my in-laws but I cannot wait to learn more. Al reminds me of my dad and I appreciate his hard work and dedication as he provides for his family. I also see him as a man who still loves his wife and I am appreciative that he has passed this trait to his son(s). I love that he is so quick to enjoy himself and have a laugh. I am also glad I can say that I love my mother-in-law. She is such a blessing and has one of the biggest hearts I have seen. My favorite thing to do at my in-laws is to sit up on a stool at the island and enjoy her company. She is usually busy cooking up a storm but she never makes me feel that I can't stay to chat. She is wise and I am glad I can openly seek her advice.
Newt & Donna Judy. These are my mom's parents. They have been married for 50+ years and have not lost their ability to tease each other like newlyweds. We say Grandma is only a Cubs fan because Grandpa loves the Cardinals. They might tease a lot but I know they still love each other deeply and I am happy to have them in our lives.
Phil & Sally Kitterman. They are Al's parents. I am so glad Phil was able to come on the Kitterman trip to the Boundary Waters last summer. He out-rowed us all and was a joy to be with. Sally takes care of an elderly couple and I admire her for that since I know it isn't easy. I appreciate her heart and smile. They are wonderful grandparents and I hope we will have many more years with them.
Bob & Joan Sattler. This couple is a sweet couple from my home church. One of my favorite memories is from our wedding when Bob & Joan danced together as much as us "young folks." They are always happy together when we see them and I am blessed by their love and support.
Marvin & Linda Andris. I have known Marvin & Linda my entire life and they have a dear spot deep in my heart. I don't see them as often as I'd like but I still look to them for support and love. I have really appreciated the way they have taken Nolan in as if they'd known him all his life. They are another great example of a Christ-centered marriage.
I really could go on but for the sake of this post, I think I will stop there. If you didn't see your name on this list, know that Nolan & I still hold you dear and appreciate what your example teaches us. All of our siblings and their spouses as well as our other extended family members are a testimony to God's love. One lady in my small group described a couple in her life and said, "they are just a couple that always look in the same direction together." I was inspired by that and I simply wanted to share just some of the couples I know who strive to do that in their marriage.

Thank you for coming alongside us as we travel this life together