melted smoosh

after almost fifteen years of marriage, we know each other sometimes better than we know ourselves (or it can seem that way at least). we pick up on subtle shifts in mood and energy levels and can predict our spouse's response to any given situation with 99% accuracy. we both are easy-going and low-conflict, which means no knock-down drag-out fights or yelling, but we definitely both have our own pet peeves about the other spouse's behavior! I'm sure some of these pet peeves are universal although the roles might be reversed in your partnership... so, let's get into the nitty gritty!  what drives him nuts - the pile of boxes I leave by the back door for him to break down and take out to the recycling bin behind the garage - the state of the minivan; I let it devolve into a giant mess before cleaning it - related: the fact that I purposely keep a supply of extra toys, books, wipes, diapers, sunblock, etc. etc. etc. in the car. he has suggested bringing everything into th...

eight years of marriage. it's a blink of an eye compared to my grandparents, who just celebrated their 64th anniversary. but in some ways, since we dated for six years (and two days!) before tying the knot, i feel like we've been married far longer than eight years. we've known each other since the first weekend of freshman year in college. we've wrestled with the big questions, debated theology, and owned a home together. we have two beautiful girls here and three babies in heaven. we love visiting beautiful churches, drinking Jim Beam & Diet Coke at ethnic clubs, poring over every sign and plaque in obscure museums, and watching Portlandia or Trailer Park Boys on Netflix. and our wedding day was such a perfect reflection of our personalities: a Latin high mass with choral music, followed by a huge party with almost two hundred of our families and friends. huge thanks to our photographer, Christina Garber , for capturing all of it!  my brother James, Un...