year one...

one year ago, my bridesmaids carried these flowers...

my little brother put up with yet another wedding...

I ate only one bite of this cake...

my best friend threw the flowers that I walked on...

 Patrick endured hundreds of pictures because he loves me...

And, Luke attended his very first wedding at four days old.

   Just a few days ago, a sweet and beautiful friend from college asked me to give her advice, since she's only been married two months and I have a year down. At first, I thought, "I don't really have anything to tell her since I've only been married 365 days." However, I thought back on our year, and I realized that I have a lot to say! And, I'm going to share it here! This is a crash course through Marriage 101 by Ashlee Ross (101 because it's only been one year of marriage that I've been through.... next year, it will be Marriage 102)...

  

Rule number one: God is to be number one or joy will not be present. Remember that and cling to that BEFORE everything else I'm about to write. For, you can laugh at what I"ve learned, but not at the truth of God's Word.

okay. ready. set. go!

   1. make good food. And, after you've made good food, try some of it before serving it to your husband. Think of it as an appetizer. Think of it as a snack. There's a saying that goes, "Never trust a skinny cook." I live by that, because most skinny cooks (with exception to Giada) don't try their foods before serving it.

   Make desserts. Try new recipes. Buy weird ingredients. Find and embrace someone's recipes that you adore (for example, Joy the Baker is my inspiration). Eat good food with your husband (or spouse).... it makes life wonderful.

   2. Eat at the dinner table most nights to encourage conversation instead of TV staring zombiness (yes, i made that up). BUT, once in a while... spread out a blanket on the living floor and have a picnic with a movie from Redbox, since they only cost $1.08 per night.

   3. Save money. Don't argue over money.... it just causes unneeded stresses. Be wise. Buy no-name brands for some things (except maybe food.... or most foods). If you're the spender, have patience with your ever vigilent, saving spouse. You probably bug him.her with all your spending. Learn to hone the ability to spend. Believe me... it will be good for you. If you're the saver (like me), have mercy on your husband/wife. Learn that some fun thigns once in a while are okay to buy! And, don't start arguments that lead to endless circles of explaination. Your spouse will most likely get bored and start thinking of what they want to buy next. hahaha!

   4. Love each other faithfully. Bring home random surprises. Be spontaneous.

   5. Have a party. Invite people over and have fun getting to know new people! Play games, laugh, and eat lots of desserts at your party.

   6. Read the Bible together outloud. Take turns every other night that you read. And, once one book is read, start another. It's good and oh so sweet...

   7. Find music that you both love and get a little crazy while driving. Turn it up... dance around. Be HAPPY! ( but, please, remember to watch the road)

   8. communicate... end of story.

love love love. never ever stop....