Our First Year

It's 10 PM; I have run out of boxing tape, Matt is with the guys (saying "bye"), and I just had toast for dinner.  Moving makes for some interesting dinners.  It can also make for some stressful times. We are moving to Houston this weekend and still don't know where we will be living once we arrive. Situations like this one test my trust in God and can put stress on a marriage. Thankfully, I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and a loving God who gets me through life.

This past Sunday, Matt and I celebrated our fist anniversary.  We spent last weekend visiting West Houston for the first time and scoping out where might live. We were sweaty, wearing shorts and t-shirts, and a little tired from all the driving and house-hunting. This is how we checked in at the Omni Hotel in the Galleria area. Needless to say, we were not quite ritzy enough for that place. We did not valet park like everyone else. We parked ourselves and walked the 20 extra feet. We did not order room service. (seriously, who pays $30 for a carafe of orange juice?!). And we certainly did not pay $10 for internet access.  As a matter of fact, Matt bought the hotel room (as a surprise) on Hot Wire,  we used my phone to look up local restaurants, and went to Outback for our anniversary dinner.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

He is perfect for me and God knew that. I love that he tried to surprise me with the hotel. I love that we both were honest about not liking the over-priced, status-flaunting atmosphere and could laugh about it. Honestly, a tent and a camp fire suit us just right.

I thought back about the year we have spent together. The one that just flew by! In such a short time we have made some great memories. I made a picture collage to remember some of those times.

We had our perfect wedding day. We had a wonderful honeymoon at Lake Tahoe that we never wanted to leave. we moved into our first place together. Our dog had ACL surgery. We witnessed the Texas Rangers win the AL West. Matt went to his first LSU game and tailgate.  Matt and his dad got to be on the sidelines for the Cowboys game. We had snow days... and some sick days. We had some great times with Matt's family (especially little Hannah).  We won our Flag football and softball leagues.  And so much more.

Not only did we make memories, but we learned a lot too. We learned more about each other and even more about God. In my marriage to Matt, I am constantly reminded of God's relationship with me.. with all of us.  He loves unconditionally, even when I'm being difficult. He wants the best for me, even when I think I know best. He provides for me.  I've also learned that Matt is not enough for me. Sometimes I feel a void and realize that I'm looking to Matt to fill that void. It's a need to feel loved in a way Matt (or any human) is not capable of giving. That when I realize I need more God. He has created me to depend on Him for fulfilling joy. He created marriage to remind us.