A Legacy of Love

If there’s one thing I want my kids to see through the legacy we leave behind, it’s what true love looks like in marriage.  My husband and I have been married for 16 years this month.  We have grown up together more or less since we started dating in high school.  Our relationship may look different than your typical marriage relationship but it’s a good difference that makes sense in my opinion.  For instance, I like to mow and help out on all the building/remodel projects and he can cook and clean and do laundry right alongside me.  We share all the tasks of the homestead and work together on all that we can.  It’s more fun that way!

Our engagement photo...man we look young!

I met my husband when I was 14 and he was 16.  I couldn’t date until I was 16 so he came to my house and started going to church with me.  We spent many hours talking on the phone, too.  During this time we learned about each other and began what would become a lifelong friendship.  Sure we had our ups and downs…and by downs I mean that I broke up with him 3 times…but 3^rd time is a charm, right?  After that last break-up when we got back together, I realized that this guy was a keeper and God must have put us together for a reason.  

One of 4 proms together

We finished college before we got married which made for a lengthy dating period (almost 7 years) but I’m glad we waited.  Our relationship was strong before we ever walked the aisle and then we waited several years before having kids so we could enjoy the married life.  I wouldn’t trade it for anything.  We focused on our careers and building a life together as one.  We also got a puppy and kitten to love on.  We discovered how to work together to train these little furballs which prepared us a tiny bit for the kids that would come later. 

Our first dog, Chloe

We finally decided that it was time to expand our family but that didn’t come easily.  We went through a few years of fertility treatments before having our twins and a year and a half later God surprised us with our youngest son.  These last 7 years have been the best!  I never knew that motherhood would be so good…so full of love and life and laughter.  I mean, I loved my fur-babies but little did I know how much more I could love these little miracles.

Through it all my husband has been right by my side.  We have learned how to live together, how to work through difficulties, and how to parent our children.  We continue to grow together with God at the center of our lives.  Whatever dreams and aspirations we have, we spend time discussing them and planning so we can achieve them.  I have heard that a girl looks for the same qualities in a husband that she saw in her dad.  This rings true for me.  So many of my dad’s great characteristics are found in my husband.  He is loving, kind, hardworking, and a jack-of-all-trades.  He loves the kids.  He plays with them, teaches them about the things he is working on around the house, and demonstrates how a husband should love and respect his wife.  I couldn’t ask for a better husband!

My Take-Aways:

1. God is the best matchmaker.  I could not have picked a better husband!  When I was 14, I prayed a boyfriend.  I had never had one.  Little did I know that my first boyfriend would turn out to be my future husband.
2. If you’re going to have a homestead, you need a handy man.  My husband can build barns and fences, work with electricity, fix cars, and do just about anything around here.  I am a proud wife!
3. Kids learn about marriage through watching their parents.  I hope and pray that my kids will find their soulmate and know how to be the best spouse they can be.  My husband and I continually work on our marriage and I hope our kids see that.