Seven Things. Part 1.

Tomorrow marks mine and Andrew's 7 year anniversary. To celebrate lucky 7 I thought it would be fun to do 7 posts, 1 each day this week for Andrew. Each post will include a list of 7 things pertaining to our marriage.

Just a note before we get started...
I don't want these next seven posts to discourage you. Don't allow yourself to think that our marriage is great, always joyful, and without troubles. Case in point: I'm posting this after just having changed sheets on our son's bed in the middle of the night due to an accident. My sweet husband has the uncanny ability to sleep through the entire process. And I'm frustrated. So frustrated I may have thrown the dirty sheets at our bedroom door.

See? We're not perfect. But we choose to love each other anyway. I'm thankful Andrew still chooses to love me even when I throw dirty sheets at our bedroom door while he slumbers.

So, here we go, frustration and all.

7 Things Andrew has Taught Me

How to commit.
I have never heard from Andrew "I want out" in regards to our relationship. He has been committed for all of these 7 years of marriage. I have never during an argument questioned him leaving me. I know that he is a man who has committed himself to me. Not just me, but Cooper, his work, his projects. He is a man who honors his commitments. It is inspiring to watch.

This picture was actually taken on our 1st anniversary.

How to use technology.
Thanks to Andrew, I know how to use a mac, I know {some} terminology, and can problem solve better than I used to. The other day I couldn't get the apple tv to play netflix. I worked my way to the troubleshooting section and fixed the problem all my myself. That's a big deal for me. We use technology for a lot of things that I would otherwise rather do the "old school" way. For instance, I still love budgeting on paper instead of the computer, I love writing checks instead of using online bill pay. I love hand written notes rather than emails. I love going to the bank and depositing money instead of taking a picture and using your phone. Andrew is quite the opposite. He is a lover of gadgets and technology that works for you. I'd like to believe that if I didn't know Andrew I'd be tech savvy. I'm not sure that would be true, though. I enjoy letting him take care of me in this field. I used to get so stressed out when something would happen to my computer. Now I just politely hand it over to him.

The end of year two.

The world of Ninja Turtles.
Good thing, because not only does he have a passion for all things TMNT, his mini-me has developed quite the passion for it as well. I know who each turtle is, their characteristics, as well as some of the other characters besides the turtles. Before we even had Cooper I watched some ninja turtle moves with Andrew, visited the toy section to look at them with Andrew, and even bought him a few ninja turtle items. Since having Cooper, my knowledge of them has extended. While some days I long for a little girl so I don't have to watch ninja turtles my whole life, I'm thankful for their shared love of ninja turtles. And if we had a girl, she's probably like them, too.

End of year 3. Our baby moon trip. I was pregnant here - note the huge nose.

How to cut hair.
Andrew's dad was a beautician so Andrew knows his way around some scissors and clippers. There are many times I have cut Andrew's hair. When we were still dating, I was just learning my way around the clippers. There was one time he had me use scissors. I cut straight across instead of angled. I think I may have seen actual steam come out of his ears. He ended up shaving his head. I'm way better since then. However, I'd still rather not use scissors.

End of year 4. Our fist anniversary with a child.

How to lead.
I have seen Andrew lead teens, adult leaders, and now a creative team staff. I have been able to serve under his leadership when he worked with youth. He leads so well. He knows how to build a great team. He knows how to build relationships with those on his team. He knows how to strategize, listen, and put people where they can best excel. He knows how to apologize to his team. He knows how to create a great environment for his team. He is an excellent leader. One with integrity, courage, and great communication skills. He is a leader that I admire.

Middle of year 5. Date night at a vineyard.

How to set goals.
I have seen Andrew set goals for himself and achieve them. He is always evaluating himself, figuring out what he can do better, and setting goals. I love that he is a man who is constantly wanting to grow, change, and mature. Through him I've learned how valuable a goal can be, and how new goals are a constant need. Thanks to him, I have learned to set goals for myself.

Beginning of year 6. At disney world, enjoying the sunshine.

How to dream big.
Andrew has his sights set on some big and amazing things. He's been given a great talent and he doesn't intend to waste it. He wants to be a game changer and do great things in the world of design. He doesn't want to settle for anything less than amazing. Currently his dream is being answered here in Ohio. We are in small town, but he has great influence and has been able to do some crazy and awesome things where we are. We may be here forever. But I have a gut feeling that Andrew's dreaming will lead us to other things. Maybe a local ice cream shop. Maybe his own business. Maybe Disney. His dream-filled mind is contagious and mades me dream big, too. I've thought about the talents God has given me and thought about what it is I would LOVE to do one day. I tend to be so insecure in this area and watching Andrew dream big has helped me so much.

One of our most recent pics together. Almost to anniversary #7.

There's something about looking through this post and reading these words that makes me not as frustrated.

Andrew, thanks for teaching me new perspectives, insights, and skills. I'm grateful that you've been patient with me. Thanks for your example of growth. It inspires me to learn, too. I love you.