Today Jeff and I celebrate sixteen years of marriage. The weather is very reminiscent of how it was back in 2003 when we said, "WE DO" at the front of the beautiful Stetson Chapel on the Kalamazoo College Campus. So much life has happened over those sixteen years.
This past year was one of the most stressful that we've endured. Uncertainties regarding jobs, listing our home in Portage, moving to the east side of the state, apartment living, finding our current home and helping three children adjust to a new city and new schools. We all miss so much of what we had in Portage but what we have in Rochester or Oakland Twp if you want to be technical , is each other. We don't have lots of friends to distract us from each other. We have been settling in and enjoying our home and each other. Most days, anyways!
Jeff's health crisis taught us to enjoy every day, even the ones that seem mundane. Just today I was nagging him about hiring a company to cut the lawn. Ever the accountant he was saying he could do it. I am the practical one that knows that a person who works from 7-8p.m can't possible fit it all in. I promise to give up lunches out and he says, Fine whatever. Knowing full and well that means I will only buy lunch three days a week. I love that I am able to have these "discussions" with him and do not take it for granted. I would chose Jeff Simpson over and over again. I was just telling a co worker today that when I met Jeff Simpson I was immediately attracted to him. He was funny and sweet and I just knew that we'd be a good match. It took a lot of work but I don't regret any of it.
Where I over think, Jeff is practical. When I am too hard on myself, Jeff reminds me of my strengths and where I have grown. When he thinks too much about the bottom line, I remind him that there are simply not enough hours in the day. When he bitches about hockey, I listen or at least pretend to. When he has a hard day at work, I am his greatest champion. We get each other. I can 100% be myself with him. He knows all of my highs and has been with me through every low.
You all know I love a good list! So, in honor of our 16th anniversary I think it is only fitting I list 16 things I have learned about marriage over the years!
16. Parenting brings out the best and worst of your spouse. It is not for the faint of heart! Having a partner that gets your style is CRUCIAL!
15. Never think you will NEVER do or will ALWAYS do anything. Life will throw you some major curveballs and it will shock the shit out of you how you play that!
14. Have the fundamentals in common. Sure Jeff and I don't like all of the same things. Hello. He is a huge sports enthusiast and I AM NOT! I love music, Jeff, no so much. But, we believe in the same God, have the same values and hate the same things about hockey coaches:)))))
13. Forgive each other, then forgive again.
12. Get over the socks left in two completely different places in the family room.
11. Love that your husband doesn't care about saving money by driving a craptastic car in order for your children to do the things they love!
10. Decide on each other every day!
9. Be playful, LAUGH.
8. Go out alone! Let's be real, this isn't happening every month but do make it a priority .
7. Text him something nice. Even if it has a mostly smart ass tone:))
6. Let him sleep in, even when you're wanting to be like, DUDE! The ping pong table has been at step 6 for three weeks!!
5. Remember that you almost lost him. Think of all of the memories you've been bless to make.
4. Make sure he always has clean underwear and socks!
3. Be intentional about sharing all you love about him with your children.
2. Pray for him. His health, his job, his friends.
1. Thank God every day for sending you the exact right mate for you. Is Jeff Simpson every one's cup of tea? NOPE! But he is my glass of champagne. Ok, I have taken it too far!
