So what makes it work? I was reflecting on it all week... got a few different blog ideas during the process but I realized one thing that we do that makes it work, we have the same priorities. When we met in grad school, we dated, we lived apart, we lived close, we worked a lot. We made it work because we knew we both had priorities and in that stage in life you get pulled in a lot of different directions.
We got married in a simple ceremony in Bad Axe, MI. We didn't have to spend a ton of money to have a good time (don't worry, we all had a good time...). The money we saved was the downpayment on our house and paid for some of the important updating the house needed. Priorities.
We have a new roof instead of a new kitchen. We never painted our bedroom, but all the kids rooms are painted and updated, and even our guest room was totally redone. Priorities.
Our kids and family are our priority, and we sacrifice for them without question. It makes it work for us, and while a brand new kitchen would be nice, I don't notice it when I come home and Mari races into my arms at the kitchen door. Prioriries.
We aren't rich, but without question Heather encouraged me to take the La Casa job even though it was a lot less money. Heather could make more somewhere else I am sure, but the tuition benefit for the kids is more important. Priorities.
Thanks Babe, I know things aren't perfect; someday we will have the dream kitchen, and my Datsun will be on the track, and we will redo our bedroom, and we won't have to offer to change a poopy diaper... until then morning muffins, chasing toddler babies and garden flowers will do. Priorities.
Love You. Happy Aniversary.