In the past year we...

Tomorrow is the first anniversary of the Justin and I promising, in front of our friends and families, to love and support each other for the rest of our lives.  We've experienced a whole lot of life in the past year... here's some thoughts Justin and I have on the subject

In the past year we've realized that two people (and two dogs) can be more of a family than a mom and dad with ten kids.

In the past year, we've suffered three miscarriages, but gained a lifetime of perspective and insight.

In the past year we've lost more than one "friend", but learned the true value of real friendship.

In the past year we've struggled to make ends meet, but have learned to trust that God will always provide for us.

In the past year we've faced anxiety and fear about the future, but have learned that as long as work together we can take huge leaps forward.

In the past year we've learned that Justin is NOT a fan of developmental psychology, and that Candice has no clue about Discrete Mathematics.

In the past year we've learned that Candice still has no desire to return to public education, but that she's still passionate about helping kids with special needs, AND that there is a way respect both of these things.

In the past year we've learned that we will probably be really great parents, and that we have a long road ahead of us to get there, AND that all of the struggle will be more than worth it in the end.

In the past year we've learned that sometimes the people you "should" be able to depend on aren't always so dependable, and that as long as we depend on each other, we will always get through.

In the past year we've learned that each of us have strengths and weaknesses, and that we need to play to our strengths, and that we really balance each other out.

In the past year we've learned that Justin is a baby whisperer, and that Candice is great at papercrafts.

In the past year we've learned that we really are the very best of friends, and how important that foundation truly is.

In the past year we've learned the true power of the these words:
 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.