Happy Birthday, Aust!!

There are so many great things about Austin. I'm going to share a few. 

One recent thing I have been especially grateful for... We made a New Year's resolution to turn every criticism we might say into a complement. Austin is literally the best at this. For example, I lose things ALL the time. Instead of bringing that to my attention when I lose something, Austin says, "Don't worry! I know you will find it. You always do." How much of a difference it makes when someone supports you and complements you instead of criticizing.

He adores Vienna.

He opens jars for me.

He's a happy person.

He gets up with V in the morning when he knows she had a rough night.

He tells me he loves me.

He's kind to everyone.

He does the dishes.

He works hard to provide for our family.

He makes me laugh, so much.

He is always seeking to learn.

He's honest.

He loves Sodalicious as much as me.

He's patient.

He never gives up. 

He spends quality time with our family.

I know we're lucky. Not every family gets a dad or husband like mine. 

Happy Birthday, Honey! 

And now some of my all time favorite photos of Austin. Let's be honest, most of them are with Vienna because nothing beats seeing your husband become a father. 

4 YEARS

Austin and I have been walking this path of marriage for four years now. Oh, how time flies!! I wanted to write a little tribute to Austin and our time together. Along with a few little things I’ve learned along the way.

Adventure

I can’t say how great it has been for us to travel and live abroad. It forced us to establish our relationship outside of our individual families/friends. We had no choice but to rely on the Lord and each other. There have been many times we were stuck in a train station, or in the middle of a random city in Europe just absolutely winging it. We generally don't have a clue what we're doing, but we always figure it out together. Austin helps to fuel my adventurous side all while being my calming presence. I always know that because I have him, we will be okay.

Compromise

Molding two lives together and establishing a new family unit can be tough. You have to include another person in every aspect of your life– finances, living quarters, jobs, etc. Austin is one of the most relaxed people I know though, and I love that about him. He’s made all of the changes that come with marriage pretty easy. We have both had to compromise, but he makes it so much easier. I say easier, because as we all know compromise takes sacrifice and sacrifice isn’t meant to be easy.

Perspective

Not many people know this about us but in April of 2015 we had a miscarriage. Although I wasn’t too far along, I don’t think I could have ever prepared myself for the dramatic highs and lows the experience brought. I remember sitting in our tiny English flat being flooded with every emotion you can image… but above all, I felt peace. The Lord has a plan for each of us and I knew that. I knew He loved me. I knew this was just something we had to go through. I also know that wasn’t the only hard thing we will have to go through together. These things make us stronger, and through it all Austin is always there -for the happy times, the trials and everything in between. 

Fun

We are total goofs. Bottom line. I know I can say or do anything with this guy and he will love me no matter what. He's an introvert and likes to recharge alone, while I am an extrovert who loves to be out an about or with people. We are a nice balance for each other. He's my favorite and there is never any shortage of fun with him. We're best friends and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Happy 4^th Anniversary, Aust! Love you foreverrrrrr