Anniversary? Who has the Time?

Long time no talk, Internet! I am making this brief and isolated post because today is my 4 year anniversary. Unfortunately, for the first time in a couple weeks, Jake actually has work to do at the business (It's slowed considerably). So even though we were going to take a day off and have a fun day to ourselves, we're working instead.

I also flaked on Sunday and when asked if I would hold a basketball practice for our upcoming young women's basketball season instead of mutual, I agreed not realizing that Thursday was the 14th...as in August 14th...as in my anniversary. So much for that romantic evening we've both been waiting for! (And by we both I mean me because Jake is still realizing that I'm cootie free)

In any case, I wish I could provide a very cute picture from our wedding or even a nice snapshot of Jake and I lately to post with this, but I can't. My wedding pictures didn't turn out that cute and I don't have any digital pictures anyway...plus my scanner is broken. As for recent pictures, unless you want to see a great shot of me complete with a caulking or nail gun and Jake carrying siding or shingles, we haven't done anything remotely Kodak-moment-worthy in a while. So, all you get is my dedicatory post to my spectacularly wonderful husband.

In four years of spending almost every day together, I have learned just a few things about Jake. He loves to learn how to do or make just about anything he's never done before. Things I have never even thought to notice, Jake pays close attention to, and then proudly points out what he's discovered. For instance, conversations that begin with 'Do you know what that extra piece of metal on that tractor does?' or 'Could you find your way out of the woods without a
compass on a cloudy day?' are all too common in our house. In Jake's mind, life is a puzzle. And to solve it you must pay close attention to everything around you at all times. Always ask why or how and you'll never stop learning. Though sometimes this gets exhausting and confusing for me, I appreciate all the knowledge I've gained--now if I could only remember it!

Jake is a perfect gentleman: if I'm carrying something heavy and he has an extra finger he might be able to balance my load with, he insists I let him carry it. If I'm too cold wearing two sweatshirts, he'll give me his jacket, even it if means he's left with a t-shirt. In my dating years, I found it annoying when a guy would make me wait to let him open doors, or never allowed me to get dirty by walking in the mud. Jake's found the happy medium between chivalry and smothering me with good manners, and I love him all the more for it. I knew he was a keeper when we were first dating and a friend noticed him wipe off a dirty seat on the train with his hand before I sat down. He doesn't do it because he wants all to see his generous and selfless nature, he simply thinks there are ways to act and doesn't think twice about it. His mama raised him right!

Since the beginning of the year, Jake and I have tackled the challenge of beginning a new business together. At first it was incredibly hard to let him take the reigns in the business and allow him to run it the way he wanted to. My control-freak tendencies caused their fair share of arguments, and it was stressful. However, I realized that the reason it was so hard to step back is because in our marriage, we are equal companions. From day one, we've always looked to each other for support, advice, and help with life's trials. As the world throws all variations of obstacles at us, we hurdle them together, hand in hand. Cliche? Yes. But it's this equality between us that has allowed us to grow together, work together, and enjoy life together.

Jake is a wonderful husband, a kind and generous man, and I am grateful every day that I was lucky enough at 19 (yes, 19) to realize I needed him in my life.

Four years down, and all eternity to go.