12 yearsmemories of us

the KM files
12 years
This past Sunday we celebrated our 12th anniversary as husband and wife. Normally, we try to schedule our vacation for this time of year, or at the very least like to set the day apart by doing something special. But this year, we decided ordinary was exactly what we needed. Dinner on the stove. Nora Jones serenading us. And a puppy at our feet as we gently sway back [...]

to having adventuresenjoying the journey

marriage
to having adventures
We loved absolutely everything about our honeymoon and left the resort hoping we'd be able to make it back there someday. Yet we always thought that we should go see something different if we had the opportunity to take another tropical vacation. Seven years later, we found ourselves planning that getaway and to my surprise, we both knew whole-heartedly that what we r[...]

finishing our basementmemories of us

the KM files
finishing our basement
I've trotted down those stairs thousands of times. The slapping of my feet against the stained concrete floor is a daily ritual, and it's hard to imagine a time when there wasn't that dimmer switch right around the corner. In March 2007 we began the process of finishing our basement. From the framing, to the electric, and even the drywall, we did everything ourselv[...]

grilled steak quesadillasdate night cooking

food and drink
grilled steak quesadillas
We love cooking together and yet we didn't actually know much about cooking when we got married. In fact, the first time that I attempted to cook a chicken breast... well, let's just say that the alarms went off in our apartment as smoke filled the kitchen. Over the years, a love was developed for creating delicious meals and before I knew it, Kelly was joining me by [...]

the kitchen and what we’re really leaving behindsemi-sweet morsels

the KM files
the kitchen and what we're really leaving behind
There's nothing really grand about our kitchen. It's small, and usually messy. We have meager appliances, nothing-fancy counter tops, and barely enough cupboard space to fit all of those cute bowls I like to collect. Even though I couldn't cook worth a darn when we moved in, the kitchen (and how open it is) was probably one of my favorite things about this house when [...]

our truthssemi-sweet morsels

marriage
our truths
If you've been keeping track, it has been well over two weeks since we set the goal to have our house on the market. And no, it still. isn't. listed. Although, we've been saying it for weeks, it is definitely getting closer and more real by the moment. We rented a storage unit yesterday and moved out all of the boxes we have already packed along with a few pieces of f[...]

the proper toolsthe lawn clippings

marriage
the proper tools
When I said my vows, I pledged to love and cherish my husband in both the good times and the bad. We expected there to be highs and lows throughout our marriage. We worked out a general understanding of how we were going to navigate together through the peaks and valleys and assumed we'd figure the rest out. The best of times have really never been a problem for us. T[...]

cucumber salsafrom scratch

food and drink
cucumber salsa
A few summers ago, one of our very kind neighbors provided us with several cucumbers from their garden. With the exception of water - or any beverage for that matter - we love all things cucumber, so we welcomed the opportunity to enjoy this surplus of fresh produce from next door! My sister suggested we try a cucumber salsa and we fell in love. Admittedly, the onl[...]

lessons 1644 taught us about marriagesemi-sweet morsels

the KM files
lessons 1644 taught us about marriage
We bought our first home before our 2nd anniversary, and as we prepare to sell that house a decade later, we've been reminiscing a lot about our time here. Lately we've been talking a lot about those early years and just how young we were. We entered in to home-ownership fully expecting there to be lessons along the way, yet never dreaming that many of those lessons w[...]

intentional marriage – for wives
part twothe lawn clippings

marriage
intentional marriage - for wives <br/> part two
A few weeks ago, I issued a challenge to wives. I urged you to consider your role as a companion and helper to your husband. To be intentional in learning about your position as a wife. Read more about this challenge here: Intentional Marriage - For Wives Now that the thought has been marinating for a little while, I'd love to know if anyone has accepted it. Or if y[...]
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