*1999 – one of our first dates. Meghan, Jordan (my bro), myself and Aaron
Aaron and I dated for a year and a half before we got married. If you ask either one of us we would for sure say that we were both different then, and we have grown as a couple throughout our 10 years of being together. I'm so thankful for growth in our lives in so many different ways, but what I'm most grateful for is that we have grown together.
So many times we see couples that change on different terms and times and it begins to cause problems in their marriage. One person becomes more conscious of the world around them and the other only cares about their own life and before you know it they are on different pages in life. They both start to feel as though the other person just “doesn't get them” anymore, or that they have changed and they “aren't the person I married”. I have heard both of those statements and it makes my stomach hurt at the pain that they must feel from their spouse.
I would say that one thing that helped us grow together was that we were both interested in the other persons feelings. If I was struggling with something I could talk to Aaron and he wouldn't judge me or look down upon me. Also if the other person was changing in an area of their life and the other wasn't we were patient with them. Praying for them, and still actively engaging in them as a person. We for sure aren't the people that the other person married.
When we got married we had no clue that 9 years later our life would look like this. Four kids. 3 through adoption. 3 that don't look like us. Living in Austin. Playing music full time. At a kick-a church. Loving Jesus more than ever. Seeing more than just our little world. Struggling to do more. Struggling to love more. Loving Haiti. Wanting to live simple. Thinking crazy thoughts about ministry.
We both evolved. Had we not evolved I was on a one-way train to consumerism. If there is something that I can lean towards it is that. I have to do active things to not allow myself to struggle with those things. I haven't worn my wedding ring in about 2 years. That's another post for another day, but it became an idol for me. I don't get my nails done. Sounds cheesy I know, but that became a status for me. I struggle in that area.
We have evolved.
We are evolving.
Thank goodness we don't still look like those two little kids in that picture above!
*2009 – photo by Jen Cota
and Im so glad that i know you two! you guys model a biblical marriage and i love to sit back and watch! thanks for setting the example and letting the Lord use yall in abundant ways! I am blessed to call you guys friends!
Thanks Jamie. I needed that. Blessings. BH
I love this post. You are such an inspiration! I love this recent photo of the two of you. You look so happy, so fun, and so in love!
oh. my. gosh. where did you find that first photo? that is so crazy. haha! i can’t believe you went out with me!!
Oh my goodness, you look so different now! I love this new picture of you guys. Its adorable!
I know I said it on twitter but I just love that picture so much! I love that it looks like you are happy in love and he is still chasing you! Which is probably the case!
Jamie,
I love this–and feel you on the consumerism thing, God is taking so much of that away and I am so glad!! Love you new dress, makes me want summer real bad!!!
I love that last pic of the two of you!
I love this post. I too have been married for 10 years, and we have totally changed since we first met almost 14 years ago. We went through a point where we weren’t changing together, and it was a scary time in our marriage. One we had to work to get away from. Since then we are stronger and once again growing and changing together. We were both also falling into consumerism when we were both working full time. I have to say that becoming a stay at home mom was the best thing for both of us in that regard. We once again were taught what is important.
That picture of you guys is unbelievable…..seriously!! I do not see Aaron in that person AT ALL! Wow.
Evolving with you!!!
love you!
that first pic is…well…amazing. HA!! SO thankful for you two and your family. I am blessed. Love you guys! You are beautiful!!
jamie. this is one beautiful story! i can only hope someday i will be able to write a post like this when i get married:) yall rock.
Such an incredible difference – makes me think about how much my husband & I have changed in the 9 years we’ve known each other…
aric wanted to ask…”how high is Aaron’s belt in that picture?” love you guys 🙂
Glenna you tell Aric that Aaron actually asked himself the same question!
You two have a beautiful story. Thank you for reminding me that a ring doesn’t make a marriage. That honestly hit home really hard for me. I’ve sat here and been so impatient waiting on that ring from my sweet boyfriend. Marriage has been discussed and is something we both want, but I’ve been rather impatient. Thank you for the reminder to not make my ring an idol. 🙂
thanks for sharing and being open. really like the “heart sharing” in your blog.
love the first picture…does aaron still even own a pair of khaki pants? 🙂
Todd – no khaki pants in his closet! no suit. no dress jacket. no tie. no dress shirt. all rock star.