When you are running 18 miles you have A LOT of time to think. I got up this morning at 4:45am to get ready to run one of my last super long runs before the marathon. I think one of the reasons I love running so much (not to sound like a nike commerical) is that you are exercising your body and your mind. For me I like to take the time to reflect on things going on in my life. This weekend is our 7 year dating anniversary (Yes we still count years from when we first started dating), so I was thinking a lot about Kev on this run.
I hear a lot of negative talk around the internet about “young married” blogs, how they are fake and annoying. This kind of bothers me. I don’t know if jenloveskev falls into that category as I am not all that young- eeek 29 this year and I always try to stay honest on this blog but when it comes down to it- I much rather blog about being positive then being negative. Is every day of marriage lovely with rainbows and bunnies? No. But that doesn’t mean that one can not actually have a happy marriage. This is not a rant. Nor the point of this post. I just want to say that I love Kev, I love our marriage. Yes it is give and take on both our parts but right now after 7 years of being together- I love him more than the ever.
We have been married for 5 years this year and we have done a lot of living in those 5 years. We practically moved half way across the world, we bought and sold our first home, we have moved from Hawaii, Massachusetts and now into NY, I quit my teaching job and now stay at home, we had a baby, and Kev quit his old job and started his own company. Thats A LOT of major life changes.
This year especially we have been going thru lots of adjusting. As soon as your baby is born your life changes. That is enough for most people to adjust too. We some how decided it was also a good time for Kev to start his own company. We went from 2 well paying jobs to both of us leaving our jobs and having a brand new little one at home. I don’t know why we thought that was good timing but it was. These last 7 months have been very hard. Lots of hard work for both of us. But I think the dust has settled. We are climbing our way back from what seemed like a step backwards. Rowan has been the greatest gift in our life and has made each of us better people and better for each other.
I am so proud of Kev. He has worked so hard and Iron to Iron is doing better than they ever imagined (well I always knew they would be awesome). He is the most talented web designer ever and he daily inspires me with creativity and his commitment to never settle for anything less than his dreams. I am so excited for Rowan to learn to follow her dreams by watching her Daddy reach for his.
I always feel like we come to defining moments in our life and if we can embrace them and power thru we will come out changed for the better on the other side. I know this last year has been one of those times. It makes me smile to know that we went thru it hand in hand. Kev is my best friend and I can’t imagine living life without him.
Thinking about this past year also makes me think back to another defining moment in our lives. When I got back from my run I sat and looked thru a years worth of blog archives from when we lived in Hawaii. Although we had lots of fun- it was another one of those years. Being newly married and 12 hours worth of plane rides away from family sure defines your character. I look back on all these pictures with such love and hold all the memories close to my heart.
Kev I love you so very much. Happy 7 Years of being my Super Hero Crime Partner.
Maxmum & Ringo 4 Life.
Such an inspiring post Jen! Love it!!
I’ll be with “My” Kev (actually named Kevin!) for seven years on May 4th and we are getting married this fall <3
It's very encouraging to read this and know we are right on track!
This is a really inspiring post. Marriage is indeed, a lot of give and take. It’s really nice to read about other people following their dreams. It is a reminder that my partner and I can build the kind of life we want. We don’t have to do things a certain way, “because we’re married” or “because we’re over 30” or whatever. For those people that are negative, maybe they need to take a look at their own lives and figure out what’s making them so miserable?
From my point of view, I love hearing about it and I’d love to hear more about “how you do it” How do you live where you want to live, follow a non traditional career path and raise a kid without going batty?
(Sorry, the link in my last post got messed up!)
Such an inspiring post Jen! Love it!!
I’ll be with “My†Kev (actually named Kevin!) for seven years on May 4th and we are getting married this fall <3
It's very encouraging to read this and know we are right on track!
That’s a really lovely post indeed– very heartfelt, plus it sounds like you have a lot of wonderful things going on in your life, which is awesome! I’m really curious about what Kev does, would you mind explaining what Iron to Iron is?
what a sweet testament to love. i believe the secret to a happy marriage is mutual appreciation and remembering what you love about someone when (sometimes) all you want to do is focus on their negative. marriage definitely isn’t easy, but it’s a lot easier when you focus on the positive! :o) congratulations on 7 years!
Congrats on your 7 year anniversary! I totally still count dating anniversaries (just celebrated 9 years of dating, and our 3 year wedding anniversary is just over a month away), who doesn’t love a reason to celebrate?
As a 28 year old who also got married fairly young (for today’s standards), I love reading about your life, as I can totally relate in many ways. So forget those people who are pushing the negativity on the “young married” blogs. Regardless of how old you are, if you’re ready for that kind of commitment, then who are they to judge? And it’s not like you talk about the fact that being married is the easiest thing in the world (it’s definitely not), but the work and love that goes into being married or part of a committed couple is what makes it amazing and completely rewarding. Major props to you both for following your dreams!
um…i love this post jen. so much. your writing is the furthest from fake, one of the most refreshing, honestly encouraging tid bits for me. you are a treasure lovely.
This is beautiful! Happy 7 years! We’ll be celebrating 5 years of dating this weekend! But only 2 months of marriage! Your blog reminds me of all the awesomeness we have to look forward to!
As someone who got married when she was 19 and is still married 13 years later (omg I’m dating myself), I say well put. We’ve had our ups and downs through the years, too, but they’ve mostly been ups. We’ve moved from the Midwest to the East Coast then over to the West Coast. We’ve gone through periods of unemployment and now our first baby. But I look back fondly on all of those times, even the times that we felt miserable. We wouldn’t be the people we are today without those times. Love is special, and it deserves to be celebrated. Congrats on your anniversary!
Kev’s also my best friend. You’re growing on me..
These pictures are so great Jen! Congrats to you and Kev.
I don’t think that your blog, or your relationship with Kev for that matter, comes off in any way that isn’t genuine. This is your blog, not your whole life, people can’t be expected to be invited into every arguement, tif, and hard time that you guys go through. Of course it’s an edited place where you share moments from your life as a wife, mother, and stylish lady, but people can’t expect that this represents everything about who you are as person.
Besides all that, this post is such a loving reflection on your time with Kev. I hope you two have a great weekend celebrating together!!
Seeing these pictures really makes me want to get out to Hawaii…
http://www.morganandlua.blogspot.com
I LOVE this post. Happy 7 year anniversary! I’m getting married in December (24-years-old) and I do sometimes worry about not presenting a wholly honest view of a relationship as, yes, I’d say mostly the positives come out on the blog. But, well, that is the overall reality: a happy relationship. There are little fights and disagreements, but they in no way define our relationship. Finding happiness when you’re young doesn’t make it less valid. 🙂 Congrats to both of you!
Congrats on 7 years together! As a single girl, it warms my heart to see your love and commitment to one another, and gives me hope and excitement for when I get to experience that! (And for the record, you (or your blog for that matter) are not fake, annoying, or anything like that. Nor do you only show the fluffy stuff. You keep it real, showing the joys and the bummers of life and everything in between, and that is why I love your blog so much.)
this is one of the sweetest things i have read all day :’ )
this is the most honest and cute post ever. i love how much you love your husband, it gives me faith that one day my life can fall into place like yours has!
<3 steffy
Steffys Pros and Cons
I’m glad I’m not the only one who has always said we’ll celebrate the day we met from now until forever. Here’s to true, true love.
This post totally resonates with me! Matt and I have been together for 5 years, married for 1 1/2, and we’ve been challenged by the relationships around us. Within a year of getting married, a couple close to us divorced, Matt’s sister got a divorce, and a few other couples we know went through really rough periods. It felt like everything around us was saying, “Marriage sucks!!!” But, we knew that we loved each other, we knew God had blessed our relationship in so many ways, and although it’s definitely not always a cake walk, we’ve grown and bonded through it all. I think the thing that helps us the most is doing like you and Kev – nurturing your friendship, and nurturing each other in your dreams. It makes all the difference when everything else is hard. Thanks for this awesome post!!!
I LOVE LOVE reading your blog. Yours is definitely my favorite. Is it weird to thank you for this post? Well, thank you Jen!! For your honesty, positivity, and openness with sharing your life.
I really love and appreciate the positivity that “young married” blogs put on the institution of marriage. As someone who is getting married soon, it’s a nice change of pace from the typical marriage cynicism that most people seem to subscribe to. It should be obvious to anyone that no marriage is perfect, but why share that side on the internet? Everyone knows people fight and disagree, it’s nice to see the positive side for a change.
This is so cute that it truly almost made me cry. You guys seem like such a fun, great couple and it makes me happy to know that there are couples out there like you who are still young and fun despite marriage and babies and anything else. Rowan is a lucky little lady to have such great parents, I can only imagine she’ll have a wonderful child hood to look back on when she is older!
As one of the ‘young married bloggers’ I am happy to read this post, for more than 1 reason!
First off- happy 7 years! And to the next happy 7!
I got married at 18 1/2, after dating my DH for about 1 1/2 years. We are coming upon our 7th anniversary together this August, and we’ve been married for 5 years as of January. I am turning 24 soon, DH is turning 27. We have an extremely happy marriage- not perfect obviously, but wonderful. I am proud of us, and proud of you and kev. Marriage ISN’T easy- and you really have to take the other person into account. A happy marriage is the result of hard work on BOTH sides. You SHOULD be proud of yourselves! How many marraiges fail early on because people are not willing to compromise, look at the other persons side, or expand as a person themselves, honestly look at your mistakes and faults? The first 2 years of my marraige was hard- but we learned a lot, and have grown together so much.
And I can’t STAND the immediate criticism I get all the time about getting marriesd as young as I did. I don’t, have not, and will not, consider my decision to get married a mistake. And no-one else has the right to judge such a personal decision. I got married for the right reasons- and while I can’t say anyone is READY for it, I certainly was willing to learn! : )
I also think that there is nothing fake about not focusing on the negatives. We can share what we want, and especially very personal details should not be blogged if we don’t want to! I keep details of my marriage private- even my girlfriends don’t know too much. Besides, focusing on the negatives all the time can suck the joy out of ANYTHING. I also don’t think it is wrong to not hide your happiness- you should be proud!
Keep on putting out a good example- I will! : )
Isn’t running great!?! This is the kind of clarity that comes from a good long run! You just don’t get this on a stairmaster or in a spin class. 🙂
My hubby and I are about to celebrate our 7 year wedding anniversary at the end of May and it will be 9 years dating beginning of September (yup, we still do dating anniversary too). You are right, marriage isn’t a cake walk, young or old, but there is a lot to be grateful for.
Thank you so much for sharing Jen. I really enjoyed reading this.
xoxo
Jennefer
I started dating my husband when I was 18 and then in the year 2000 we got married. I was 21 and he was 22. I worked for Via Rail Canada at the time of my engagement (passenger train) I got so much negative feedback from many of my co-workers….it was discouraging.They couldn’t understand why I wanted to be married and/or they thought it was bound to fail. By placing our faith and trust in God instead of the attitudes of the world we have had a successful marriage for 11 years now !! And we are bound and determined to never lose sight of that young couple that fell in love 14 years ago 🙂
It has been an adventure of changes, growths, laughs, fights, fears, and children. Haha they go in a category of their own because they really do change everything.
You are an inspiration to so many young marrieds…don’t let any naysayer cause you to question ever being out loud about your love for your husband. I am going to share your blog with my daughter this summer after she marries in June…to inspire her in her newlywed life. You keep on loving Kev….and showing the world that you do!!
Congrats to you and Kev! These photos are great, and I love that through so many major life changes you have remained best friends and kept a strong marriage.
P.S. You make me want to get back into running… 🙂
Awww, I love this post. I love that you post about how happy you and Kev are and I don’t find it fake that you just post all the good stuff. We all know that everyone relationship has it’s ups and downs, but what matters is getting through those times together and it looks like you two have done just that. I always find this blog to be so inspirational because you’re so real. I love that you are so in love with not only our life but your family- that’s what we all want right?! It’s wonderful to see someone who is navigating life so beautifully and with her best friend right by her side. Congrats you two! Rowan is lucky to be shown what’s it’s like to have a happy and loving relationship.
Oh but one thing…you said Rowan will be so inspired by Kevin chasing his dreams and while true, I just wanted to point out that she’ll be equally inspired by you! I know I am 🙂
You guys make an amazing couple!! Happy 7 years and best wishes for the many many years that follow!! 🙂
Happy 7 years!! My boyfriend, Jim, have been together over 5 years and despite being young (I’m 23) we’ve had our fair share of tests and are about to embark on another huge transition in our lives: Moving from NJ to FL at the end of July. I’ll be going back to school for my PhD and Jim is coming with me. He supports me (and I him) on every level – He’s my partner in crime and best friend. It seems you and Kev have a similar relationship, which is wonderful. It’s important to stay true to what works for you and your partner, even though it might not be what’s expected or traditional. Congratulations to you both!
Wonderful post! I have to say, I really enjoy reading your blog because your posts are always so inspiring and positive! Congrats to you and Kev for making a wonderful, loving life together!
what a lovely post.
i love hearing about your marriage! i am only 16 so it’s a nice thing to be able to read about newlyweds who are christians and who have such a zest for life even in hard times. AND your running inspires me too! 18 miles…you amaze me. 🙂
What a sweet post! Congratulations on overcoming and thriving through all of life’s obstacles. I wish you happiness in the next 7 years!
This post is awesome! I love your blog. Your little family is so adorable, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with not sharing every tiny detail of your life. Happy 7 years!
Oh Jen, I love this post 🙂
Happy anniversary to you two! Sure puts things in perspective, thinking about that first date all those years ago, you could have never known all the great adventures were ahead fo you guys.
Marriage can be such a challenge but definitely the most wonderful and rewarding thing too, as I am sure parenthood is too! I can always appreciate your realistic take on it.
All the best!
Virginie xox
Beautiful! Reflection can be a wonderful thing! Enjoy your family, your running and your life. And enjoy your taper!! It’s often my favourite part of training…
Thanks for sharing this, Jen. It’s heartening to see you out there as both half of a strong and beautiful relationship, but also retaining your own style, your own voice, your own creativity.
although i wish the best for EVERYONE it is nice to get a dose of reality sometimes. a lot of blogs make me – and i’m sure a lot of other people – feel inadequate.
this was an excellent post. it’s obvious you two (three!) are GOOD. keep going 🙂
I love getting to see some of your Hawaii pics. Since I only started reading your blog in the past year, there’s a lot that I’ve missed. Also, I have to tell you – I get such a wonderful genuine vibe from you, and though I understand what people are talking about when they gripe about “young married” blog. I’d doubt they mean you! I love reading about your life with Kev and Rowan. You always are so real in talking about the good and the bad about being a new mom!
good for you two being so in love through it all. you’re an inspiring person to hear from on my blog roll every day.
Agreed! “Young married” blogs do get a lot of flack. As a matter of fact, being a “young married” woman (also turning 29 this year!) in San Francisco has been interesting. I went from the south east to the city, where being married at 29 is the exception. But I wouldn’t trade it, it’s ups and downs, for anything. Happiest wishes for many more years for you and Kev!
So reading this is creeping me out. My sister-in-law introduced me to your blog last week. My husband and I will have been together for 7 years this summer, we also both quit our full-time jobs and he started his own business in 2009. He is, among other things, working now in web design and we just had a baby 7 months ago (I believe Rowan was also born in September?) We’ve also moved a lot since we got together, from Indiana, to Hawaii (just for 7 months) to Colorado, to California. We will also have been married for 5 years in December… shall I go on? Weird! Anyway, looking forward to more blog posts. 🙂
I love this! It is amazing to look back at the path you took, especially when you there is a happy ending. I met my husband 7 yrs ago, married almost 5 and have an 8 month old. We moved from Boston to Dublin a couple of years ago and all my family is in Texas. So our lives have a lot in common. (Which is why I like your blog and other “young married” blogs) Lately we’ve been talking about me giving up my job to be a full time mom, but have yet to find the courage for it. Congrats to you both for making your dreams work! I don’t know about you, but I had a road map that followed faithfully until the point I got married. Everything after that day has been unscripted and has been the best adventure I’ve ever been on. Happy anniversary!
I’d prefer the happy take on marriage instead of the cynisme – I sometimes hear my (all male) coworkers complain about their wives and it disgusts me, even if they do mean it as a ‘joke’.
It also gives me hope about finding something like that for myself. I ddn’t get married young but moved in with my ‘big’ love when I was 21. We also had crime partner names (Russian spy names actually). We didn’t make it though, even though we tried over (and over, 3 times) during the last 7 years. Even when the love is there, it IS still hard, and I applaud those that can make it work, I sure hope it will happen for me too someday.
I have been reading your blog for a little while now and just flipping love it! You are always so honest and open about yourself and life it is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing and being you.
Keep up the brilliant work!
That was one of the most beautiful, genuine posts I have ever read on any blog. You are beautiful, woman. Beautiful.
This was really sweet to read. It’s obvious you and Kev have a wonderful relationship. I have such a hard time with the negativity about young married people on the internet, it really comes off as hurt and jealousy. Marriage definitely isn’t easy but it adds so much to your life, so why wouldn’t people want to share that happiness? I can also say that the first couple months after having a baby was one of the hardest times we’ve been through, but when you get through it it gets SO much better.
I loved reading this. Thanks for being honest, open and real. I think it’s quite refreshing to hear about all of the wonderful times you, Kev and Rowan share together. It is very positive, and we all need that in our lives sometimes.
I love looking at young couples like you and Kev because it gives me hope too 🙂 Keep doing what you’re doing!
My husband and I celebrate our dating anniversary, too! I figure, why pass up an excuse to celebrate? I think it is great that you are reflecting on all of the good things you have. It isn’t always easy to do that, and being appreciative is a great way to be!
Jen, this post was such a delight to read. It’s funny how life can take you in all sorts of directions and whom you spend it with makes all the difference. So happy for you and Kev!
I tend to reflect on the present when I’m running my long ones (20 miles last Saturday!)…like what to add to my “to-do” list or what I’m going to blog about, but especially since I’m 2months out till my wedding, I’ve contemplated a lot about the past couple years and how things have changed sooooooo much. Thanks for the positive and uplifting post about life and love. Beautiful. 🙂
-Kate
Jen, what a beautiful post. Life is a journey and an adventure and we have to remember to live each day with kindess and honestly while holding on to those we love and chasing our dreams. You and Kev loved life, and each other (and Rowan!), and it totally shows.
So glad you share it with us – the ups and the downs. You’re a lovely lady!
wonderful post! … reminds me of my situation and inspires me to keep stepping forward. you’ve got great words and adventures! <3
Love this post. Great writing, great work.
I know I tweeted this already. But you and your fam, you and your hubs are just adroable! Lovely pictures and I love your blog…
I loved to read it, I really understand many of your thoughts! so so nice to read it
congrats on your 7 year dating anniversary! my husband and i had our 8 year dating in february, our 2 year wedding is november, and our first baby is due in october 🙂
i appreciate the positive energy on your blog and i love hearing about happy & loving relationships! people love to give their two cents about everything and anything and love to think that misery loves company – not when you’re happily married! i encountered negativity as soon as i returned to work from my honeymoon and even months later i got, “oh well you must still be in your honyemoon stage.” we dated for 5 years before we got engaged and were engaged a year before marriage. we lived together for almost the entire time we dated. our “honeymoon stage” was maybe last decade haha but what we have now is real love. like you said, it’s not rainbows and roses, that’s not real! but it is respect and love and admiration for your partner. i can’t stand when people speak negatively about their partner (for non serious reasons). keep it to yourself!
congrats again and thank you for sharing.
i love reading this post!! I’m so happy to see that there are other young couples that are so happily married!! I adore my husband and everyday i feel that we know each other better and fall deeper in love.
xoxo
this was really sweet. happy anniversary to you and your husband!