Last week Kev and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary and what better way to celebrate than hopping a plane to Costa Rica for a long weekend together. It was a quick flight from FL to the Liberia airport in Costa Rica. We stayed at the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort. Let’s just say it was by far the nicest, most beautiful hotel we’ve ever stayed in. There was a huge shower that had sliding glass doors that opened up to the balcony, making it an awesome outdoor shower overlooking the jungle and the bay. Poured cement floors, lots of natural wood and light. It was like they knew the way to my heart. There were monkey’s right outside our balcony! We just fell in love with the country. With only 2 full days there, we didn’t get to explore a whole lot (which we would have loved to do) but instead decided to just relax and enjoy the beauty of the Papagayo Peninsula with hopes of returning on a longer trip one day.
We didn’t need a long time away from the kids (we’d miss them waaay too much) but having 2 days of one on one time together was so important for our relationship. After 8 years we are more bonded, more in love, better friends than ever. It is work, don’t get me wrong. We have to be conscious to feed our relationship- and that can be very hard with small children. I am so very thankful we got this time away. I’ve been reading a book called Home Making (thanks Lesley) by J.R. Miller. It was written in 1882 and I had my doubts about it before I started. I wasn’t sure I would like what he had to say about being a wife and motherhood from a perspecitve so long ago. I honestly have never underlined and dog-eared more pages of a book ever! I just loved it. There is a whole chapter about married life which really struck a chord with me. There was so much simple truth to what he wrote. I loved that he listed out these things as most important 1. loving patience 2. courtesy 3. unity of interests 4. guarding against misunderstandings (there is no room for pride) and 5. presence of Christ. I couldn’t agree more. They are all simple things but I feel like they are usually the first to be forgotten as the years on go. I love these sections of the book about marriage…
“The happiness of life is made up of minute fractions, the little soon-forgotten charities of a kiss or a smile, a kind look, a heartfelt compliment, and countless infinitesimals of pleasurable thought and genial feeling. These may seem trifles, and the omission of them may be deemed unworthy of thought, but they are the daily bread of love, and hearts go hungry when they are omitted. It may only be carelessness at first in a busy husband or a weary wife- which fails in these small, sweet courtesies, and it may seem a little matter- but in the end the result may be a growing far apart of two lives which might have been forever very happy in each other- had their early love but been cherished and nourished.”
“Love is always ready to deny itself, to give, sacrifice, just in the measure of its sincerity and intensity. Perfect love is perfect self-forgetfulness. Hence where there is love in a home, unselfishness is the law. Each forgets self and lives for others.But where there is selfishness it mars joy. One selfish soul will destroy the sweetness of life in any home. It is like an ugly bush in the midst of a garden of flowers. It was selfishness that destroyed the first home and blighted all the loveliness of Paradise; and it has been blighting lovely things in earth’s home ever since. We need to guard against this spirit.”
Sometimes I think it’s so easy to focus on the negative things about our spouse. What they are doing wrong, what they aren’t doing to help, etc… but you will be surprised the change of attitude that can happen and the change in your spouse actually when you really start examining yourself instead. That last quote about being less selfish is one I am really trying to pray over more these days. Kev is a wonderful man and husband. He loves the Lord, he works hard and he loves unconditionally. He is the boy I fell in love with over 10 years ago. The one I want to travel and explore the world with, to be neck deep in this parenting adventure with and the person who knows my every hurt, joy, dream and sorrow. He is my everything. It’s such an honor to live this life alongside him. He’s my best friend and hands down favorite person on earth. These past 8 years have shaped us into who we are today. I am excited to see how another 8, than another 8 will change us as well.
Jen, this is so beautiful written. Something I’ve thought so many times but have lacked the eloquence to write out. Martin & I have been together for 14 years which is freaking crazy and I can absolutely say the same. We are the best of friends and more in love that ever. It takes a lot of patience, learning and above all kindness. Yes!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for this wonderful reminder of growing together in marriage. Happiest 8 years you guys!! And what a dream of a spot you picked!! xoxo
Congratulations!
Thank you for sharing and being such an inspiration!
Wow beautiful! Love your pictures. Looks like a ton of fun.
SO excited to see pictures from your trip! It looks like a gorgeous and romantic getaway for sure! You guys are the cutest! I am so happy that you are enjoying the book. I told Joni, “It was written a long time ago, maybe in the 50’s?” She then looked at the copyright. 1882!! The book is timeless. I love how beautifully he defines the roles of everyone in the family. I want to read it again already. So good. Love to you guys!
These photos are beautiful! Looks like the hotel was amazing!
And congratulations on 8 years! 🙂
So happy!
so beautiful!! And happy anniversary!! My hubby and I will be celebrating our 4 years in a couple weeks! I know what you mean about it being hard to find time you you two as a couple with little ones. We have a 16 month old who wants all of our attention all of the time. haha! So glad you got to have a little time to yourselves.
looks like an amazing time! congrats on 8 years!
http://www.modernsuburbanites.blogspot.com
Congratulations BUT where is the eight-fingered photo!? Haha, I have been reading this blog since your second anniversary and I would be disappointed if you’ve discontinued the tradition!
this is so beautiful and much needed. Happy Anniversary! you did forget one thing….your 8 finger shot!!
i am going to check this book out. its hard finding time with careers and small children. but you wouldn’t have the family and wonderful life without your spouse..and it all started with a smile 😉
this is such a beautiful post! i’m so glad you guys got to sneak off for a couple days to celebrate 8 years – it’s such an accomplishment (marriage is work!). and how wonderful to have some uninterrupted time together! cheers!
Happy anniversary! My husband and I will celebrate our 8 year anniversary in August. 🙂 This post was so beautifully written, Jen!
Happy anniversary!
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
Y’all are adorable, and this place looks AMAZING! Love the post and your honest words. Marriage is tough but so rewarding!
Jen, these photos are amazing! It looks like you guys had such a great little trip to Costa Rica. I think it’s great that you guys both take some time out together without the kids! That book sounds pretty amazing – I love the first quote so much. It’s always the little things that get overlooked, but they really do mean so much.
Enjoy the rest of your week!
you guys are so cute. and I always appreciate your honesty. that marriage is hard and takes work and is a choice. but that it is wonderful too!
Your bathing suit top and that shower… Gimme! Glad you had such a great time 🙂
You look like loved up teenagers all over again!
And your hotel room is like a treehouse. Beautiful. x
Thank you for sharing what God is doing in your life and marriage. It is such an encouragement!
These photos are fantastic! What camera did you use? It’s obviously a waterproof one… I’ve been looking to buy one. Thanks!!
You two are too cute for words!
my daughter and i just went to costa rica also! and you are right, it was such an easy and fast ride from ft. lauderdale to san jose. it was our first time there but it won’t be our last. it is such a beautiful and peaceful place!
Hi Jen and happy anniversary! I think it was a good experience and a good holiday!!! Kisses from Italy,
Eni
http://eniwherefashion.blogspot.it/
Such a lovely pictures. It looks like you had a amazing time:)
Beautiful Hotel and beautiful post. Congratulations on 8 years.
Thank you for sharing such a special weekend! It looked amazing! Now I need to start planning our anniversary trip!!
Great pictures. It looks like such a beautiful place to spend an anniversary with your husband. You also have some great sentiments about marriage, and I truly agree with them. It is hard work (especially when there’s little ones involved and time is solely devoted to them, not so much on the two of you) and positivity goes a long way.
Maria
cmntsblog.wordpress.com