What I've Learned About Marriage

             Photo: JERMIL SADLER

The other day the hubs and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary. It got me thinking a lot about marriage....what mistakes I've made.....and what lessons I've learned. I thought I'd share a few lessons with you below. Feel free to chime in if you any marital wisdom of your own in the comments section.

1.) Kids make marriage sweeter. Words cannot express the satisfaction that comes from producing a baby with the person you love. To see a little person who looks just like my spouse crawling around the house, spontaneously takes my breath away. It allows me to see my husband in an entirely new vulnerable light and is a very joyous thing. I try to be present and grateful in our day-to-day life, and always remember the privilege I've been given.

2.) It's important to pay attention, and act accordingly. Though having a baby is absolutely awesome, it's also extremely exhausting.  There are moments where I feel at my wits end, and my husband swoops in like superman and offers to take the baby off my hands for a little while. That's called, paying attention. Paying attention is very valuable. It makes the other person feel seen and cared for. I try to pay attention as much as I can.

3.) It's important to fight fair. Over the course of a marriage you're bound to find yourself in the midst of an occasional heated argument. How you handle these moments can determine the difference between whether a dispute strengthens or weakens your marriage. It's easy to get upset in the moment and raise your voice or use unkind words, but such treatment can lead to resentment and exacerbation of the issue at hand. I've learned it's important to stay calm, kind, and open to a differing perspective when there is a disagreement. Since learning how to "fight fair" I've been amazed at how much more quickly our disputes are settled, and how we both seem to feel much better after an issue has been resolved.

To learn what others have learned visit CHATTING AT THE SKY.

"Marriage is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day." ~Barbara de Angelis

Won't You Be My Neighbor?: 6109 Ready Ave., Baltimore, MD 21212

A lovely new victorian home just hit the market in Lake Walker. Nestled on one of my favorite blocks in the neighborhood, it gives you small town charm mixed with urban amenities. With four bedrooms and two full baths it provides plenty of room for growing families. Come take a look around.

I adore the dining room's chandelier. Believe it or not it's even more appealing in-person.

The bench in front of the bay window provides a nice place to curl up and read a book. 

 The kitchen is newly renovated with high-end appliances and an open view.

One of two full baths is on the first level. 

 The home features gorgeous original hardwood floors, including in the bedrooms.

The bay window in the master bedroom provides a quaint green view.

 The property has been wonderfully landscaped, and offers beautiful pops of color that vary by season.

 Can't you see yourself relaxing sipping tea on the wrap around porch?

The owner's are asking $349,000. You can learn more about the listing HERE.

Sale Alert: Cheap Tickets to Europe from Baltimore

Hello neighbors! I just wanted to let you all know about a fantastic sale going on for travel to Europe from Baltimore through WOW AIR. You can fly one-way for as low as $99. Yep, $99 that's no typo. Hurry, and check it out while tickets last. The sale also applies to flights out of Boston, for any Boston readers.

Work as a Gift

Many of us hate our work. Whether it be our 9 to 5 (or more like 9 to 9 for some of us), or household duties, work is something many people resent. I must admit, I used to be in the aforementioned camp, particularly when it came to running errands and cleaning up around the house. I felt like housework was tedious and never ending, not to mention thankless. I mean how often do you hear your spouse or kid say, "Thanks so much for scrubbing the toilet spotless, or I really appreciate you paying that medical bill on time"?

Recently,  I've begun to look at work differently. I recognize the importance of housework in maintaining an efficient, safe, and peaceful household. Now instead of resenting doing work around the house, I am thankful for it.

I use the time I do chores to be consciously grateful. I remember to be thankful for the financial ability to pay bills, for the physical ability to clean up, for a great family to clean up after, and for the mental capacity to organize.

On days when I am particularly fortunate, I get a moment to quietly sit back and enjoy the fruits of my labor. Like the other day when I had a chance to stop and look at my first ever homegrown floral arrangement. It's amazing how something so small, can feel so big. Hard work and gratitude will do that for ya.

What about you do you enjoy your work?

"In everything, give thanks." ~1 Thessalonians 5:17