HAPPY ANNIVERSARY. A glimpse at the past 4 years

I can’t believe 4 years have passed since Dave and I were married on that sunny and cool May-day in Hartland, New Brunswick. After a sleepless night, I woke up at 6 am and took a stroll/jog around the B and B where me and all my girlfriends were staying to try and shake my nerves. The rest of the day flew by in a sort of beautiful haze. I attribute it to a combination of all the positive emotion, lack of sleep and tight dress. Totally happy and in love, Dave and I took off in our little red sunfire for our relaxed honeymoon in Old Quebec then onto Ottawa where we had our apartment and lives waiting. OLD QUEBEC

OUR APARTMENT

I remember lots of advice coming my way prior to marriage. Some claiming the first year would be the hardest, others saying it was the best. In my experience, it was both fun and challenging. We were broke and happy and trying to learn to live with each other with all of our expectations. Lots of laughs, some tears. I remember Dave and I trying to manage our tendencies to do weird things in our sleep. I had the habit of bolting upright in bed with a deranged glare that scared Dave. I would usually yell at him and insist I was awake. Dave likes to talk in his sleep, and the things he says crack me up. He still does it, and often speaks in other languages of which I’m not familiar. I usually sit up and watch him and ask him some questions for a further laugh. If I’m grouchy that I’ve been awoken, I’ll tell him he’s making no sense and to be quiet and go to sleep!

TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH DAVE's RELENTLESS APPETITE

4 years of marriage. Not a whole lot in comparison to many, but lots of stuff happening in those 4 years!
The first 2 years of our marriage Dave was still in school full time. The first year he was finishing his masters and thesis, and the second was off to teachers college. I worked full time days as a Nanny the first year, then teaching preschool the second. He also had a part time job, but worked opposite of me, mostly nights and weekends as a custodian at our church. We really didn’t see each other a whole lot! Our house mate, Eric, who rented a bedroom in our apartment the second year, would often comment that he saw each of us way more than we saw each other. It was true. That caused some teary moments from my end, as my vision of marriage not quite lining up, and feeling lonely some days. On top of this, we were surprised to find out I was pregnant about a year into marriage, and although totally pumped, I remember wondering if our little Jesse would ever see his dad! But, like many things, it was a busy and necessary stage that taught us to make the most of the time we did end up getting together.
OUR 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Dave’s hard work paid off, and he secured a permanent teaching contract at a private Christian school before he even graduated from teachers college. It was an absolute answer to prayer with a baby on the way! June 19, we expanded our little Vance riding with the birth of our gorgeous little boy, Jesse David Vance. I found having a first -child to be a huge challenge in numerous ways. In regards to marriage trying to figure out new roles while sleep deprived and on edge certainly can make you or break you. At the same time, I sort of fell in love with Dave again seeing him as a dad being cuddly and sweet and competent with our baby.

Year 3 was a BUSY one. Dave’s first year of teaching all new courses required so much prep work and he was often stressed as he was trying to figure out what sort of teacher he was and wanted to be. I was adjusting to the role of being at home with a very demanding and emotional little baby, and was also tired and stressed. But, we made time to connect and get out thanks to great friends who gave us a break here and there. We certainly miss having family in the area, and go through little stages of “lets move back East,” but we’re so thankful for a fantastic church family, and some close friendships that have really made our Ottawa adventure beautiful! We were amazed when we moved out of our little apartment last year how many people showed up to help us move!
Last summer, we finally had a bit of a vacation, the first ever together. Dave had the summer off for school break, of course, and I was still on my mat leave. It was the first feeling of normal and we had a lot of fun with Jesse and took turns sleeping in everyday!

SUMMER 2010 EAST COAST VACAY


This year has been really great. Year 4. I would say the best so far. Dave is doing such a great job at school, and managing his time. I went back to work for just a few months part- time before taking another mat leave and bringing another gorgeous baby into the world in January. Janna Grace Vance has been a total joy to the family, and Dave and I are just so in love with her. Although the days are busy, we’ve fallen into a great rhythm for getting things done and helping each other where the other one needs it. I read a devotional called “the Love Dare” earlier this year, where I was challenged to secretly do something for my spouse everyday for 40 days. Ultimately, the book switched focus and challenged and strengthened my relationship with God. Which when in line, translates into a love that is not possible in my own strength. Marriage is hard! Marriage is also awesome! To continually go deeper with one person who knows you best and loves you for it, while building so many memories is beyond special.

FAMILY OF 4!


Tonight Dave and I are going out for all you can eat at Tuckers down town . I can’t wait. To stuff my belly without kids rushing my meal or interrupting Dave and I’s conversation is what I want this year  We also have not yet watched the video footage of our wedding ceremony or reception. I can’t believe it. Anyways, love my man, life is good. Thanks for reading. I’m out!

4 years later...