Anniversary thoughts

Rob and I just celebrated our four year anniversary this past week. We also found out that we were going to be parents this past week. At dinner celebrating both having made it four years and finally getting started on our family, we talked about how we thought we were doing on the joint five year plan we made when we got married. For the most part we have done fairly well on our list of shared goals. Some items didn't happen the way we thought they would. For example, we had both wanted to have 'real' jobs. We both still work for the company we worked for when we got married, but Rob has moved up in the company to an office position and I have stayed because of the flexibility it allows me to pursue my degree and get our company up and running. We also discussed where we wanted to be five more years from now.

I think it is very important in a marriage to set joint goals. I have known couples that both have five year plans that are independent of the other... What happens if you reach your goals and you weren't working towards the same thing? It ends up pulling you apart! On the other hand, when the two of you are pulling together towards a shared purpose, you are more likely to succeed than on your own and when you get there, you will end up in the same place as your spouse.

Where were we supposed to be by May of next year?
Have finished master's degree (me)
Have started grad school (Rob)
Have our own home
Have real jobs
Have started planning for retirement
Have started a family

Our first two goals have to do with finishing our education. I will graduate in July of this year with my MBA, then return to finish my concentration area (March hopefully). Rob is a little behind on his as we had to be sure we were staying somewhere for two or three years before he could apply for grad school. He is looking at masters programs locally and thinking about studying for the GRE.

The next three goals had to do with gaining financial and geographic stability so that we could...start a family without worrying about money on top of the stress and excitement of a baby. While we haven't bought a house yet, we have made it out of apartment complexes.

The next five years will hopefully bring a couple more kids, a house of our own, my sister and I's company taking off. Rob hopes to be working with either the military or on an international level in his company and have finished his master's degree. I hope and pray that wherever we end up we can find a church family that feels like home. The Lord has kept us so far. We have a good life and it has been an amazing four years together!