Things We've Learned: One Year Edition

I cannot believe that Phil and I have been married for an entire year already. In a lot of ways, it feels shorter, but then it also feels like we've always been married. I look back with such fondness at our first year of marriage. It's really been amazing.

I wanted us to document the things that we've learned about each other during this year, so Phil and I made separate lists. Here they are, in no particular order.

Things Phil's Learned about Hannah

1. She's a clean freak (hates messes in the microwave, unorganized piles of shoes and splatters on the counter).
2. Family time is super important.
3. She's really sassy.
4. She loves throw pillows. 
5. She can have a whole closet of clothes and still hate every single outfit she puts on.
6. She gets excited to plan surprises, but is terrible at keeping secrets.
7. She always, ALWAYS does her hair and makeup, even if she isn't going outside that day.
8. Between outdoor and indoor activities, she'll always choose indoor.
9. Snuggle time is sacred time. 
10. She cares more than anyone else I know about celebrating birthdays (not just her own, but everyone else's as well). 
11. She takes meticulous notes when reading the scriptures.
12. She hates when I study and she doesn't have anything to do.
13. She needs time to cool down before she can resolve a fight.
14. She loves taking pictures of everything.
15. She loves Taylor Swift.
16. Justin Bieber is her guilty pleasure, along with every chick flick ever made. 
17. She knows pop trivia better than anyone I've ever met.
18. She loves to nest and decorate the apartment. 
19. She's messy when she eats in bed, but doesn't spill when we eat at the table. 

Things Hannah's Learned about Phil

1. Don't try to have serious conversations with him when he's tired or hungry.
2. If you're using his tube of toothpaste, only squeeze from the bottom. Never try to squeeze from the top.
3. He doesn't function well on little sleep. 
4. He snores when he sleeps on his back, but always rolls over when I nudge him at night.
5. He loves Saturday morning breakfast. 
6. He doesn't do well being inside all day. 
7. He is also sassy.
8. He has a different definition of "clean" than I do.
9. Throw pillows aren't something that Phil understands, or particularly likes.
10. He's very sensitive to the needs of others. 
11. He loves visiting new places, but hates the traveling process.
12. Food is his love language.
13. He loves Sunday naps. 
14. He is great about temple attendance.
15. He always says his morning and evening prayers.
16. He has a low pain threshold. 
17. He hates being bugged when he's studying.
18. He loves homemade gifts.
19. He loves cookies.
20. He loves notes in his lunches.
21. He is a big fan of DIY projects. 
22. He always wants to resolve a fight in the moment.
23. He loves playing with little kids. 
24. He's a total nerd (He loves WWII history and anything science related).
25. He rotates through his shirts so none of them feel lonely or left out.
26. He doesn't fold laundry the same way I do.
27. He can sleep through anything. 
28. He loves teaching me about science and the human body.
29. He gets nervous for interviews. 

Overall, I think the thing we've learned most about each other is just how much we love spending time together. Phil truly is my best friend and I can't imagine what I would do without him. Marriage requires hard work, patience, love and the unfailing desire to serve your spouse. However, it's also filled with joy, comfort, laughter, love, and contentment. 

I'm truly truly blessed to be with this guy. Before Phil and I were married, I remember a conversation with my Dad where I felt the Spirit testify to me about the beauty and blessing of marriage. I felt such joy at knowing that Heavenly Father allows us to find someone that we love completely, lets us choose to marry them and then, through His powerful priesthood, seals us together for all of eternity. I know that God lives and loves me because He gave me a wonderful husband that reminds me of that fact daily. 

I love you Phil! Here's to a many more anniversaries and years of joy ahead.