About Us: Katrina + Chris, Married 19 Years.

It’s that time again.  Our anniversary week is in full effect and you know what that means.  I’ve asked some of my favorite bloggers and their husbands to stop over and to share some words on marriage.  Sit back and relax all week while they charm the pants off of you!

Katrina is an author.  As in, she published a real live book and another one is coming soon.  Everyone should have an author friend and now I have one of my very own.  Don’t be jealous, you can be friends with her too.  You won’t be able to help yourself after reading her take on marriage.  Swearsies.  Did I mention the blog?  I’m not quite sure how she does it with two dogs and four children, but you can bet I’m going to find out. 

How many years have you been a couple & who liked whom first?

We've been together for 25 years, married for almost 19. Chris asked me out a few times in high school before I said yes. He was persistent; I was reluctant. Eventually, his charm, good looks, romantic mix tapes (heavily featuring Billy Joel), and homemade cream of mushroom soup won me over.

What has being married taught you?

Katrina: That I'm not always right and that life is more fun with a best friend beside you.

Chris: If I was on a deserted island, I'd be content to be there alone with my wife and kids. They are everything I need.

What is the most fun thing the two of you have ever done together?

We tend to have a lot of fun together no matter what we do. We once had a friend who asked, "Do you always laugh at and with each other -- even when you're alone?" And we do. There's a great deal of laughter (and kitchen dancing) in this home.

How do you resolve issues?  Do you ever go to bed angry?

Katrina: We always try to keep things in perspective. And that perspective usually comes after I've yelled a little bit and then taken a few deep breaths... sometimes over the course of a few hours.

Chris: I don't go to bed angry because when there's an argument, I'm typically relegated to the couch.

What is the secret to a happy marriage?

Sometimes I think it involves a special combination of wine, Scotch, and a great sense of humor. We try not to take ourselves too seriously. But our greatest marriage advice came from a trusted advisor on our wedding day. He said, "Remember, this union comes first. No matter how many kids, grandkids, or great-grandkids may come, you must honor this relationship as your number one." We wholeheartedly believe in "putting our own oxygen masks on first." When our kids were younger, we made it a priority to hire babysitters, to go out to dinner together, to breathe and reconnect. When our kids are grown and gone, we will still have one another. That's a good thing for us because we truly enjoy each other's company. And as an added bonus, we're not afraid to shake our groove things on the dance floor.