Warning: Turn back now if your squeamish to a little love story!
My husband and I have been together now pushing 10 years and married 4 years today. I never get tired of calling him my husband, my partner in love and life, or my best friend. I like to think I am his better half, however (wink, wink). Most marriages don't last as long as our relationship has and I can honestly say, I love him more today than I did yesterday or years past.
Brandon was the loud, funny, and the oh-so-charming popular boy in school. I was the quiet girl in the back of the classroom, just another face lost in a sea of a thousand students. He surely didn't know who I was but everyone knew who he was. He was into fast cars, girls, and car clubs. I was into Luke Perry, my little group of friends, and whatever else went on within the 4-walls of my room. I remember his cool demeanor, wild hair, and facial hair to immature to fill-in. With a beeper hooked by a chain to his baggy pants, never would I have imagined this boy to be my husband years later.
Fast forward: We were at a mutual friend's house when Brandon and I met for the first time. Like a scene out of Romeo and Juliet, Brandon got a glimpse of his future bride for the first time and looking down off the balcony was little ol' me. O Tiffany, Tiffany! Wherefore art thou Tiffany? Not exactly how it went yet... He asked his friend who I was and who I was with...? He responded, "She will one day be my girlfriend." True story. Years later and as love, fate, and timing would have it, Brandon and I eventually became a couple.
I took my time falling in love with Brandon, as I've mentioned in previous
posts. It was gradual for me. Brandon was ready to propose after a few months... and he did. To my shock and awe, I ran into the bathroom. I felt sick. Looked in the mirror and evaluated the situation... I wasn't ready! "I love you, Brandon. I really do. It's not that I don't want to marry you, I'm just not ready for that yet. We haven't even gotten into a fight!" With sad puppy-dog eyes, I think he understood. The scene of us riding off into the sunset with little blue birds holding a sign that read "And they lived happily ever after" was put on hold. Yet, just like that, our fairy tale love continued, each phase in our lives together, a new chapter.
Brandon and I got married in Aspen, Colorado, where we exchanged our vows at the base of the Maroon Bells peak. Amongst scenery so beautiful it would take your breath away, our family, and closest friends, we said, "I do." We danced the night away, toasted to our new life as husband and wife, and shared many everlasting memories together. Now as our little family grows, so does my love for my hubby, Brandon.
I knew you and I would be together forever the instant things got serious for us. The moment you broke threw my walls and caved any of my doubts. You came into my heart like a love I've never known. I could feel it! It wasn't just the tingles or butterflies, it was the pain you feel when you truly love someone. Like Columbus discovered America, you've managed to find every mole on my body. Many I didn't even know existed. You get a thrill out of discovering all my new gray hairs or the one pesky black hair that pops up out of my old-lady chin. You share my thoughts, dreams, and passions. You are there to listen and talk, well, lots of talking. You are there to make me laugh even when I'm annoyed with you. You are there to put a roof over our head and food in our bellies. I love our lazy days on the couch during a wild rain storm. I love how you love me, my family, your family, and our family. I love seeing that twinkle in your eye when you look at Olivia. I love how all our problems disappear when we are in each other's arms. I love how safe you make me feel. I love your willingness to help a stranger, to make someone's day a little brighter. I love your aspirations, goals, and drive. I love how hard you work for your family. I love your desire to help needy children and the elderly. I love you more than words could ever fully describe. Simply put, I love you.
Don't get me wrong, friends. Brandon and I have had are ups and downs. Marriage is work and we continue to work through them. There was a time during our first year of marriage where I didn't know if I could continue on. I truly was ready to throw in the towel. We both had to learn to adapt to our new partner because when you move in with someone, it really is like starting a new relationship. For instance, Brandon has to be the messiest man I have ever known. No matter which room I go into, there is a sock full of holes in it.
Cole Haan: the special holes addition. He hasn't quite mastered putting his dirty clothes in the hamper and therefore, Marley has bravely chewed his way through all of his socks. He is like a tornado, I know where he's been because he'll always leave his mark. Poor guy, however. He married a nut. He didn't know how big of a nut until he bit in and damn near broke a tooth. Our closet is color coordinated by style of shirt and pants. My grocery carts are organized like a Tetris game. Cold foods have to stick together of course. Everything about me is organized. Well, almost everything. Yet, we managed to find some sort of balance and still love each other without killing one another. Moreover, he loves to cook. My best dish, is a bowl of
kashi cereal. He loves me anyways. Some days, his gas smells like an animal crawled in his stomach and died. I love him anyways. I burp like a man. He still loves me and miraculously finds me sexy. He snores like freight train. I hog all the covers and the bed. Yet, we still cuddle throughout the night. I hate his rap music but he loves my dancing to it. He prays at night. I talk like a sailor. Through thick and thin, stinky smog, crude language, socks and open drawers, music that gives me anxiety, snoring, and man-burps, we still love to love each other.
Finally, I am very fortunate to have a bond with my husband that some may never learn to know. People always told me, "Your relationship changes after you have kids." They weren't lying. Our relationship has changed, we are no exception. However, their undertones were negative. This is one lie I was told and will expose. Our relationship has changed for the better. Our family has become a little fortress, that nothing can harm. We were always in love, but Olivia has brought out another love in us, towards each other. It's respect, admiration, appreciation, gratitude, and special kind of love only we know. It's the love in our hugs. It's the feeling in our touch. It's the electric spark in our kisses. It's a look that only we can understand. It's time growing together and learning from each other. It's our love.
As we ride off into the sunset on this journey called life, the little blue birds hold up our signs saying, "Happily Ever After Continues..."
Happy 4th Wedding anniversary, my love!
Wedding photos were taken by
Stephen Maloman.
I started this little blog with the intention of releasing my inner voice. Since Olivia was born, its been a struggle finding balance between family, friends, and me-time. However, never in a million years, did I expect to receive the kind words I receive from loyal readers like YOU. Your messages, pictures, and stories are always appreciated and most importantly, inspiring. As some of you know, I have a Facebook page to keep you immediately informed of any updates on the Pink Elephant blog, along with your daily dose of inspiration. 
