Dear Orienthus,
Wow! Five years of marriage has gone by so fast! Heck, I feel like the almost TEN years that we have known each other have flown by! Seriously. I feel like it was just yesterday when we were falling asleep on the phone together every night. :) (I hope I don't ruin too much of your street cred here! Ha!)
When I first met you in 2003, it took me a little bit to come around. But, once we started talking more I thought you were super cool, laid back, and right up my alley! "A thug....a thug with a JOB!!!!" LOL
For the first couple years of our relationship, we were long distance. You taught me how to make it easier and I have applied that to everything since then: Do not worry about what you can't control. At that time, I was where I needed to be and you were where you needed to be. That was the simple truth. In the long run, I know it made us a stronger couple because we actually had to learn to communicate with each other.
As our relationship progressed, you moved to Chicago for work temporarily. I was so surprised to get a phone call one day saying "I bought you a plane ticket to come visit!" Wow!!! I could not believe you followed through with that promise! :) And I was elated! I ended up visiting you twice before you left The Windy City. I think that is were we really fell in love (and where my first set of diamonds came from! lol).
Who wouldn't fall in love with this gorgeous view?
When I think back on our time in Chicago, it reminds me of all the fun we had! Hardly any money problems, no kids to worry about and take care of, just carefree fun!
After I finished school, we decided that I would move up to Michigan. Me, never wanting to impose, said I would look for an apartment. You surprised me again by saying "Why would you do that?! Move in with me!" And so I did! In 2006, we moved my stuff in the dead of night in the back of a "borrowed" Econoline van from your job. hahahaha
Moving in together didn't change anything about our relationship! Not many people can say that!! We had a lot of fun taking trips and visiting nearby locations when we weren't doing the daily grind. After a trip to Miami, we both realized Michigan was not the place for us!! We immediately began searching for jobs closer to the south. We decided whoever got a good job offer first, that is where we would move!
Another thing I love about you is that you ALWAYS support me in whatever I want to do. Whether it's starting my business with Mary Kay, staying home with Olivia for her first year, or going back to school, you always encourage me to be the best me that I can be!
It didn't take long to find a job. Just about 5 months from making the decision to move, North Carolina here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We enjoyed the sunshiny south very much!!
And just about a month after we moved, ANOTHER surprise!!!
And you are such a good daddy! I can't imagine Olivia growing up without you in her life. We balance each other out so well. LOL When I am exasperated and stressed out, Super Daddy steps in and takes over.
And four years later...
Your mini-me was born!
Through the years, we have battled money problems, disagreements, and many many life struggles, but we always come around to the same conclusion: We will get each other through anything!
I can't imagine my life without you and love you so much!!! I hope that through all my stubbornness and willfulness, you see how much I love and admire you for the awesome man that you are.
Happy anniversary!!!
