3 Years

Bret and I have been married for 3 years, as of Sunday. Time sure flies, huh? I know that every marriage is different and that just because we have had a smooth start doesn't mean we won't ever have bumps in the road, but would it be okay if I brag a bit on Bret and why he makes our marriage so fantastic?

(Since I can't hear your response, I'll just assume you said "Yes." If you're thinking, "Ugh, please don't. We're sick of this mushy mush," then feel free to locate the little 'x' button at the top left of your screen that means "exit." No hard feelings.)

1. Bret doesn't get mad. We don't always agree on everything, but in three years we have never had anything that qualifies as a fight. I think our biggest disagreements center on men in tights and other art-related subjects. :)

2. Bret lets me be Mrs. Blabbermouth and doesn't complain. By this I mean that when it is just the two if us alone my mouth generally gets yapping and I say anything and everything that passes through my brain, whether or not it is worth sharing. He just listens. I must amuse him or something.

3. Bret is so darn good looking. Is that essential in a marriage? Not really. Does it help that I can't get over how incredibly handsome my husband is? Yup.

4. Bret is money-smart. Neither of us are big spenders, but he can think in numbers a lot better than I can, and I know that has prevented any monetary issues from affecting our marriage. He remembers to keep tabs on bills and deposits and tithing... things that I tend to forget (often). He is a TJ Maxx kind of guy who doesn't criticize me for loving a good sale at Banana Republic. He knows how to balance fun and frugal, live-it-up and save-it-up, nice and necessary.

5. Bret wants to be a provider and a professional. I love that he is learning so much in school and that he is excited about the profession he has chosen. I appreciate that he wants a career that can support his family, but not take him away from his family too much.

6. Bret is just vanilla. There is no such thing as drama with him. He doesn't get petty and critical with others. Things always seem to be in perspective in his brain... no blowing things out of proportion, worrying too much, etc. He helps me look at things more clearly.

7. Bret always makes the bed (unless I'm still in it). I've never had to ask him or remind him. And although we have different bed-making preferences (don't all girls like the sheets pulled tight and straight, tucked in at the bottom, or is it just me?) he is vigilant about making it and it always looks very nice.

8. Bret is never critical of my weaknesses. I think he sees more in me than I see in myself. He is patient with me and always makes me feel good about who I am.

9. Bret supports me in my love of the arts, even when he doesn't fully understand why I am so passionate about them. This year when I chose to quit my job at the high school for a full-time, self-created position doing dance outreach for the ballet, he supported me fully, even though it complicated some aspects like health insurance and job security. He listens while I hash out ideas and share my experiences working in different classrooms, even when I'm talking over an NBA championship game.

10. Bret is going to be a wonderful dad! We haven't put anything about it on our blog, but I'm assuming that everyone who reads this knows we are expecting a little baby girl in October. I secretly hoped for a boy for Bret, but he is so thrilled about this little girl. I know he is going to be so patient, kind, and FUN with her. I know it will bring a lot of new responsibilities into his life (yes, he will have to change his first ever diaper), but I'm so grateful that even though "loosing freedom" is a big sacrifice for him, he is more concerned about creating an eternal family. I'm grateful to him for trusting that the joy accompanying this new phase of life will outweigh the struggles.

Here's to the happiest and most confident three years of my life, and to 3 million more to go. I love you Bret!