A Decade of Adventures

 We haven't traveled the world, but we've learned from our surroundings no matter where we are.
We aren't wealthy, but we're rich with happiness.
We aren't brilliant scholars, but we're professional smart asses.
We aren't prim & proper, but we're kind.
We don't have perfect grammar, but we communicate well. for the most part.
We aren't perfect, but we are a lovely mess.

Ten years is a long time, my friends, and to be honest -- this party is just getting started.

We learn more about each other every day. Even though I feel like we know each other better than we know ourselves, there is always a surprise among us. Why? Because we grow.

Tim and I first met each other through a retreat, or so we've been told, neither of us remember meeting each other. Our friendship started from a mutual friend and even then we both questioned the other person. There were practical jokes, an extreme amount of sarcasm, and extra sides of sass.  This progressed into a "date" that was sort of brought on by an intoxicated dare.  No one saw it coming and I know we were both skeptical, but something about it just made sense.  Sarcasm and sass can be a nice topping for love.

We have memories on top of memories, adventures leapfrogging adventures and stories that will make Tim blush, but this story, this home, this family is one that will entertain us for a lifetime.

As an experiment, I gave Tim some homework and then I gave it to myself - enjoy! (warning, Tim is a fan of comedy and shock value.)

Tim:
What is your favorite thing about me?  Your patience
What was your favorite thing about me 10 years ago? Your Ass
What moment did you fall in love with me? When you still wanted to hug me even though I was covered in poison ivy.
What moment did you decide to ask me to marry you?  When all my tools got stolen and I could finally afford a ring with the insurance coverage!
What is your fondest memory over the last 10 years?  You throwing up out of the truck window with the window up.
What was your favorite meal that I cooked then?  The "bomb" taco salad.
What is your favorite meal that I cook now?  Hamburgers... I feel like we have digressed in this category,
What is the most difficult thing about marriage, in your opinion?  Thermostat setting and the amount of blankets that you pile on
What's the best thing about marriage?  Balance

Nicole:
What is your favorite thing about me?  Sense of Humor, by far.
What was your favorite thing about me 10 years ago?  You had a boat.
What moment did you fall in love with me?  When you helped me move into my first apartment from Austin to Denton and my mattress almost fell out of your truck.
What moment did you know I was it?  Our road trip to Reno and the letter that you wrote to my Grandfather for his 70th Birthday was icing on the cake!
What is your fondest memory over the last 10 years?  Walking home in the rain from Dallas Night Club on New Years Eve.
What was your favorite surprise?  You are full of surprises:  leaving flowers in your truck (that I was borrowing), visits from best friends and generally just doing things because you know it will make me happy. Best surprise ever -- a tv to watch while I took a bath. Worst surprise ever -- a Christmas present when we said we weren't going to give gifts.
What is the most difficult thing about marriage?  most difficult after kids - watching what I say or do. most difficult before kids - trusting someone 100% takes time.
What is the best thing about marriage?  Sharing the balance of every day life and always having a person.

Ten years, 8 moves, 2 dogs, 2 miscarriages, 2 kids, a business, lots of family to love and laugh with on all sides and we're still making it! I'm not sure how it can feel like just yesterday and forever all at the same time, but it does.

Thank you for this one amazing life that we are living together. I will continue to make you dance in random places, sing at the top of my lungs (even when I don't know the right words), and cook badly. If you will continue to steal my water, hog my blankets and take forever to try on clothes.

I did.

I do.

I will.

Love you.