Happy 4th Anniversary!

Yesterday we celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary. It’s certainly been the most wonderful 4 years of my life, filled with the sweet memories together. I love spending time with Brandon whether we’re traveling to places like Sanibel Islands or Seattle, skiing together at Elk, or just spending an evening together at home. It took us 4 ½ months before going on a date night without Nate but Brandon has always made it a point to make our times at home special and fun. I so enjoy our times reading together, playing wii or card games, and even the game of Sorry (even though I always win!). Oh, how I love spending time with you my love!

It’s obvious that Nate loves his time with daddy as well. Recently, Brandon was away on a business trip for four days and it seemed like Nate missed his daddy very much. Brandon is so good at caring for Nate but can also get him riled up like no one else. Nate smiles sweetly for mommy but saves his cackles for daddy. I tried to play with Nate like Brandon does (toss him up in the air, swinging him, holding him upside down, tickling him, etc) while Brandon was away but I just couldn’t quite get him to laugh like Brandon does.

He’s also the most caring man I know and the addition of Nathan into our lives has only brought opportunities for me to receive his care all the more. I know he’s tired from work and has not gotten the best of sleep with Nate’s waking at night, but when he comes home from work, he’s selflessly always looking for ways to help me with just about anything. From grocery shopping, taking care of Nate so I can prepare dinner, bathing Nate to protect my back, taking the laundry basket down to the basement, making me a cup of tea or coffee at night, offering massages and tickles…the list goes on and on.

However, what I’ve grown to respect and love him for the most in these past few years is his patience with me. Our 4 years of marriage has not been without conflicts and trials but each and every time, Brandon has always been so quick to extend patience, forgiveness and love. He is almost always the first one to ask for forgiveness and seems so ready to forgive. Love, I know I've sought to encourage you about this before but just wanted to publically encourage you again. I am always amazed at how quick you are to embrace humility and it makes me love you and the Savior more. Thanks for demonstrating to me so often of how the cross can shape our lives.

Thanks for loving us and caring for us like you do. I pray and hope that the Lord encourages you that He is aware of your sacrifices. I am the most blessed wife I know and I am grateful for the godly influence you"ll have on Nathan. May the Lord bless us with many more years and wonderful memory making opportunities together! Happy Anniversary!