I met my husband in 2008. I was a week shy of turning 17. I actually don’t remember meeting him for the first time. Now? I’m turning 24 and he will be 30 in 3 months. Time is flying.

Interesting fact? Patrick and I have a 6.5 year age difference. This is less of an issue as we both grow older but at the time, it seemed like a big deal. However, I knew within 6 months of meeting him that I wanted to marry him, even before we officially dated. I remember sitting in class, talking with Pamela and saying… I think I love him. I can see myself marrying him. Looking back, those are big words for a 17 year old. My friends probably thought I was crazy.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the past 6 years. So much has changed in 6 years. I went from a single high school senior, to a married mom of a 2 month old. I have traveled the world with my husband, we have purchased 2 homes, we both started and ended school careers, we have fought, learned to forgive, celebrated and learned and most recently, brought a life into this world. Patrick was there for me when my dad died, only 4 months after meeting him. Patrick was there when I graduated high school and college. I was there when he changed careers, started his own company and went back to school. We have seen each other grow up. We are celebrating 4 years of marriage this week.

Patrick and I dated for 364 days. He took me back to the place he asked me to be his girlfriend, dropped to his knee and asked me to be his wife. I ugly cried and said yes. I had just celebrated my 19th birthday only 6 days prior. I was young and had a lot to learn about being a wife, but 4 months later, we were married.

That first year was hard. We learned a lot about each other that first year. I wouldn’t trade it though because it helped me learn how to forgive which is essential in any marriage. It helped me learn how to communicate, budget, cook and love without expectations.

When your husband or wife is a complete opposite, it takes a lot of compromising and a lot of patience and understanding. Patrick and I learned quickly that we are polar opposites in a lot of stuff which makes his strengths my weaknesses and vice versa. In reality, 4 years later and we still are learning about each other. Marriage takes work. You have to put effort in. You have to love extravagantly, forgive often and communicate. I am thankful for a husband who is patient with me when I’m not being the nicest or my tone could cut ice. I am thankful for a husband who doesn’t point out my flaws whenever they are the first thing that I’m putting forth.

I have learned so much in 4 years. I am so thankful that I had friends and family who still supported a crazy 19 year old saying, “YEA! Getting married at 19 is a great idea!” It sounds crazy now that I see how young I was and how little I knew… but I’m so glad I made that leap and commitment. I have had the most wonderful 4 years of learning and experiencing life with my best friend. Our marriage is like wine, it gets better every year. So cliche, but true.

Patrick and I have visited Aruba

Belize

Honduras

Grand Caymans

Bahamas

… I think I’m forgetting a few.

My husband has brought out the best in me. On our honeymoon (a cruise to the bahamas), I was TERRIFIED to leave the boat. Like, in tears. Here I was, just married, never traveled without my parents and all of the sudden, I was in another country with a man who I had just moved in with. Now? You can’t keep us on the boat. Can you tell that we love cruises? We love to explore and try new things. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still much more reserved than Patrick, but he challenges me to come out of my comfort zone. I have changed so much (for the better) in 4 years. 

1st year anniversary session!

The day after he proposed

Becoming parents.

3rd cruise!

3rd year anniversary session!

2nd anniversary photo session

Second cruise!

Our first anniversary!

Day 1 of us being a “couple” haha

The night he asked me to be his girlfriend.

Our first cruise! Honeymoon!

At our favorite place. 2009? 

Dating.

Aruba.

Engagement Photo.

High school graduation.

My 18th Birthday.

My 18th Birthday

Dating

Dating.

After my half marathon

Now. 🙂

Marrying Patrick was one of the best things I did in my life. I love living life with this man and look forward to the decades we still have before us. Bennett is waking up, so it’s time to go. I’ll probably have a sappy facebook status on the 27th. Be prepared. Happy 4 years (on the 27th) babe!

Thank for living life with me Patrick, I love you.