chapter 1

Year 1:

Dearest Husband,

It's hard to believe one year of marriage has gone by this quickly. It feels like your romantic proposal was just yesterday! Although that was such an exciting time, I must say I'm glad our engagement is over. As much as I love you, I would never want to go back to months of planning, stress, and starving myself to fit in my dress. It's been so good to relax and let loose with you over this past year!

It's been a year full of memorable new experiences, starting with the honeymoon cruise. I often think about those nights we spent at sea, gazing up at the starry night sky and talking about the future...not to mention that chocolate mousse dessert that I STILL crave from time to time. I know I was initially hesitant about going, but I suppose I should learn to trust your judgment with these things.

I'm so glad that we are settling into a daily routine. I know you weren't crazy about us living apart during the engagement but I think it gave us an opportunity to learn more about each other over this past year. I never realized you were such an amazing cook! I appreciate how even when I come home from work late you have some delicious meal prepared for me! Sometimes I feel like a disappointment when I lay on the couch and you are busy with housework. I know I shouldn't be so lazy but you just make it so easy. I suppose I'll have to make it up to you in other ways :)

Here's to a fantastic first year of marriage. You are my flame, my lover, my true desire. I will love you, always.

Happy Anniversary!

~*~*~*~

Year 5:

Dearest Husband,

It has been an absolute pleasure to have been married to you for now five years! No, you really do heap on the pleasure, you know that? I've kept track. Over the past year you arranged a trip to the spa for me no less than 7 times. You somehow managed to get a table at Georgio's not once, but twice. And that diamond ring? It was to die for. If your goal is to spoil me rotten then I believe you are well on your way to doing so. Although, maybe you could slow it down just a little bit? I think my waistline is still trying to recover from the dessert tour you took me on last weekend...

But of course, you offer more than just material things. I am so grateful for the guidance that you provide. I'm nervous about leaving my job, but I think you are right that some quiet time at home will help me sort out my priorities. I just hope I can resist the urge to nap and watch HGTV all day long!

We've done so much together over these past five years and I feel as though we are building such a great foundation for the future. I know we are both eager to start a family and I hope that time will come soon. Whatever happens, I know I will always be able to depend on you.

You are my partner, my ally, my supporter. I will love you, always.

Happy Anniversary!