27Jun
Fifteen years ago, if someone would have asked me if I knew who Kate was I would have said, “that redheaded girl?”
Twelve years ago, if you would have told me that I would begin dating the girl I would eventually marry I would have said, “you’re crazy”.
Ten years ago, if you would have told me that after I married Kate we would pack up and move to Connecticut I would have said, “you are off your rocker”.
Six years ago, on our wedding day, if you would have told me that we would buy a house in Connecticut and have two dogs I might have fainted.
Four years ago, if you would have told me that this would be the house that we would have our Bean in, I would have smiled with fear.
Two years ago, in the middle of a long night, if you would have told me that the little Bean would fill our lives with so much joy, I would have said, “you are too tired to think straight”.
One and a half years ago, if you would have told me that we would soon pack our bags and fly south, I would have said, “it is so hot in Florida”.
One year ago, if you would have told me that our house would be vandalized and we were having a baby girl, I would have said, “now that’s just ridiculous”.
Nine months ago, if you would have told me that we would only be in this house for eleven months, I would have said, “I’m staying here forever”.
Six months ago, if you would have told me that the first three months of having our second baby would be a very long three months, I would have said, “nah, it will be fine!”
Two months ago, if you would have told me that we would be buying a house in July, I would have said, “you are too tired to think straight.”
One month ago, if you would have told me that our little firecracker Gracie would finally settle down, I would have thrown you out.
Twelve years ago, if you would have told me that I would still be able to enjoy a quiet rainy Saturday sitting on the couch watching movies with that same redheaded girl, I would have unknowingly smiled.
Kate,
I stopped wondering what the future will hold many years ago. Our lives change every single day, so I do not even worry about what is next. But I do know that I love my life. I am married to one of the coolest, most beautiful people that I know, and even though every minute isn’t sunshine and rainbows, every day I love you more and more. Kate, twelve years ago we were trying to make it home by curfew and look how far we have come. You have made me a dad, and you have watched me grow into a man and I am so thankful that I have you each and every day. You are an amazing mother, a spectacular wife, and my best friend. There is no one I would rather go through life with, and I cannot even imagine what the next twelve years will bring. But I know that I want you to be by side through all of them.
I love you,
Chris
1) Kelly: um, this is hands down the sweetest, most adorable love note I have EVER read from husband to wife-and such an amazing gesture. Chris, you are so sweet-this made my whole day and I dont even know you guys (in person anyways =o) ) Kate-you have a keeper =o) (06.27.2011 08:45pm)
2) SushiMama: Totally crying. I don't think it's the hormones, I think this is just beautiful. You're blessed to have each other! (06.27.2011 08:45pm)
3) Alaina: Aw, this is so sweet - you two are so cute and such an inspiration as a couple! (06.27.2011 08:45pm)
4) Alicia: Ok...that was seriously the most awesome love not ever! Katie....you are one lucky girl! (06.27.2011 08:47pm)
5) Ashley @ According to Ashley: Chris, I'm pretty sure I comment with the same words on all of your posts, but......You are so adorable! Such sweet words! (06.27.2011 08:47pm)
6) Katherine: LOVE THIS. I got a little teary too! :) (06.27.2011 08:53pm)
7) Megan: wow, this reads as a beautiful affirmation of vows. thank you for sharing. (06.27.2011 08:53pm)
8) alison: such a sweet love note! Katie is one lucky girl! (06.27.2011 08:55pm)
9) Miriam @ Sometimes I Veg: Chris, this is absolutely beautiful. The two of you are so lucky to have each other and your children. Such a wonderful post. (06.27.2011 09:08pm)
10) Candice: Oh. Oh wow. I'm tearing up. This is amazing. Katie is a lucky, lucky woman. (06.27.2011 09:11pm)
11) tessabella76: What an sweet, awesome post! If I wasn't already married to a guy just as sweet as you, I'd be jealous! (06.27.2011 09:14pm)
12) Kelly: I am boo-hooing. In a good way. (06.27.2011 09:33pm)
13) Staci: Great. Now I'm crying. Thanks, Chris! What a beautiful note. You guys are amazingly real. And, I like you for it. (06.27.2011 09:37pm)
14) Jordan: And 3 years ago if someone had told you that your wife would be chronicling you're daily lives on a popular blog you would've said?? :) Wonderful post, Chris! (06.27.2011 09:47pm)
15) Jeanne: Thanks a lot Chris. You made me tear. That was a sweet note. (06.27.2011 09:50pm)
16) Shiny: Chris: On behalf of married men everywhere: when you write beautiful, loving posts like this, it truly sets the bar higher for the rest of us. So please cut it out. :) Best to you both and your wonderful, happy family. (06.27.2011 09:51pm)
17) molly: Okay, totally crying now. Sweet as sugar. (06.27.2011 09:57pm)
18) Amy: Oh gosh, I've got tears in my eyes. How beautiful! (06.27.2011 10:05pm)
19) Lisa: Beautiful. Just beautiful. You guys are amazing. (06.27.2011 10:06pm)
20) Katie C: That was beautiful!! Made me tear up! I wish my husband was as expressive as you, Chris. You are both very blessed to have each other! ;) (06.27.2011 10:09pm)
21) Lara & Ari: Sitting here together balling my eyes out about this sweet post!! I love you guys!!! (06.27.2011 10:11pm)
22) Lori @ I Can Grow People: And once again, the Browns succeed in making me cry... (06.27.2011 10:13pm)
23) laurenbtrain: Chris is such a stud! Love this post and love your whole family!!! (06.27.2011 10:15pm)
24) Andrea: Seriously, one of the sweetest notes EVER! My husband is super good at writing cards and love notes, but this is right up there with the best of them! Katie, you are a lucky girl to have a husband that loves you like that! (06.27.2011 10:17pm)
25) dyanna: Best post EVER!! I think my husband needs to trad this and take pointers!! Katie you are one lucky woman! (06.27.2011 10:29pm)
26) Betty: So sweet! (06.27.2011 10:41pm)
27) victoria67: oh my goodness, one of the sweetest notes ever!!! i was teary-eyed by the end :) too special and heart-warming. God bless you all! (06.27.2011 10:43pm)
28) Amy L Butler: So sweet and absolutely beautiful! (06.27.2011 10:44pm)
29) Angela: Way too sweet :) This was pretty much an excerpt from a Nicholas Sparks novel. (06.27.2011 10:55pm)
30) Jennifer: Now that's just about the sweetest thing I've read. Nice post Chris. You're both very blessed to have one another. (06.27.2011 10:56pm)
31) Barbara Manatee: This is so adorable and sweet!! What an affirmation for Kate after pouring her heart out this past week! (06.27.2011 11:00pm)
32) sherene: The sweetest thing:)) (06.28.2011 01:58am)
33) Jenna: you two were made for each other :) (06.28.2011 05:37am)
34) Chloe: Awwww... This is so sweet. This is beautiful. You're so lucky, Katie! (06.28.2011 05:53am)
35) Ashley @ A Recipe for Sanity: Okay, now I'm crying. This was absolutely beautiful, and it's your relationship that makes me love this blog as I have for 2 years now! (06.28.2011 07:06am)
36) Tressa: You two are totally blessed to have found your soul mates so young and spend FOREVER together!! And you two make such ADORABLE babies together ;-) (06.28.2011 08:13am)
37) Amanda: This was really sweet Chris! (06.28.2011 08:21am)
38) Alyssa: I knew I should have waited to read this. I'm tearing up at work :) (06.28.2011 08:43am)
39) Meghan: This is so sweet and amazing, Chris! What a wonderful note for Kate - your love for her (and your children) is palpable when reading this. You are both so lucky to have each other! (06.28.2011 09:10am)
40) Ella: Beautiful post Chris! You and katie are so lucky to have each other and your gorgeous family :) (06.28.2011 09:43am)
41) Mindee@ourfrontdoor: Yeah, you're gettin' some tonight. ;) (06.28.2011 09:54am)
42) Jen @ Caved In: Katie, I have a serious crush on Chris now, just so you know. Can I borrow him to remind my husband that romance is still needed after 10 years together. I think Mike thinks there's a limit. Lol @ Mindee! (06.28.2011 10:13am)
43) Carrie T: What a sweet post. I'm sending my husband here tonight!!!! (06.28.2011 10:53am)
44) Lindsay (Young Married Mom): Beautiful. :) (06.28.2011 10:55am)
45) Lisa: This is so sweet! My husband and I just had our 1 year anniversary, and it is wonderful to see that you two can be so in love! Everyone says just wait you're in the "honeymoon" stage, but thank you for proving that wrong! (06.28.2011 10:57am)
46) Amy @ Serve at Once: Nicely done, Chris. ;) My boyfriend and I found each other when we were 15 and 16, so we can relate to getting used to the passage of time and the CRAZY things it brings. Bless you and your sweet family! (06.28.2011 01:18pm)
47) Grandma Barnes: I've always told Katie that shde picked a winner. Today, you proved me right. katie made me cry yesterday, now today you have done the same. X O X O X O (06.28.2011 01:26pm)
48) Adrienne Chambers: OMG you are killing me!! I am crying over here....this was the most beautiful thing I have ever read. (06.28.2011 03:17pm)
49) Maybelline @ Naturalmente Mamá: Awwww!! this is soooo sweet!! you have a wonderful family!! and it's really nice to see you loved them so much (06.28.2011 03:39pm)
50) Anne: "LIKE!" (06.28.2011 03:41pm)
51) RACHEL: CUTE! (06.28.2011 04:20pm)
52) Cindy In Owensboro, KY: What an awesome post!! You are an amazing man! (06.28.2011 05:08pm)
53) Kat @ Living Like the Kings: No kidding, I'm teary eyed. This is the sweetest love note. And it does go to show you how little we guess about our future. (06.28.2011 09:17pm)
54) Olivia @ Crossing Bridges: I'm crying now. This is so sweet. And my husband doesn't like you, even though he's never met you, because you're showing him up! (06.28.2011 09:21pm)
55) Syreena: This will be so amazing to read twenty something years from now...so sweet :) (06.28.2011 09:54pm)
56) Em: Oh how special! You deserve each other :) (06.28.2011 10:09pm)
57) Corinn: So, so sweet. Good job, Chris! (06.28.2011 10:44pm)
58) Janet: Chris, every wonderful woman deserves a wonder man like you in her life! Thank you for being a galaxy of love, every day, every year... forever after! (06.28.2011 11:56pm)
59) Christy: I'm not sure whether to tell you to get a room or keep your pants on. You two are the sweetest! You make me want a bajillion babies! (06.29.2011 12:00am)
60) Jen at Cabin Fever: Ok... this is THE SWEETEST THING EVER and brought happy tears thanks to my hormonally pregnant self. :) Cabin Fever in Vermont (06.29.2011 08:19am)
61) Bec: Chris - if you are in the dog house for something, this is a sure way to get yourself out of it...I hope it worked! hehehe (06.29.2011 11:29am)
62) Julienne: Oh no.. tears at work!! What a sweet and thoughtful message.. (06.29.2011 01:57pm)
63) Rebecca: I'm tearing up! What a sweet letter! Is it bad that I want to print this out and drop it as a huge hint to my husband? :) (06.29.2011 07:24pm)
64) Erin: *sigh* Can you pass some of the sweetness over to my hubby please? (06.29.2011 10:46pm)
65) Jen @sweetpinkruffles: I read this out loud to my (sweet and romantic) husband and we both cried like babies. Thank you guys for setting an awesome example. Much Love. (06.29.2011 11:52pm)
66) madders: i've been reading your blog for over two years now, but never commented, while continuously aspiring to what you two have. i just got engaged to my college sweetheart of 5 years and this post really resonated with me. you two are adorable and i look forward to spending the rest of my life with my fiance, having kids, and taking advice from you guys! thanks, i really love the blog! (06.30.2011 01:12am)
67) Jenna: I so enjoy Katie every day ... now I know why you two are so good together :) (06.30.2011 10:15am)
68) The Newlywed: That was sooo sweet...definitely made me tear up! I can only hope that after 12 years of marriage my husband will write a note like that......maybe I should show him this as a subtle hint! :) (06.30.2011 05:59pm)
69) Haley: This is by far the cutest thing I have ever seen.. I'm only 21 and it gives me hope that not all guys are jerks! :D Kate you've got yourself a keeper!!! (06.30.2011 06:03pm)
70) Amanda H: Chills. Beautiful. (07.03.2011 12:52pm)
71) Lynne: What a beautiful post. I hope my own two boys will one day be able to write a similar post to their wives. Treasure each other, you are both right where you are supposed to be. Blessings to you both. (07.05.2011 12:39am)
72) Clare: Oh my gosh... *sigh* Beautiful. (07.06.2011 06:07am)
73) Holli: Sniff. I'm crying..typical. I'm glad that finally got a chance to catch up and read this. If my husband wrote something like this to me, he'd never have to lift a finger again. So sweet!! (07.10.2011 11:55pm)
74) Missy: Chris, I have been married for 37 years. Your written words will never be forgotten. Kate, will cherish them forever and your children will know that love can survive (through struggles, pain, LIFE) and even continue to grow. You truly have become a man......and as a mother, am very proud of you. (07.17.2011 10:31pm)
75) sarah: ah, so pretty. i hope i can give my husband just a little percentage of the happiness Katie has given you:) (07.22.2011 05:00pm)
76) Karin: Ok, definitely dittoing everything that everyone else said. I smiled, I teared up, I laughed! This was so, so, so perfect. (09.03.2011 06:42am)
77) Sumer: Beautiful. (11.10.2011 10:22pm)
78) Michael McCray: Extremely Moving! Beautiful, I googled the keywords a love note in hopes of finding book ideas, and I found yours! thumbs Up! I'm in the process of writing a piece on the same level not complete, but you really touched me with this one! Very Original (12.16.2011 01:34am)
79) Fawn: Wow, this is beautiful. I love it! I also love how he only blogs once every few months (or bi-annual). I don't know that I'll ever get my hubby to go near a blog (although he does spy on me to see how much of the beans I'm spilling since I'm an open book and he's a little more private :)). Thanks for sharing. Your wife and children are absolutely gorgeous! (12.16.2011 03:20pm)
80) Peg: One of the sweetest things I think I have ever read. (12.17.2011 03:50pm)