Well, yes, in most stories, the Beauty would come before the Beast (aka the Beard); however, in our stories (both individually and together), we've always gone about things a bit backward. So, we figured, why change that now? Backward, we say? We grew up not knowing about the existence of the other for quite some time. And, well, life happened. Brevan and Rianna were born into Adam's little family, and Zachary, Quinn, and Xander were born into Laura's little family. It wasn't until 2016 when our families came together as one blended, lovely, out of this world, crazy family.

Years ago, we met in the middle of our typical work-day. We worked in different departments and rarely had any reason to talk to one another. But then, our paths crossed when our teams decided to meet after work for a de-stressing night of drinks. Glances shot across the table, and as they say, the rest is history. Over the next few months, we took any and every opportunity to talk – whether in-person or through text. We found reasons to venture next door to the other person’s desk. We found ways just to get to know one another. As months went by and our friendship grew stronger, we knew we had something special. Adam somehow conjured up the courage to ask the oh-so-important question as we sat on the top of the “mountain” at Lewis and Clark monument looking at the Omaha skyline. “Ms. Schneider, will you, uh, be my girlfriend?” (Yes, Mr. Articulate himself, stuttered). To which I answered, “Maybe.” Which, really meant, "yes, it’s about frickin’ time." Even though we worked together, we still hardly saw each other, as we didn’t live in the same town, I was leaving the company for another opportunity, and we both had responsibilities at home with our children. And then he tells me, “I have to go on a business trip to California.” DAYS AFTER WE BECAME OFFICIAL. How rude, right? (Just kidding – totally wasn’t hurt by it, but like to give him crap, because, you know, that’s how we roll!) So, here we are just having become a couple, what was I to do? Fly out to California to surprise him, of course! I booked my flight (thinking it was the SILLIEST thing I could do, and he was going to think I was a nutcase), went home, packed my bags, and got on that plane. When I landed in Denver for the layover, I texted him a picture of my DEN to LAX boarding pass and asked him to pick me up from the airport. To which he responded, “I was hoping you were coming here.” And, that’s where our adventure truly began.

Do you ever have that moment in your life where you feel as though you've known someone for eternity? That pretty much sums us up. We knew at this point in our relationship, we were a little crazy. But, with Adam's apartment lease ending soon and Laura's daily commute becoming way too much to handle, we decided to go out on a limb and begin the search for OUR first home. We went to countless open houses and viewed even more properties online (speaking HUNDREDS of properties! We're picky, okay?). Until one day, we walked in the doors of a house with an impeccably well-maintained backyard that the kids would fall in love with and a dining room that could fit our ENTIRE army around one table! But, as it turned out, we also have expensive taste, and this near perfect for us house was $25,000 over our budget. So, our search continued. More open-houses, more online property searches. But then, Laura heard a ding from her Zillow app. The notification read, "A property you recently viewed has lowered its price." Remember now, HUNDREDS of viewings, right? Well, cue the music and align the stars, the perfect for us house lowered its price to fall right within our budget! We called our agent, viewed the property that afternoon, submitted an offer, and signed the contract! All in one day's work. Whew! The closing day took forever and a day to arrive, but when it did, it was a sunny Tuesday in September, and we walked out of the signing office with two shiny keys that combined our two houses into one home.

You have made me a better person than I ever knew I could be, and you continue to make me better, and braver, and kinder, every single day. Knowing you and loving you has been one of the greatest things I’ve gotten to do in my life, and I can’t believe that I get to keep knowing you better and loving you more. Here’s to happily ever after.