Proud.

2010 is a HUGE year in the Winter/Munding/Schultz household.  Not only are we running around like headless chickens planning our wedding this summer (yay!) but Branden is graduating from Cal State Long Beach!  I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of my man!  If you know Branden at all, you know that he’s a hard-working, upstanding kind of guy…and I’m not just saying that because I have to.  He hasn’t always had it easy, the world has thrown some curve-balls his way but none have ever managed to knock him off his path to success.

Here’s a little story for ya.  Growing up, school was the most miserable place for Branden, a shy kid, plagued with a stutter, teased and bullied endlessly.  He lived in Big Bear and with its small town vibe he easily could have stayed on that mountain his entire life, hiding, but he knew he wanted more.  At 19, at the peak of his awkwardness and dis-fluency, Branden left the mountain once and for all and never looked back (you know, except to visit his family and whatnot).  He worked hard, went to school and little by little he worked his way to where he is now.  The stutter really isn’t a big deal to me, I hardly notice it most of the time but you’ll find that I talk about it anyway for a couple of reasons.  First, I truly believe that having a stutter is part of what makes Branden so incredibly amazing.  While it doesn’t define him in the least, it is a part of who he is and where he’s come from.  The fact that he didn’t let his speech come between him and his heart’s desire of going to college and working with people is so admirable to me.  Since he learned to talk, this has been something that he’s had to deal with and I’m just so proud of the way he never gave up on himself.  Honestly, people probably never thought Branden would go to college.  He did it completely on his own and he deserves some credit for that.  The second reason I talk about his stutter from time to time is just because I think people should be aware that it isn’t a big deal unless you make it one.  I stumble over words all the time…he totally makes fun of me, it’s hilarious.  We all do it.  Just because somebody talks a little differently doesn’t mean that they are less intelligent.  He’s the perfect example of that.  I’m proud of the fact that when Branden and I first met I was one of the good ones who was able to look past a miniscule little speech impediment because you know what?  Branden is the most caring, selfless, FUN, bright, and loving person I have ever met.  I can’t imagine anyone on this Earth being more perfect for me whatsoever.  He is truly my soul mate.  I would be seriously missing out on a great guy if I were shallow enough to dismiss him for something as insubstantial as a stutter.

Anyway, I bring this up just because I know how rocky his road has been.  Imagine taking a mandatory speech class in his situation.  I HATED speech and I have no trouble whatsoever getting the words out.  Or the time the financial aid lady he had to call hung up on him because she thought somebody was playing a prank on her.  I have a ridiculous number of examples I could tell you but basically, people are seriously dumb sometimes, and so quick to assume.  It doesn’t matter though, because they’re the ones missing out.  Branden somehow managed to get through school while working his butt off and taking the most amazing care of me through all of my spine injury/surgery/recovery.  His mom says that he “dotes” one me.  I think that’s adorable.  It’s totally true.  I’m a lucky girl.  I cannot wait to become Mrs. Branden Winter.  Now, finally, all of his hard work is paying off in a big way.

I am beyond thrilled to celebrate this huge accomplishment with our family and friends.  You don’t graduate from college everyday!  I’m so excited for Branden and what this means for him and for us.  I can’t wait to see him find a new job where he can use his Pyschology degree and put all of this expensive knowledge to great use, helping people.  Specifically, he has a passion for kids with Autism.  He’s already hot on the job search!  It’s super exciting stuff!  Congratulations Baby!  I love you!

And of course, it wouldn’t be a graduation without a celebratory photo shoot!

We had a little fun with the tongue-in-chic word-play of the “It’s About Time” sign.  Fun fun.

Pretty pretty light.