The only thing I have to add, other than addition praise for your beard, is to listen to your wife, she's clearly a wise woman! If you need any encouragement to try a big beard, well, you've come to the right place.

Now, since you've had a beard for so long and you're just changing it up I think you're probably better placed in Short Beards, so I've moved you over. These guys will be more than happy to give you support in your quest.

Cheers!
Tom


Some helpful links:
Library Central of Beard Growing


Taming the Wild Mustache
Tips for eating and drinking with a big mustache

Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit. ~ W. Somerset Maugham
A jerk with a beard is just a bearded jerk, but a bearded gentleman is awesomeness personified. ~ Triibeard