Reminiscing back to December 20th, 2001

Yes, I'm aware that in a perfect world, I would have had this post up yesterday, but it's not a perfect world and I am the mother of two little girls who come before my blogging habits.

I should have suspected on that long-ago night, when Dad suggested we invite the Colemans over for hot chocolate that ev

ening. Not that He didn't like the Colemans, but that was out of character for him....To create occasions for Andy and I to drift off into lala land through each other's eyes.

December 20th, 2001 was a snowy night. Andy's parents came over with Andy and his sister Jessie who was home on a holiday break. We all chatted in the living room, looking back, I also should have suspected when Andy was quite persistent that I sit on the couch. My back hurt from standing at work all day and I really preferred the floor to keep my back straight. (

Looking back, I realize the couch would have been better for a one-knee proposal)

Not too far into the evening, Dad threw

me a p

ackage, since I ran the church bookstore at the time, that was nothing out of the ordinary....I casually opened it slowly as Andy and I made googly eyes at each other. We'd been together for almost 2 years, amazingly so since we were still only 17 and 18 at this time. Yes, that's right, babies.

I opened the package and pulled out a t-shirt, also no

t uncommon since I did receive samples through the bookstore, I also did not notice that the room had fallen quite silent as I unwrapped this shirt, just as my eyes fell to the wording on the front of the shirt, something else was in front of my eyes....something shiny and gorgeous. It was an engagement ring.

I looked into Andy's face, out of complete shock as I saw tears in his eyes,

"Will you marry me?"

I don't think I said yes, I'm fairly sure I didn't. I squealed, screamed and hugged him but forgot to answer for a bit. I was in heaven. Teary, blissful, engaged heaven.

The ring was beautiful, definitely the most expensive thing either of us owned. And it was sitting on my finger, because a boy loved me unconditionally and I him.

We drove to Meridian, ID later that night to have the ring re-sized since it was a bit big for my fingers, I wanted to have it back in time for work the next day. :) I was proud to show it off.....

Fast-forward 8 years.

We remember those years fondly, we also wouldn't trade the experience and perspectiv

e we have on life now. So many people told us that everything improves with time in marriage.

If it's a marriage founded on Christ, with respect, love, faithfulness and forgiveness, then the old adage definitely holds true. So, for t

his girl who fell in love at 15, and now at 26 truly thanks the Lord daily for this man in my life.....The memories are worth remembering.