nine years. ♥♥

Nine years ago today, I married the mister. ♥♥

♥March 3, 2001♥

It seems like just yesterday that I was 9 years old and arriving at the Living Word church in Greenville, Texas.  I climbed into the church bus, supplied by the church in Paris, and sat in the seat behind a cute little brown-haired boy named Jeremy.  

The rest is history.  

Fast forward 11 years and we went on our first date.  Two and a half months later, he proposed.  Five months later, we were Mr. & Mrs. ♥

I know I've said this before, but I won the husband lottery.  My mister is truly amazing.  He is like no other man I've ever known.  I love him in every way possible to truly love someone.

While we've definitely been through our set of struggles, when we find ourselves in less than ideal circumstances it is then that our relationship truly shines. It's like we don't have a problem in the world.

The thought of growing old with him makes me giddy and gives me butterflies.  (Yes, he still gives me butterflies.) 

Have I mentioned that he's an amazing cook?  Oh my, you have no idea.

 

Something about a guy who cooks breakfast. ;)

I even often find my mind wondering if other couples have as much fun as we do.  Do they act as ridiculous as we do when they're all alone?  I know people wonder about us.  We dance.  We tease.  We aggravate.

We laugh. 

 

  

As I remind him where he left his belt.....his phone.....his wallet, I just think of it as a foreshadowing of things to come.  It makes my heart smile.  I'm so full with love for this amazing man that has put up with me for the last 9 years.  Looking past my mood swings.  Handling my overwhelming ADHD outbursts of energy. Even allowing the nitpicky OCD habits. 

 

What a man.  I love him more everyday.

 ♥♥♥

a good thing.

Yesterday I celebrated 8 years of marriage to an amazing guy.

Looking back, it's so hard for me to believe that we have been married this long, but at the same time it feels like things have always been this way.

Amazingly enough, we met at the age of 9.

I had just started attending church at Savoy UPC in Savoy, Texas. I was getting on a bus full of kids from surrounding churches, as far as an hour away, and we were headed to Youth Camp. I sat next to Gina, a quiet girl that I had just met. (Gina is now my best friend.) In front of us sat a cute little brown-headed boy from her church. His name was Jeremy. And so history was written....

We became friends. We often saw each other at sectional youth rallies, youth camps, and revivals. Just friends.

He was my date to my Senior prom. Just as my friend.

Honestly I was like any other girl. I made the list of "the guy" I would marry. Top of the list? Amazing personal walk with God.

And great hair.

I never dated seriously. I was a social butterfly who just enjoyed hanging out with friends. When I did begin to date, my mother told me not to waste my time. "You're just going to marry Jeremy Dodd," she would say.

I didn't believe her.

"Mom, we're just friends." "He's too serious." "He's a TOTAL librarian."

Excuses, excuses. I dated guys with similar personalities to mine. No wonder they never worked out.

One revival service at his home church changed everything. He called to invite our youth group. I had plans to introduce him to my friend. For some reason, this night was totally different.


July 16, 2000. He bought MY meal and my friend's name never came up.

We began dating. He was so different from everyone else that I had dated. Before I felt as though my date and I were constantly competing for the spotlight. For the first time, I was with someone who was constantly pushing me into it.


March 3, 2001 we were married. I love him more now than ever. I thank God for my husband. He's the most amazing man I have ever known. My hero. My best friend.



For him to be the man he is today, is an amazing testimony to his character and determination. I've never known anyone like him. He's awesome! I love him more every day...

I love you Jeremy!