Celebrating 6 Years with my Favorite Person Tomorrow!

We met at a church dance and connected over a book. The dating world seemed a bit dim at the time and I remember giddily telling my mother that evening, “I met this really cute guy tonight.” It seems things should have gone smoothly from there, but they didn’t. Tim had a terrible work schedule from 3 pm to 12 am and we ran into misunderstandings, a misplaced crush elsewhere on my part, well-meaning friends, and mixed signals.

Eventually, we thankfully connected in December of 2003 and some sparks flew. Tim introduced me to the wide world of texting (I know, I’m old) and we spent some time chatting. He didn’t pick up on what I considered to be clever, flirtatious texts, but were clearly too subtle. We saw each other at a couple of get togethers, but mostly continued to text. Brash woman that I am, I finally suggested that we go on a real, live date together.

We went on a simple date to go miniature golfing and to the Olive Garden and, from that point on, we were literally together every day when he got off of work (his schedule  had changed and he finished around 8 pm), driving my roommate crazy. Some of my favorite early dates include the holiday where we both had Monday off and headed to the movies. He held my hand for the first time during that movie (Peter Pan, I think) and it was difficult to focus on anything else. When the first film finished, we decided we didn’t want the date to end and drove to another theatre to see Big Fish. I’ll, of course, never forget my 25th birthday where people discovered we were dating. At the end of a perfectly wonderful party (except for the part where I nervously gave a speech saying I was a half century instead of a quarter), he kissed me for the first time and I was hooked.

Things certainly weren’t perfect for us as we got to know each other. Tim taught me that subtlety is overrated and not to over analyze so much. I’d never met someone who was so genuine, who didn’t hide what he meant, or play games. One I really got it, I felt so lucky. I imagine I confused and delighted him all at once, but he’d have to tell you about that. There was the bittersweet time when our wires seriously crossed during a conversation about marriage right before a 5 hour drive and weekend with my mother and my sister’s family. Maybe I’ll tell my version of this story another time. It actually turned out to be a huge turning point in our relationship and a few weeks later we were engaged.

I’ll never forget hiking to Heather Lake on a gorgeous June Saturday and stopping for lunch on the nearby rocks. I thought he seemed awfully eager to find a certain spot to eat, but didn’t truly suspect what would come next. He set the camera on the tripod, then put it on a timer so we could take a picture before eating. On his way back, he knelt on one knee and proposed. I can’t believe I didn’t see the ring in his pocket on the way up. Needless to say, this is one of my favorite photos. Tim isn’t all about big gestures, but when he makes one, it’s incredible!

We were engaged at the end of June and married at the beginning of September (It’s the Latter-day Saint way). I wanted to be married before he started school again and not share my big day with Christmas. Tomorrow we’ll celebrate six wonderful years together!

I know it sounds cheesy, but I love being married! My husband is my favorite person and I’m so grateful we share our lives together. It’s amazing to think that we’ve been married six years, but they’ve truly been the best of my life.

Honey – I love you!