Once upon a time (in 1999 – I think), a young girl and boy met at a frat party.  Romantic, right?!

A few months later, the girl finally agreed to go out on a date with the boy.  Three months after that, the boy proposed to the girl at the end of Pier 39 in San Francisco, and she said, “Of course I will, silly!”  (True story.)

Official Engagement Photo

The girl’s parents requested that the newly engaged couple wait until she was finished with college before getting married, so a two-year engagement began.  But then one day, the girl’s mama said that if she had it to do over again, she’d get married New Year’s weekend because everyone’s in a party mood, and family is usually around and available.

As it turns out, the girl’s mama was right… so the boy and girl pledged their lives to each other in front of no less than 300 friends and family members on a rainy December morning twelve years ago.

But that’s not “the end.”

Twelve years, three degrees, two dogs, six pregnancies, two states, two boys and countless blessings later… and we’re still going strong.  Looking back, we can say with conviction that marriage ain’t a cakewalk.  But with God, all things are possible, and we can clearly see His hand on everything we’ve experienced… endured… enjoyed.

I’m looking forward to continuing this crazy journey called life, walking side-by-side with the man God chose especially for me.

This man challenges me to look outside myself.  To believe in myself and to try new, sometimes hard things.  He supports my <occasionally> crazy ideas, and loves me even when I don’t deserve it.  He never stops striving to learn and grow in order serve God and make a better life for his family.  He’s a proud father, and has made his own parents insanely proud as well.

I said “I do” twelve years ago… and today, I still do.