July 4 was our 3 year anniversary.
It has been an amazing three years.
I don't think I have ever told our story on the ol' blog- so here it is.
Me and Dallas met in 8th grade. My sister Cyndi, had a good friend named Dee Wright. (One of the loudest, uninhibited person I have ever met- she always told you what she thought- and believed everyone had success in them- just an amazing person)
One Saturday, Cyndi asked if I wanted to go to Dee's sons birthday party- It's at the rock gym. And we were the same age.
I didn't really want to, but Cyndi also promised to take me to Papasitos after, so I went. When I met him, I was definitely less than impressed. Ha. I was a cheerleader and he played video games and was on the debate team. But I hung out- and we became friends. He was a nice guy- very different from the people I normally would hang out with. He was smart and played the drums. He would also burn some really sweet mixed CD's for me- which I just found again during our last move.
The next "date" was to the movies, and then I agreed to go to the 9th grade homecoming dance with him.
Everyone loves this picture- its definitely a conversation piece. That was 11 years ago. Circa 2001
We stayed in touch over the next few years, hung out occasionally- and then I went to Texas A&M while Dallas graduated from High School. I hadn't seen him in a about a year when Cyndi called me after she went to his graduation party and told me Dallas had really buffed up (WHAT?!) and I should go see him. And Oh Yeah- he got a Vice Presidential Nomination to the Air Force Academy and that he would be leaving at the end of June.
Summer 2005. He changed just a little bit. :)
I happened to be living with my dad that summer, which, by the sweet grace of God, was about 7 minutes from Dallas' house. We hung out about every day until he left- and I loved loved loved his family- They treated me like their own daughter/sister- which I eventually legally became. :) The same day he left for basic training was the same day I left with my dad for summer vacation in Mexico- and weirdly- we both spent our first few days on vacation/basic training with strep throat. (We didn't find that out until later when we finally got to see each other again.)
The next 3 and a half years of long distance (plus the rigor of the Air Force Academy and him studying Physics and being broke college students- so not alot of visits) were tough, but worth it, and I finally moved up to be with him in Colorado Springs while he finished school and I got my first real job, graduated and we finally got married.
The past three years have been amazing. We both have had great loss in our lives separately and together in the past 2 years, but I feel that this has bonded us more than anything else. The blessing with our losses has been that we learned extremely hard and valuable life lessons much earlier than most people, and have really grown from this. I feel that we now realize what is TRULY important in our lives.
We have been through pilot training, career changes (already), and 3 moves. We have been able to make a happy life wherever we are, and are grateful we have been together through it all (without deployment, so far). And for that, we are thankful and praise God everyday.
Some people say the first year of marriage is hard. I disagree. Nothing about our three years of marriage has been hard, especially our first year. (I think we were just so excited to not have the Air Force Academy tell us when we could and couldn't see each other. :))
I can definitely say that in 8th grade, I never imagined my life would be where it is right now. But I am so happy to be where I am, and to have Dallas to share my life with. I am so proud of all of his accomplishments and love him more than life itself. He is my best friend, and I thank God for giving me such an amazing man.
Its been a while since I have posted- I still owe you all a post on Jameson and Taryn's wedding, which was just beautiful and exquisite and so, so special! We had a great time and were happy to see these two get married! :)
Here's a little throw back:
This is Dallas and Jameson (Middle) from freshman year at the Academy. This was one of the first pictures I was sent when he had access to the computer after basic training :) The other guy didn't make it past freshman year- and spent the second semester eating pizza and watching the OC. That definitely wont cut it there.
Next week we are heading to Florida to see Dallas' grandparents in Naples, FL. We were supposed to be heading to Disney also- but, again, the Air Force scheduled mandatory training for Dallas right in the middle of our trip. (Seriously, story of our lives- first the cruise now Disney) Dallas is coming home early and only staying for 3 days, and I am staying the whole week to enjoy getting spoiled by Nana and Grandpa and go to the beach! Sorry Dallas! Duty Calls, right? :)
Hope you had a great 4th of July- We sure did! :)
Cheers,
Megan
