Our Anniversary....

Justin and I celebrate every anniversary. Not only do we celebrate the 17th of each month marking our wedding date, but we also celebrate our first date, our first kiss, our engagement day, and many otter things.

April is the celebration for our Engagement and our first kiss. It has been 3 years since we became engaged. We married less than 6 months later. Boy was that a fast engagement! Our engagement was so silly. The day before I got "tipped off" that something was going to happen. I knew Justin had spoken with his Uncle, a former jeweler, and had gotten some of his finances in order. I also knew that two nights before Justin and my Dad had sat at my parents home "talking". And, when I saw my Dad that night, he was super nice. So, it was Friday. Justin's Mom was acting weird. That was my first clue. She said something like, "I hope you have a really great night." She usually did not comment on things quite like that. Then, my Dad was smiling a lot at me. He didn't say much....just smiling. And, to kick it all off, Justin said we were going to the drive in movies.

Drive in movie? We had never been to one before. What is he up to? I got nervous. Very nervous. My hair wouldn't curl. My face. My face broke out in a couple of fresh pimples. What do I wear? I had in my mind that I would wear a cute sundress or something like that. My hair, in soft curls framing my face. My skin-perfect. And, my Love proposing to me in a place that meant something to me and to him.

Maybe he really isn't taking me to the movies? But, I am not prepared. It's cold...and I don't have a cute dress to wear. AGGGH!

Justin arrives. I am in my room crying. What do I do. What if he does it tonight and I say the wrong thing? What if I don't like the ring? What if he isn't proposing tonight? What if???

Anyway, Justin and my Mom (I lived with my parents before getting married)thought I was crazy. Justin and I head off down the road. It was tough getting out the door. But, we can't be going to the movies. Sure enough we are here. At the drive in movies. To spare you all the details, I spent the night, in Justin's truck, crying and freaking out. He was VERY bewildered! Kinda like on our first date a year prior.

I was a mess. The night ended in my parents kitchen with me apologizing. I finally told Justin that I felt like an idiot. I told him that I thought he was going to propose to me tonight. And, when he didn't I freaked. And, when I thought he might do it at the movies, I freaked. I just freaked. He held me. He kissed my forehead. He said to get some rest and talk in the morning.

In the morning I told Mom what happened. She just looked at me as she always does. I freaked out a lot about things like this. Justin called and asked if I wanted to go to Dumas to eat at my favorite place. Getting ready, I was so grateful for Justin. He could take my freaking out, crying for no reason, weird girl stunt last night and still love me. I could tell him my expectations and my desires and he did not turn me away.

So, Justin finally arrives. He is never late, but today he is late. I was dressed in my ever so predictable black top and black carpi's. My hair was straight and pulled back, and I had just begun my make-up application process. I had foundation and concealer applied to my face - I covered up the scary stuff. I hopped in the truck with Justin. My parents live out in the boonies. We head down the road. Justin asks for his sunglasses from the glove box. Okay. I looked at him, and thought...he is so cute! I open the glove box and then shut it immediately. I look at him. He asks for his glasses again. I ask, " What are you doing? What are you doing?"

"I am asking for my sunglasses."

"No, not in the car."

"Yes, they are in the car, in the glove box."

I think to my self...maybe that silver box isn't a ring. Maybe there is just something else in there. After all, you were pretty weird last night.

So, I open the glove box and take the shiny box. It's a Brighton box. My favorite!

"My sunglasses..."

Oh, yeah, sunglasses for Justin. There they are. Now back to the box.

He smiles, and I know something is happening. We are almost to the highway. I crack open the box and instantly close it. I saw something brilliant inside.

"What are you doing?"

"I love you, Susan."

"Please, not in the car."

So, Justin pulls over on the side of the country road. He runs to my door, opens it, takes me out and places my feet gently on the dirt. He kneels, holds the box, and tells me all kinds of sweet nothings. How wonderful. How marvelous! It was late morning. The sky was gentle and breezy cool. The scene, my favorite place.

I said "YES!" And, we kissed!

You see, Justin had pulled over by a pond. Not just any pond, but a pond I saw every time we came to Amarillo. It had a small shack next to it. And, when I was younger, horses lived under the canopy from the trees and by the cool waters of the pond. When my parents moved to this area, near the pond, I thought I was just blessed to see this place up close everyday. And, now, by chance, Justin pulled over in this place I had known since I can remember. How simply me! Happy 3 year anniversary My Love! I luv-a you!

(Oh, and my ring...was beautiful! I love it! And, I have the Ladies at The Secret Place to thank for helping Justin propose to me. Thank you Ladies!!!)