My Valentine

Today, I will celebrate (probably at home with wine and a movie) my 9th Valentine's Day with THIS GUY. My best friend and partner in crime. :)

These lovely photos were taken on February 14th, 2003 in my college dorm room. (Isn't it a little sad that we couldn't even find someone to take a picture of us together? Thank goodness we got these individual shots to document the day.)  Jeff had just driven in that afternoon to visit for the weekend, and I had borrowed my roommate's pink blouse to look extra special for him - and hung some really romantic "conversation heart lights" in the room!  (Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine we'd grow up, get married, and live this life together.)

This was my freshman year at Clemson in South Carolina. Jeff was still in our hometown (six hours away) working and attending a local college. I had some strict standards about not being "that girl" whose boyfriend visited every weekend, plus, I didn't have a car.  So... needless to say, it was a hard year - LOTS of insanely high cell phone bills, crying in the hall bathroom, staying up way TOO late on the phone, arguing over busy schedules and new friends, dragging out monthly visits, etc. etc. etc.

To date, I think we would both say this was the most trying time in our relationship. BUT, it was also one of the most defining and strengthening. That year, for the first time, we learned about choices. We learned about fighting for a relationship, and perserverance.

I honestly don't know why, but God had his hand on our lives even when were 18. (Seriously, we look 12 in those pictures, don't we? Not that much different either, right? I know.) Today, I am so thankful that we learned love is a choice early. It wasn't pretty; but it was good, and it has made us the couple we are today.

So... this post is for MY VALENTINE. I can't wait to see where we are in another nine years! I love you!

P.S. Don't forget to comment on yesterday's post for a chance to win a little treat!