10 Years!

Rusty and I started dating 10 years ago today!

Technically, he asked me out for our first date on Valentine's Day, but I had to work, so instead of "going out", we played cards at the bookstore that I worked at. I now consider that "our first date", but as far as "dates" go, our first dinner and a movie happened on the 15th.

He bought me flowers; not roses either. I don't really like roses too much. Don't get me wrong, I like them, but coming from him, the wildflower arrangement that he gave me beat any long stemmed roses that he could have ever gotten me! He was (and is) the only man -- ever -- to give me flowers.

That night, we went to Corky Bells Seafood Restaurant that overlooked the St. John's River. It was known as one of the best seafood restaurants in Palatka (there may have been 2 seafood restaurants IN Palatka, but still). He is typically early EVERYWHERE he goes, so when I showed up "on time", he was already in the parking lot waiting for me.

Of course, as I arrived at the restaurant, I was very nervous. This was my first "real date" in my life. No one had ever really asked me out on a date properly, so this was a huge deal for me. He even PAID for my food!! In my nervousness, I passed the entry to the restaurant and nearly destroyed a field and my car in the process. I still haven't heard the end of that one!

After dinner, we went to see a movie (The Beach). The movie was horrible, but the company was the best I had ever had. We held hands, and after the movie and the drive back to my car, he gave me a kiss goodnight. He was a perfect gentleman!

That was 10 years ago.

Now, we've been married for nearly 7 years, have 5 children, have seen many arguments and tears, shared in so many laughs that I can't even remember, have some amazing friends and family, and are well on our way to a life full whatever God gives us.