Happy Anniversary Jimmy!

Twelve years ago today I married the man of my dreams.

He was 21 and I was 19. I was a college sophomore, commuting one hour each way two days a week for college and working five nights a week at the local bowling alley. (Which incidentally, is where we met. My mom actually met Jimmy first and introduced us.) Jimmy was working six days a week for his dad at his service station.

We had been dating for four years. Our first date was on November 14, 1992. I was 15 and he was 17. We went to the movies.

During the movie we were shushed by the people in front of us for talking. After the movie, he took me home. We then talked on the phone for most of the night.

We were married in a baptist church surrounded my friends and family.

I know that many people thought it wouldn't last.

Nine months later when I was a college junior, I found out I was pregnant with Meagan.

When Meagan was 18 months old, I graduated from college with a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I took several tests and became a certified teacher.

The stars must have been aligned correctly because I had a full time teaching job lined up the day I crossed the stage to receive my diploma. I was the first person in either of our families to have earned a college degree. I like to think that my parents' (and a lot of other people of course) dream came true that day.

Two weeks later I began to work at the school where I still work today. A few weeks after that I started school once again. This time my goal was to earn a Master's Degree in reading.

On December 6, 2002 our son Garrett was born.

On December 14, 2002 I crossed that stage once again, this time earning that master's degree.

Two days ago I was promoted to Reading Specialist.

Dreams really do come true for those that work hard and are willing to sacrifice things like free time and fancy cars and Jimmy was always there working (at work and at home) to make sure I was able to fulfill my dreams.

It hasn't always been easy but I always knew that I could do whatever I set out to because Jimmy was there behind me, standing just off stage, supporting me.

He is quiet to my constant chatter. He is patient and calm to my hot headedness. He puts clothes in the dryer for me and washes dishes and bathes kids and gives them medicine and brings me lunch and helps me grade papers (red pen only for him please!) and a million other things that I know I am forgetting here.

The point of all this? Jimmy, I love you and my life would not be complete without you. You are the reason I am who I am today and for that I will be forever grateful.

Thank you so much for being a wonderful husband and my best friend.