Back in the day

So since I am at a loss for new photos, I decided to go dig up a classic from my past with Bryan - our first date. Look how little we are! This was taken in December of 2001, our junior year of high school before the winter formal (SnoBall). As you can tell from this photo, we are rather awkward with our hands and not knowing what to do (or even where to look at the camera!). We weren't dating at this time, and I had gotten up the courage to ask him to SnoBall (it's a guy-ask-girl dance) as a friend. I was partially convinced by Samantha and Melissa to do this, and part of me really wanted to ask him, but didn't want to get rejected. I decorated his Buick on the inside with snowflakes and streamers to ask him, and he called that night to say yes! It was my first dance, and I borrowed the dress from Amanda Acker (then Uram) -- thanks Amanda! I'm not sure whose idea the umbrella was, but I think we were both relieved that Bryan had something to hold in this photo.

We had a good time...we went to Applebee's on Lancaster (back when we thought Applebee's was a nice restaurant) with our group, Samantha and Josh and Melissa and ---- uh....what was that guy's name? Oh man, that's bad....

Anyway, I consider that our first date, even though we didn't start dating officially until about 6 months later....SnoBall jump-started our "relationship."

Through the seven years since that dance, Bryan and I have learned a lot about each other, and been through plenty of trying times. We haven't always been perfect, and we haven't always been together, but God always knew we'd end up together. I always tell my girls that I found the right guy at the wrong time. It's hard for those girls (high schoolers) to understand why they should avoid dating in high school, but I can tell them honestly that it's a better relationship if you wait. In high school, guys and girls both have a lot of growing up to do. Getting into a heart-tugging (and sometimes heart-breaking) relationship at that volatile time is only setting yourself up for failure and compromise.

Bryan and I found each other again freshman year of college, when we had both grown up a bit more, and had a chance to really think through whether or not our relationship was about God or us. The man that I found in college was much different than the boy I knew in high school. He was focused on serving God, he was apologetic for past mistakes, and he was the person I could not get out of my heart. On June 10, 2006, Bryan and I got married and now I get to be with my best friend every day of the year (almost).

My husband is a very unique individual. If you just met him, you would think he was completely normal...he is not, and you would eventually learn that. Whether singing in the shower or coming up with crazy road games on long trips, Bryan is never boring...except when he is doing his seminary homework.

When he does have homework, I get so bored I sometimes make him stop so he will just come watch TV with me or play a game of Scrabble (which he hates).

My husband is a problem solver. I have to admit sometimes I am a defeatist because I like instant gratification. We were building a dog house for Macie earlier this year and I went out and scoured the property for plywood while he made the skeleton of the house (he's a very good carpenter by the way). I found exactly enough wood, and when we started cutting, we messed up one of the measurements, so the whole slab of plywood was ruined. I was upset to tears and ready to quit because I just knew there was no more plywood anywhere and I wanted to finish this dog house that night! Bryan calmed me down and we went looking for more plywood together. We ended up finding one more piece, and finished the house. See what I mean? He is a problem solver, no matter if he is at home or at church.

My husband is a man of God, and I will tell you right now, there is nothing more attractive than a man of God. Maybe Anna or Amanda can relate to what I mean (because their husbands work up front at church too), but there is a certain pride that comes from watching your husband up in front teaching people about God. Bryan is my pastor now because he runs the English/youth service at Corvallis Korean Church. Every week, amidst cornering escaping teenagers and setting up emergency rows of chairs, I get to learn from him and hear him speak. It is a true blessing. I often forget how lucky I am to be in a marriage where God is so important. There are so many people holding my husband and I accountable, and so many eyes watching, that I could never bear failing.