the one for five years.

So I am in love with a boy & have been since I was 15.  He somehow got my parents to bend the rules of "not dating until you're sixteen" without ever speaking to them.  We stayed together after the first date even though we broke some of those "first date rules": we both planned the date (lots of people told me that was a man's thing - first.. at 16, he's still a boy, & second, geez don't be so strict), I ended up calling him my "boyfriend, sorta" to one of my friends when asked that night, & he kissed me twice.  So we broke a couple rules, but here we are today, exactly five years later -- happy as ever.

First picture of us.. ever.  [Ages 15 & 16].

One of Sam's favorites. [Ages 17& 18]

Most recent picture of us. [Ages 20 & 21].

So on behalf of our 5th dating anniversary.. 
I thought I would post my 5 favorite things about us.
(no particular order)


[one] we hold hands when we pray.
[two] we love to be outdoors & active.
[three] we both are in love with our families (& each others).
[four] we both try to protect each other's hearts at all costs.
[five] we both believe in adventure, change & the power of a good nap.


I am a very happy girl today with a full heart.  I am thankful for Sam & his encouragement throughout my walk with the Lord.  I am thankful for my parents & their support of our relationship.  I am thankful that they too fell in love at a young age (16), allowing them to believe that sometimes (when we get lucky) teenagers get it right.


I love you, Sam.  I am forever grateful for your heart & soul.  I am thankful that you have been in my life for the past 5 years.  You are a daily inspiration of all things & I pray that we continue to pursue one another's hearts.  I know the Lord has some big things in store for us & I can't wait to continue to watch our story unfold.