Its not a secret that I love pictures…and right from our first date, Chris became very aware of that. Thankfully the man doesn’t mind getting his picture taken, and so we have a few really sweet ones from the year we were dating to share. I love that he gets it…that pictures are just as important as the memories they help preserve.
So from July of 2006 until March of 2007 (when we got engaged…story coming tomorrow!) we dated long distance. That meant many hours on the phone and every break at work spent at the library emailing back and forth. And then I got a cell phone, so I saved every text he sent. I still have them all saved in a word doc actually. We did a lot of driving on the weekends and saw each other when we could, but we always talked on the phone every morning…a tradition we still keep.
Things weren’t always easy…we dealt with a lot during that year. Loss of employment, big life decisions, money problems, real life. But we worked together, learned to rely on God as a couple and got through them, giving us lots of practice for marriage.
It was with Chris’ support that I made the leap out on my own for the first time and moved to Spokane to pursue my goal of learning American Sign Language. I learned a lot during that time, and we continued to grow as friends and as a couple. We both started dating with marriage in mind, and so a proposal was the plan. But this guy sure knows how to surprise a girl. You’re gonna want to hear this story! We can’t wait to share.
aww!!! so very sweet!!
ReplyDeletexo
Thanks Christina. :)
DeleteAwwww! You two are so cute! Josh and I started our relationship totally long distance for a whole year! I wish I saved our texts- gah! We suck at remembering to take pictures... I need to hire our own paparazzi.
ReplyDeleteI think long distance is a good thing when you're first starting out. You get to know each other better because all you can do is talk! :)
DeleteThose are some of the sweetest pictures EVER!! And you know ASL? I'm starting school in the fall to learn it :)
ReplyDeleteThat is so neat Amanda! You'll enjoy learning ASL for sure. Its a special language with a wonderful culture. :)
DeleteI am officially in love with your blog!
ReplyDeleteThis is so darling. love the photos along with the story :)
ReplyDeleteI love your photos and stories Shaina!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are too cute together! This was a fun post to read <3
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! I'm so happy for you that you have those photos! When Brandon & I were dating (1995-97), I didn't have a decent camera and of course back then it was film, so when I did take pictures, I was very conservative with how many I took. That being the case, I only have a handful of us when we were dating and really for the first few years we were married. :( I am such a photo nut now that it makes me sad that I don't have those years documented better, but the photos I do have are real treasures for me, even if they are grainy and not very good shots!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you do have a few that you can treasure. I'm totally the same way...Glad that I had a camera, even if it was only 5 megapixels. And I love that Chris appreciates photography like I do; not many guys like having their picture taken.
DeleteWhat a beautiful love story! You had me tearing up there!
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I just found your blog from Every Day is a New Adventure and girl, your blog design is AMAZING! I was immediately drawn to your blog because of it. I can't wait to read more!