The Story of Us (Part Two)

                         So, there we are at the Sports banquet after he asked me out. We were all excited and it made for some great pictures! He got me a beautiful bouquet with the colors of my dress. He wrote on the little note "I love you,Ty" I still have the note and rose from that day in my treasure box, I have everything in that box. It  started out as just a little Tupperware container and now it's a full moving tote. It's full of pictures, notes, gifts, and journals. I strongly encourage you all to keep a treasure box! It's so fun!

(The Flowers)

                        Anyways,  ever since Ty and I had been thinking about dating we knew we had our parents praying with and for us. I know my parents saw something in Ty, he was so mature for his age. We really wanted to use that time in our lives to bring glory to God and to point attention to Him through our relationship. We were in a band together at the time called Renovate. It was the two of us and then three of our other friends. We were a worship band, we played at churches and youth conferences.  Renovate was a really great experience for us as a couple, we had a few songs we led together, it was so great to be able to lead together.

(Our first show with Renovate!)

                       After we started dating we did almost everything together.  We always had such a fun time when we were with each other. To this day he is still my best friend. I know, I know, it's cliche...it's true though! When we played soccer we even had the same number jersey #2 represent!

                       In August we were able to go to Colorado. We stayed with my brother Andy and his wife Heather. That was such a fun trip! It was my first time traveling without my parents and it was definitely a learning experience, especially the traveling part. It was another chance for us to grow and learn together.
                        On my 15th birthday he came over to celebrate my birthday with me and my family. We were sitting on the couch and he said he had my present. He pulled out a bag and a card. I read the card first of course. The card was the sweetest card I've ever received. My mom and I cried! Then I opened my present. Unwrapped the tissue..and inside was a little box...inside the box..was a ring! I looked at him still teary from the card, he said "It's a promise ring!".  .... I know..SO SWEET!! I was so excited! He then explained how he had asked my parents permission to get me one and they said yes. It was silver and it had 11 little diamonds in it. That was the greatest birthday present I've ever been given.

(My Promise ring!! ..and a rainbow. I like rainbows!) 

                   Looking back, I'm extra thankful Ty and I were able to spend so much time together while we were dating. It was always weird if we didn't see each other for more than two days. Having the opportunity to do so many things together was really great. We really learned how to work together. Especially since a lot of the things we did together, lead worship, work, and sports, helped us get used to making decisions together and really helped us learn how to communicate well.

                                                              Keep and eye out for Part 3!