Eight Years

Over the past few days my mind has been flooded with memories of James and I. Fourteen years ago (according to James) we met for the first time. I actually remember going to a basketball game with my sister when I was in eighth grade to watch a boy she liked and afterwards we went out for pizza and the boys friend was James. I remember so well because James said that he thought I was in high school when I was really only in junior high.

Then three years later with my cool varsity jacket I visited Family Bible for the first time. It was there that we would have long conversations about Christ and our beliefs. I came from a very legalistic background and it was hard for me to understand that there were so many other Christians even if they didn't go to our church or believe everything that I did. For two years I would talk to this guy named James on the phone and we would spend countless hours having our "vault" conversations. I remember working at the Mancinos right next door to Little Ceasers where he worked. After our shifts James and normally a buddy Jerry or Joel would come over to my house. My mom worked nights so they normally stayed until one or two in the morning. I remember always falling asleep because unlike them I had school in the morning.

I remember meeting James' sisters for the first time and thinking that Betsey was a friend of Erin's because she looked nothing like the other Bean kids. I remember meeting the family for the first time out to dinner and it being so awkward I don't think I said anything until I was asked. I remember James taking me on a walk when my girlfriends and I were at their house and he told me that he had feelings for me. I wasn't sure how I felt at the time so I said something lame like "I don't know if I want a boyfriend right now". Then as we continued hanging out I remember sitting on the couch next to him and grabbing his hand as if to say ok...lets try this. We would then have our first date the week after I graduated high school...where we would also have our first kiss. After he kissed me on my dad's porch I once again said something lame like "aren't you glad you got that over with". And then four years later we were married. I really could just go on and on about all of the things we have shared and how we have grown together.

I think about our marriage and how we seem to grow closer and closer each day. I think about how James knows me more than anyone. He knows if my nostrils flare I'm really mad, he knows if I bite my lip like my mom little babies better watch out because I am about to squeeze them. He knows that my love language's are quality time and physical touch. He knows that it takes me awhile to warm up to people, that it is hard for me to hide my emotions (what you see is what you get). He knows that I lack confidence as a Wife and Mother and ALWAYS compliments or lifts me up with encouraging words.

Raising kids with James has been so fulfilling (and they are only 3 1/2 and 1). James has his priorities right. He has been such a good helper and encourager...a teammate. Changing diapers, giving me rest when I need it. The last year as many of you know has been really hard on our family financially. With James loosing two jobs it has been an up and down roller coaster. Each step of the way I never saw James waiver or loose faith. He has always provided for us and made sure his family is taken care of. One of the many things I love about James is how when it comes to family there is no question about time or money. Because in the end it won't matter. So to make that trip when there is no money to pay for gas, to take a vacation (time away) to build memories James will always choose time together. And you know what...God has always provided. I am so thankful for the memories we have and for the memories we are building with our kids. I am thankful for these eight years and the amazing man I have shared them with.

Thank you James for loving me, accepting me, and protecting me. Thank you for making me feel like the only girl in the room. You are my love.