Today is our 8 year anniversary. So I thought I would share with you a fun little story. This is the story of how my husband and I met, dated, and say I do!
A few days after high school graduation, circa 2005, I got a phone call from a very old friend out of the blue. He said he had a friend that I may like to meet, and that I had many things in common with.The phone number to this person sat on my night stand for weeks until I got up the courage to call. We decided to meet up somewhere in the town I lived in, just to see how things went. After meeting, we drove around for hours that day just talking and talking. He was leaving for the Marine Corps in a week, so I really thought nothing would come of it. We said goodbye and that was it.
Fast forward four months later, I sat at my desk cramming for my first college chemistry test and my phone rings. I didn’t recognize the number, so I picked up. It was him! He said he just got out of boot camp, was in Texas for a few weeks, and he was thinking about me. I was shocked! I couldn’t believe he remembered me, let alone was thinking of me! As much as we tried, we weren’t able to meet up again. He headed to Florida to his next duty station 900 miles away. Deep down, I figured a good looking marine wouldn’t want a long distance relationship, so I kept a nonchalant attitude. We continued to text and talk especially on the weekends. It was amazing how long we could talk on the phone…6 hours was not unusual for us. We had so much in common and never ran out of conversation.
Christmas vacation finally came around and my first semester of college came to a close. He told me he was coming to Texas for just a few days to buy a truck, say hi to his family, and maybe we could finally meet up again. So, a few days after Christmas we finally went on our first date! Dinner and a movie.
Although we only got to spend one day together, I knew we would always be together. He knew the same. He headed back to Florida and our long distance relationship began. The next few months I spent with my phone attached to my ear. We did everything together on the phone. Watched movies, talked all night, etc. I flew to see him over spring break 2006, then again in the summer of 2006.
His next duty station was Mississippi which was closer, but still too far away. I flew to see him again in September 2006 and he asked me to marry him, I said YES!! In 2007, he went to his permanent duty station at Camp Pendleton. On July 16, 2007, we said I do!
Shortly after we got married, I packed up my stuff and made the 22 hour drive to move to California. My husband and I were very young when we got married, but it has been the best decision I have ever made!
Many people were worried about him marrying me with my health problems, but little did we know only a year into marriage, he would become incredibly ill. At 21, I found myself caring for a very sick husband for many years. I am so grateful the Lord blessed us with such a strong marriage, we made it through some difficult times, and now eight years later, I can’t imagine life without him!
The above picture was taken a few months ago at a friends wedding 🙂
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
We don’t usually do gifts for our anniversary, but try to experience something instead. This year we had our staycation and it was one of our favorite things yet!
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Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.
Alexis, an incredible love story. As young as you were – I commend you for your strength and courage. Many young women do not stay these days. You have honored God’s blueprint for marriage. Marriage is hard work and it takes on some days everything we have. I’ve been married for 29 years and so I am very impressed with your sweet attitude. I’m sure it hasn’t always been easy for you. Happy Anniversary sweetheart. May you both celebrate many more years together!
Thank you so much for your sweet words Michelle! Marriage is definitely hard work and sometimes it is difficult…especially with the demands of everyday life. I love how rewarding it is and how you continue to grow to together as the years go on. Congrats on 29 years! My parents just celebrated their 35th anniversary 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
I love hearing love stories and how people meet and yours is beautiful. I believe that long distance makes you appreciate a relationship is a much different way. I also believe we are led to the person we are meant to be with. Happy Anniversary and Congratulations on 8 wonderful years together.
Thanks Sheryl! I agree, long distance relationships teach you so much and make you more grateful for each other. Have a great day!
Dear Alexis and hubby – HAPPY 8TH ANNIVERSARY TO YOU.! Those are beautiful pictures of you on your wedding day and at your friend’s wedding. You make a beautiful couple. Your love story is an example of how Christ loves us – steadfast, always growing and deepening. God bless you as you continue to grow your relationship with His guidance.
Have a wonderful day! Woof to Ruger!
P.S. Just yesterday I was thinking of emailing you to ask if you would share how you and your husband met and fell in love.
Thank you Laurie!! Keeping Christ at the heart of a marriage is definitely what keeps it strong, even through adversity. I love seeing how much we have grown together over the last 8 years! Have a wonderful day! p.s – Ruger was excited to celebrate with us yesterday. We decided to stay home to cook dinner so he could join in 🙂
Beautiful love story! Happy 8th Anniversary and many more!
This December will be our 52nd!
Congrats on the longevity of your marriage Sylvia!
Thank you Sylvia! And congrats to 52 years soon, how wonderful!!
Happy Anniversary!!! Your story brought tears to my eyes! It is so sweet and refreshing to hear of young love and deep commitment. I met my husband at 18, married at 19, and in two weeks we celebrate 33 years together! It takes putting the Lord first and foremost and dying to self daily. Thank you for sharing such preciousness. And thank you to both you and your husband for his service to our country. I’m an USAF mom. 🙂
That is so great, congrats on 33 years!! You are absolutely right, putting God first is how to keep things going strong. And that is so neat you are an air force mom 🙂 Tell them thank you so much for the service they provide us and thank you too! Have a wonderful day!
Happy Anniversary to a beautiful couple! May the years ahead bring you evermore happiness, smiles, and good health!
Thank you Anne!! 🙂
Alexis, I enjoyed this post of your love story. It’s nice to learn a little more about you. Happy Anniversary and Thanks for joining #funsummerfinds !
Shellie
@ShellieBowdoin
Thanks so much! I love linking up with you each week!
Happy anniversary!!! What a sweet story!
Thanks Katie!
I love a good love story and this is a great one! Congrats to the two of you, a shining example of love and commitment.
Thanks Nikki! I always love reading other peoples love stories, it is always so neat to see how people met 🙂
Such a beautiful couple. I love this story and it is nice to hear a true love story. Happy Anniversary.
Thank you so much Glenda!
What a beautiful love story! I always love hearing how other people met their spouses. 🙂 Your story is very romantic…especially the caring for each other in sickness and in health. I think it says a lot about you and your marriage to stick with it, especially being so young! I wish you many more years of happiness together! 🙂
Thanks for sharing on Tuesday Talk!
Katie
http://www.sweetlittleonesblog.com
Hi Katie! Thank you so much for your sweet comment! Have a wonderful day!