This picture was taken on a really cold day in Arkansas over by "Big Jesus." At the time I was completely head over heals for my boyfriend. From the moment that I meant him though, I knew that I would probably marry him, I just didn't know the details of our love story. I still don't know all the details.

I met Carl at Bible College, at time we were both merely freshmen I was coming into my freshman year of college full of family turmoil. My father was upset with me for going to a "Bible school" and for not going to a school that could get me a "real job." My brother was alone in a house void of a woman's presences, and my sister had not spoken to any of us in about a year. I was heartbroken, and burden for my family. Longing for peace, freedom, and forgiveness for my family to have but that could really only be found in Christ. I of which was, and am, still the only one who experiences that wonderful gift.

Carl, was coming into college fresh from a loving christian home, "that still had its issues", as he puts it. With parents that were in there mid to late 50's whose marriage for a long time had centered on him. His freshmen year consisted of studies and trips back and forth from his maryland home. He was also quite nerdy looking then though too. Glasses and an acne condition that required extensive antibiotic treatment which left his skin super dry. He had the dryiest lips one could ever have, I think.

Anyways, I met him in the cafeteria. I had gone there to be "alone." as it was way after dinner times,to collect my thoughts about family life and yes I was crying. Carl had come into the cafeteria to go and paint the upcoming play set (which was behind a curtain.) Him being a caring young man stopped asked if I was okay and had a conversation with me, which ended with him praying for me and for my family. No stranger had ever done that for me, no especially somewhat of a "cute" stranger had ever done that for me.

I walked out of the cafeteria that night thinking to myself "wouldn't it be interesting if I ended up marring that man." Not knowing that I wouldn't see, or talk to him again for another 1 and 1/2 years. And with some much needed intervention, eventually, we did finally begin a relationship, got married, had 2 beautiful babies, and someday we'll probably have more too...

I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my life with this man. Happy, early, 3yr Anniversary Babe!