We met in ROTC class in 1999, 7th period at Cooper High School in Abilene, TX.   He was a Junior, having just moved from Kerrville, TX back to Abilene after residing there for several years.  I was a Freshman just starting out.  A bet was made between Justin and another friend as to who could get a date with me first.  Justin won, and we dated for three years.  He went off to college in a city three hours away, while I served in the military after graduation. We drifted apart and each went our own way, and although a distance of 1700 miles separated us, we had still stayed in contact throughout the years.  During a telephone conversation in the Summer of 2011, we made an agreement.  I sold and would deliver my TV to Justin, now a computer specialist in Abilene, (since I planned on soon returning to live in Texas) in exchange for his fixing and upgrading my very, very slow and virus-filled computer.  After the exchange had been made, he realized he would need to completely re-build it from scratch if he was to make good on turning it into a working computer.  A couple weekends later he brought it the 4+ hours to me in Mexia, TX.  After years of separation, being together felt just like yesterday; and in no time at all, we fell back in love with each other all over again!

Justin took me to Dallas to celebrate my Birthday in a big way.  We went to Grapevine Mall to do some shopping for whatever I wanted.  Next was our reservation at the Rainforest Café.  He had the tilapia and coconut shrimp, and I ate the pasta and salad dinner.  We enjoyed watching the tigers roar around us.  When I thanked him for all he had done for me to make it such a wonderful occasion he said, “You’re welcome, but you are missing something.”  I wondered if I’d forgotten to give our babysitter something for the Kids, and then turned to make sure I hadn’t lost or left my purse behind at the Mall.  He rose from his chair, got down on one knee, and asked if I would marry him just as the Rainforest Café thunderstorm show began.  As soon as I said, “YES!” and he placed the diamond ring on my finger, the animated lions positioned all around our table began to roar.  We finished more shopping and headed to the beautiful Gaylord Texas Hotel, which was like stepping into a dream.  We even saw a bride and groom dancing at their reception held there at the Riverwalk.  We spent time sitting by the pool before having a couple drinks in the recliners at the Sports Bar while watching football on the huge flat screen.  On our way up the stairs to the open glass elevators that would take us to our suite, Justin grabbed me and we danced on the large, marble landing to the music from the reception below.  This was the most memorable Birthday I have ever had!!

Our wedding is a beach wedding in Galveston. It is a simple sweet ceremony with our kids being a part of it. 

Justin and I are so grateful to have such loving family and friends that have supported us through our journey in finding each other! You have been our greatest treasures that warm our hearts!