Why I Married that Cute Boy From My Fifth Grade Class
I outran him in fifth grade.
I beat his time in the 50-meter dash and promptly claimed the title of the fastest girl in school.
He challenged me to a re-match the next day, right then and there on the concrete playground.
I knew better than to risk defeat.
What I didn’t know then, in those recess-filled days at Lincoln Elementary School, was that those second-place feet would one day claim first-place in my heart.
And that marriage would one day be the toughest and most rewarding race of my life….
Today I’m getting mushy over at StudioJRU where I’m celebrating my man’s amazing feet and applauding the One who is scripting our steps.
Won’t you stop by and hear the rest of our story?
Still counting all these gifts along the way…
1820. Maggie holding her bright pink Strawberry Shortcake umbrella over my head as I hold her in my arms and we run through the rain. “Don’t get your hair wet, Mom! You look so pretty today.”
1821. A fourteen-year-old who asks at me at day’s end, “Mom, how was your day today?”
1822. Reconnecting with friends at church on Thursday morning.
1823. A quick coffee date with a dear mentor… soaking in wisdom with every sip.
1824. A full week of speaking at mom groups— awed that God would let such a flawed and floundering mama be His mouthpiece.
1825. Lizzy’s handwritten message scribbled on the top of my speaking notes… “You can do it, Mom! I love you!”
1825. Finding long lost dollar bills in my pocket so I could buy a friend a hot cup of coffee!
1826. This precious conversation at the dinner table…
Liz- “Maggie, what made you feel glad today?”
Maggie- “Visiting with Jesus.”
Liz- “Where did you go to visit Him?”
Maggie- “I didn’t GO anywhere. I just talked to Him RIGHT HERE.”
1827. 300+ people gathered at the youth valentine’s dinner— thousands of dollars raised for missions in one night!
1828. Luke’s visit to the high school for orientation- excitement and dreams spilling out of him as he imagines the future.
1829. Hannah lining dollies up and playing Haven of Hope with her little siblings. “Maggie, you can just call me auntie in this game. Pretend your an orphan, but I love you like a mommy would.”
1830. Bright flowers on the kitchen table STILL ABLOOM after 2 weeks.
1831. Three sisters giggling and dancing in the dressing room as we shop for spring break attire.
1832. Maggie studying herself in the mirror in her new purple dress and then bursting out into a dance of joy. “This dress makes me look GORGEOUS!” 🙂
1833. Josh- “Mom, I like school, but my best days are still at home with you.”1844. Sunshine breaking through the clouds after a week of gray.
1845. A Valentine’s cookie decorating party at our friends’ house… sprinkles and glitter and everything sweet.
Happily linking with Ann for multitude mondays, laura for playdates with God, Jen for soli deo gloria, The Better Mom, The Mom Initiative, Titus 2sdays,
Happily linking with Ann for multitude mondays, laura for playdates with God, Jen for soli deo gloria, The Better Mom, The Mom Initiative, Titus 2sdays,
Oh Alicia,
What fun to hear the story of you and your man here.
re your comment at my post “A Coffee Break with the Stars,” sitting down over a cup of coffee sounds lovely! Let me know if you are ever in MN.
Breaking Free is one of my favorite studies, and I grinned at your comment about learning so much especially as the leader. So true, huh?
Thanks for stopping by. Sorry for my delay in getting back to you,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
This was such a beautiful and romantic post 🙂
I’m heading over, Alicia! You already have my interest piqued. What a sweet beginning…
Loved reading your story over at Studio JRU. And yes, I would also be thankful for sunshine breaking through the clouds. We’re in the rainy season here in S. Africa. So.much.rain. The sunshine is always nice!
so very sweet!
This is just so sweet! Love how you beat your now husband, racing, in 5th grade! And Amen for sunshine after clouds remaining grey! Somehow the sun makes everything brighter! 🙂
Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing. This Valentine’s Day will be 26 years with my husband. Last year’s surprise vow renewal thrown by our family and my husband was the most amazing experience. I, too, am grateful to be living out God’s love story for us.
WOW! A child/teen asking “How was your day?” Maybe it is a girl thing – I don’t think my boys have EVER asked that, and I have been a mom for 26 years!
BTW – I love my husband’s ankles:) I love your love story:) I love that he was strong enough to challenge you to a rematch!
I am, too!
Love stories are my favorite and I am glad you out ran him until he caught you! 🙂
I love mushy love stories! And I love to read of women who love their husbands through the good and bad times. Thanks for sharing. Heading over to read the rest of the story.
Coming here from Better Mom’s link-up.