How Mike & I Met: Part 3
Luckily, by the time Mike arrived at my house, I had calmed down a bit and could almost pass for a sane person. We were going to pick up some dinner and go back to Mike's mom's house to eat. I apologized to Mike for being such a lunatic and if my memory serves me, we were chatting and catching up during the drive.
We arrived at the house. No one else was at home. Mike took the food up to the kitchen/dining room area to set things up. Neither one of us remembers why, but for some reason I stayed in the family room to make a phone call. When I walked into the kitchen, I could see that Mike had set up dinner in the dining room, which I thought was nice. I still had no inkling about what was going on. Before we sat down to eat, Mike gave me a long hug and told me how much he loved me. Mike was always especially affectionate when we hadn't seen each other, so this gesture was not out of the ordinary. While we were hugging, he moved his arm/hand down and no joke, in the moment, I kind of laughed and said to him, "It's nice that you're adjusting yourself right now". (I'm a real peach, eh?) As you might be able to guess, the ring box was in his pocket and he was reaching for it.
The next few moments kind of blur together in my mind. Mike was down on one knee, looking very nervous. He immediately asked, "Will you marry me?". I felt my eyes well up with tears and I think I said, "Oh my God, YES!". Of course we kissed and hugged. I didn't really cry because I was just so surprised and happy! I immediately wanted to call everyone we knew and Mike really just wanted to sit down and eat dinner. He had been so nervous and now that I had said yes, I think he was suddenly starving.
So I called my parents and my best friend. Then we ate dinner and just basked in our happy, little glow. Later, we went to see Mike's best friend and announce our news. The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind. We saw family&friends, celebrated my graduation and just had a blast. Mike didn't drive home until Monday morning so that we could meet for breakfast before I went to work. We quickly set a wedding date of June 1, 2002.
And now here we are, approaching 8 years of marriage. I love our history together and I love our present even more! I hope that we will have many stories to tell our children and grandchildren as the years go by. I hope that we are a good example to them and that we are teaching them how wonderful love can be!
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Way Back Wednesday- Part II
How Mike & I Met: Part 2
So where was I? Ah yes, a little spark between Mike and I...
After meeting up in late July 2000, we started talking pretty frequently via phone. Because Mike was in Connecticut, that was our main connection point and that was a good thing. We caught up and got to know each other again. It slowed things down in a good way.
During the next few months, I was fighting off the impulse to feel too much too soon, to let myself fall for him. I had been out of any serious relationship for just under a year. Since my tendency was to jump from one relationship right into a new one, I had taken a break by choice to get myself centered. I wasn't eager to start relying on someone- I kind of liked the fact that I found my independence again. I had time to work, to see friends and to focus on completing my Master's degree. It was important for me to maintain control of my own life.
Mike invited me to attend a wedding with him in August. His siblings and his mom were also there. It was a BLAST! We had so much fun together. How could it be this easy to date someone and feel secure with the situation so quickly? I was used to the drama of that whole guessing game- Is he really that into me? With Mike, I didn't have to wonder. He actually talked about how he was feeling and not in a creepy stalker way...just open, honest and very sweet.
Whenever he was in town, we spent time together. Some of that time was with one of our families and it was just perfect. I got to know his friends again and he got to know mine. We fit into each other's lives. In October, we went to a wedding in Maine- that trip was probably a turning point in terms of things being a more serious commitment. It's funny the things you remember but I recall being worried about how much I had packed for a 3-day weekend. I was worried about what Mike would think about my rather large suitcase. It turns out, his suitcase was the SAME size. I thought to myself, "We are meant to be". He didn't care that I needed an hour+ to get ready for the actual wedding (like I have that much time to get ready for anything these days). I was maybe a little bit high maintenance but he didn't seem to mind. To this day, it is one of the BEST weddings I have ever been to and I didn't know anyone except Mike at the start of the weekend. I enjoyed every minute of it & his friends were very welcoming.
After that trip, there was no way I could deny what was happening. I was falling in love with Mike. Once when we were out together, just having a beer, I remember him looking at me and saying "We should elope". I told him he was crazy but if I had said yes, I think he would have done it. As Christmas approached, I remember telling Mike that he could not propose to me at Christmas...I told him that I loved him but I just wasn't ready yet. (what girl does that?) His sister got married in March, 2001...I caught the bouquet. That is the one and only time.
Fast forward to May, 2001: Graduation was finally here. Apparently, Mike wasn't going to propose to me during graduation weekend because he didn't want to overshadow this milestone in my life. During the week, when we talked, I told Mike that I felt like I had already graduated and this ceremony was just a formality. I had actually completed my degree in December but had to wait until May to "walk". I had no idea he was planning to propose. We had looked at engagement rings, just so Mike had an idea of what I might like but that was a few months earlier and I honestly hadn't given it much thought since then.
So Mike came home for my graduation and that Friday night we were planning to get together. I was beside myself and I don't even remember why. I was on the phone with him crying about how tired I was and he offered to come pick me up so I didn't have to drive to his mom's house. Mind you, he had just driven 3 hours from Connecticut...this did not strike me as odd.
Mike called back while I was taking a shower but I had heard the phone ring. My niece, Erica, happened to be there and took the call. I kept asking her why he had called and she was trying to make up an excuse because he had told her he was going to propose. Well, I got some idea in my head that the two of them were planning to play a joke on me and I started flipping out about how I wasn't in the mood, etc. I even called Mike back to yell at him. Erica could not figure out why I was acting so crazy. In retrospect, I think the stress of 2 years of school/work/etc. just finally hit me. I did not expect a proposal. If I had been in Mike's shoes, I might have decided that being engaged to a crazy person was not the best plan.
Luckily Erica got me to calm down & assured me that no trick was in the works. She kept me at bay while Mike talked to my parents and showed them the ring...
Oh, you didn't think I was going to tell you EVERYTHING, did you?
Now you have to come back next week :)
So where was I? Ah yes, a little spark between Mike and I...
After meeting up in late July 2000, we started talking pretty frequently via phone. Because Mike was in Connecticut, that was our main connection point and that was a good thing. We caught up and got to know each other again. It slowed things down in a good way.
During the next few months, I was fighting off the impulse to feel too much too soon, to let myself fall for him. I had been out of any serious relationship for just under a year. Since my tendency was to jump from one relationship right into a new one, I had taken a break by choice to get myself centered. I wasn't eager to start relying on someone- I kind of liked the fact that I found my independence again. I had time to work, to see friends and to focus on completing my Master's degree. It was important for me to maintain control of my own life.
Mike invited me to attend a wedding with him in August. His siblings and his mom were also there. It was a BLAST! We had so much fun together. How could it be this easy to date someone and feel secure with the situation so quickly? I was used to the drama of that whole guessing game- Is he really that into me? With Mike, I didn't have to wonder. He actually talked about how he was feeling and not in a creepy stalker way...just open, honest and very sweet.
Whenever he was in town, we spent time together. Some of that time was with one of our families and it was just perfect. I got to know his friends again and he got to know mine. We fit into each other's lives. In October, we went to a wedding in Maine- that trip was probably a turning point in terms of things being a more serious commitment. It's funny the things you remember but I recall being worried about how much I had packed for a 3-day weekend. I was worried about what Mike would think about my rather large suitcase. It turns out, his suitcase was the SAME size. I thought to myself, "We are meant to be". He didn't care that I needed an hour+ to get ready for the actual wedding (like I have that much time to get ready for anything these days). I was maybe a little bit high maintenance but he didn't seem to mind. To this day, it is one of the BEST weddings I have ever been to and I didn't know anyone except Mike at the start of the weekend. I enjoyed every minute of it & his friends were very welcoming.
After that trip, there was no way I could deny what was happening. I was falling in love with Mike. Once when we were out together, just having a beer, I remember him looking at me and saying "We should elope". I told him he was crazy but if I had said yes, I think he would have done it. As Christmas approached, I remember telling Mike that he could not propose to me at Christmas...I told him that I loved him but I just wasn't ready yet. (what girl does that?) His sister got married in March, 2001...I caught the bouquet. That is the one and only time.
Fast forward to May, 2001: Graduation was finally here. Apparently, Mike wasn't going to propose to me during graduation weekend because he didn't want to overshadow this milestone in my life. During the week, when we talked, I told Mike that I felt like I had already graduated and this ceremony was just a formality. I had actually completed my degree in December but had to wait until May to "walk". I had no idea he was planning to propose. We had looked at engagement rings, just so Mike had an idea of what I might like but that was a few months earlier and I honestly hadn't given it much thought since then.
So Mike came home for my graduation and that Friday night we were planning to get together. I was beside myself and I don't even remember why. I was on the phone with him crying about how tired I was and he offered to come pick me up so I didn't have to drive to his mom's house. Mind you, he had just driven 3 hours from Connecticut...this did not strike me as odd.
Mike called back while I was taking a shower but I had heard the phone ring. My niece, Erica, happened to be there and took the call. I kept asking her why he had called and she was trying to make up an excuse because he had told her he was going to propose. Well, I got some idea in my head that the two of them were planning to play a joke on me and I started flipping out about how I wasn't in the mood, etc. I even called Mike back to yell at him. Erica could not figure out why I was acting so crazy. In retrospect, I think the stress of 2 years of school/work/etc. just finally hit me. I did not expect a proposal. If I had been in Mike's shoes, I might have decided that being engaged to a crazy person was not the best plan.
Luckily Erica got me to calm down & assured me that no trick was in the works. She kept me at bay while Mike talked to my parents and showed them the ring...
Oh, you didn't think I was going to tell you EVERYTHING, did you?
Now you have to come back next week :)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
My Mom
I have for a loooong time now been wanting to tell you a little bit about my mom and why she is so awesome. And so first I give you-- The Top 10 Reasons Why My Mom Rocks:
1. She is a strong person who stands by her beliefs.
2. She comes to my house at 6:30 in the morning to help me get the boys out the door on time because she knows I suck at life in the morning & wants to help.
3. She taught me so many little everyday things that are SO important in life. Example: Always give a firm handshake. I rolled my eyes at the time but I think of her advice even today, especially in professional situations.
4. She has been overwhelmingly helpful to us during our financial nightmares and never makes me feel guilty or shameful about it. I gotta give my dad credit on this one too. They are both so generous and I am not talking about money- although they have been there in that respect, too.
5. She is absolutely in love with my boys- of course, she is "Grammy" so she is biased but she is at my house pretty much every day. I think she makes up reasons to stop by because she just loves to see them. My dad gets lots of credit here too-- "Poppy" loves to spend time with his buddies. My parents are at my house ALOT. Some people might find it intrusive...and yet, it all works out. Mike never complains- in fact, he welcomes it. Their presence is a blessing to our family. Michael and Liam have a real relationship with them and I hope it continues to be that way.
6. She brings our family together. My parents do not have a big house at this point in their lives but whenever we get together, there is always somehow enough room for everyone. And everyone always feels welcomed.
7. She supports me as a parent. This was a big turning point in our relationship. There was a definite point where I knew for certain that my mom regarded me as an adult and I really appreciate that. I can tell that she respects me at that level and while she is always there if I need advice, she doesn't push it on me.
8. She is alot of fun. I love spending time with her. It's nice if the kids are sleeping and we can sit around and just shoot the bull.
9. She tolerates my annoying personality traits and doesn't give me crap about them- unless it is truly deserved of course.
10. She taught me to think for myself, to be kind and to go that extra mile for family and friends. She taught me too many things to name.
No words can really capture what my mom means to me. This list hits the highlights. How can I put into words how much comfort my mom could bring to me when I was sick...how she always conveyed her love to me...how she has always been there for me, even when she disagreed. There are no words that can truly reflect the depth of a mother's love.
Since I have become a mother, I understand her now in a way that I didn't before. Some of the decisions she and my dad made make sense. Maybe some things I felt bitter about- well, I see there was no reason for bitterness on my part. Don't get me wrong, we never had a big rift between us. But becoming a mother opens up your perspective and I think that is when you truly understand the term "unconditional love". I pray that I can show my children how much I love them and that they know I will always stand by them, no matter what.
1. She is a strong person who stands by her beliefs.
2. She comes to my house at 6:30 in the morning to help me get the boys out the door on time because she knows I suck at life in the morning & wants to help.
3. She taught me so many little everyday things that are SO important in life. Example: Always give a firm handshake. I rolled my eyes at the time but I think of her advice even today, especially in professional situations.
4. She has been overwhelmingly helpful to us during our financial nightmares and never makes me feel guilty or shameful about it. I gotta give my dad credit on this one too. They are both so generous and I am not talking about money- although they have been there in that respect, too.
5. She is absolutely in love with my boys- of course, she is "Grammy" so she is biased but she is at my house pretty much every day. I think she makes up reasons to stop by because she just loves to see them. My dad gets lots of credit here too-- "Poppy" loves to spend time with his buddies. My parents are at my house ALOT. Some people might find it intrusive...and yet, it all works out. Mike never complains- in fact, he welcomes it. Their presence is a blessing to our family. Michael and Liam have a real relationship with them and I hope it continues to be that way.
6. She brings our family together. My parents do not have a big house at this point in their lives but whenever we get together, there is always somehow enough room for everyone. And everyone always feels welcomed.
7. She supports me as a parent. This was a big turning point in our relationship. There was a definite point where I knew for certain that my mom regarded me as an adult and I really appreciate that. I can tell that she respects me at that level and while she is always there if I need advice, she doesn't push it on me.
8. She is alot of fun. I love spending time with her. It's nice if the kids are sleeping and we can sit around and just shoot the bull.
9. She tolerates my annoying personality traits and doesn't give me crap about them- unless it is truly deserved of course.
10. She taught me to think for myself, to be kind and to go that extra mile for family and friends. She taught me too many things to name.
No words can really capture what my mom means to me. This list hits the highlights. How can I put into words how much comfort my mom could bring to me when I was sick...how she always conveyed her love to me...how she has always been there for me, even when she disagreed. There are no words that can truly reflect the depth of a mother's love.
Since I have become a mother, I understand her now in a way that I didn't before. Some of the decisions she and my dad made make sense. Maybe some things I felt bitter about- well, I see there was no reason for bitterness on my part. Don't get me wrong, we never had a big rift between us. But becoming a mother opens up your perspective and I think that is when you truly understand the term "unconditional love". I pray that I can show my children how much I love them and that they know I will always stand by them, no matter what.
Monday, January 12, 2009
First Kisses
(Note- Today is DeLurking Day in the bloggy world so if you are reading, please leave a comment or I will track you down with my sitemeter)
I should be writing about my mom- who is awesome- since she just celebrated her birthday & I wanted to tell you a little bit about her. I should also fill you on how Michael is spending his 2ND night in a toddler bed...
But I am putting those two important things aside and stealing an idea from Beth who's blog you can visit by looking down the page and to your right. She is one of my faves and her blog is the one called "sothefishsaid".
Let's talk about first kisses. She got me thinking about my first "real" kiss- which happened to be a very good one as first kisses go- and she also got me thinking about how many different kinds of "first kisses" one can have.
Let's start with the innocent ones- there was a boy named Vincent who lived across the street from me when we were both really young, like preschool age, and this kid lived to kiss me whenever possible. Of course I hated it but he was a persistent one and got his fair share.
Then I would have to skip ahead to junior high and games of spin the bottle at several different parties where I kissed multiple boys on the lips (no tongue). So that was fun but no real magic there.
Now we get to the good stuff- late Freshmen year- the first real kiss. I was at a party and for some reason a couple of us took a drive down to a local store (no drinking or smoking, I was terrified of my parents catching me). On the way home from this stupid grocery store trip, this guy I had a BIG crush on (real name Eric but everyone called him "Frog")...well, we just started kissing, the french kind. He was clearly experienced but still sweet and it was definitely a memorable moment. I still remember that butterflies in the stomach feeling.
I had some boyfriends in high school and so there were first kisses there- including the first time I kissed my husband (1990) in one of the back rows of a movie theater (Exorcist III). I can't say that was our best moment but there was definite chemistry...and here we are today, right? I think one of our best moments was when we reconnected and started dating seriously in 2000. We both knew that it was something special and I remember some of those moments because I was falling in love.
In college and the aftermath, they were some very intense relationships with some great kisses but those memories have faded with time- and were not particularly interesting.
In all honesty, I barely remember the wedding day kiss Mike and I exchanged but that entire day stands out as a wonderful, happy, joyous celebration.
One other particularly important kind of first kiss is the first kiss I gave to Michael and Liam when they were each born. I kissed each of them on the cheek first and I can still imagine the incredible newborn softness. In fact, they both still have very sweet, very plump, very SOFT cheeks...they get lots & lots of kisses. But that first moment, the moment that I fell in love, that's just got to be the best first kiss ever. If only they could remember it...
I should be writing about my mom- who is awesome- since she just celebrated her birthday & I wanted to tell you a little bit about her. I should also fill you on how Michael is spending his 2ND night in a toddler bed...
But I am putting those two important things aside and stealing an idea from Beth who's blog you can visit by looking down the page and to your right. She is one of my faves and her blog is the one called "sothefishsaid".
Let's talk about first kisses. She got me thinking about my first "real" kiss- which happened to be a very good one as first kisses go- and she also got me thinking about how many different kinds of "first kisses" one can have.
Let's start with the innocent ones- there was a boy named Vincent who lived across the street from me when we were both really young, like preschool age, and this kid lived to kiss me whenever possible. Of course I hated it but he was a persistent one and got his fair share.
Then I would have to skip ahead to junior high and games of spin the bottle at several different parties where I kissed multiple boys on the lips (no tongue). So that was fun but no real magic there.
Now we get to the good stuff- late Freshmen year- the first real kiss. I was at a party and for some reason a couple of us took a drive down to a local store (no drinking or smoking, I was terrified of my parents catching me). On the way home from this stupid grocery store trip, this guy I had a BIG crush on (real name Eric but everyone called him "Frog")...well, we just started kissing, the french kind. He was clearly experienced but still sweet and it was definitely a memorable moment. I still remember that butterflies in the stomach feeling.
I had some boyfriends in high school and so there were first kisses there- including the first time I kissed my husband (1990) in one of the back rows of a movie theater (Exorcist III). I can't say that was our best moment but there was definite chemistry...and here we are today, right? I think one of our best moments was when we reconnected and started dating seriously in 2000. We both knew that it was something special and I remember some of those moments because I was falling in love.
In college and the aftermath, they were some very intense relationships with some great kisses but those memories have faded with time- and were not particularly interesting.
In all honesty, I barely remember the wedding day kiss Mike and I exchanged but that entire day stands out as a wonderful, happy, joyous celebration.
One other particularly important kind of first kiss is the first kiss I gave to Michael and Liam when they were each born. I kissed each of them on the cheek first and I can still imagine the incredible newborn softness. In fact, they both still have very sweet, very plump, very SOFT cheeks...they get lots & lots of kisses. But that first moment, the moment that I fell in love, that's just got to be the best first kiss ever. If only they could remember it...
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