I think I was about twenty when I met James. My car had been hit by a deer (yes, it is my contention the deer hit ME) and had already been in the shop for two weeks. I was at the mercy of my roommate's social calendar if I wanted to do ANYthing. I'd just painted my nails, and she was about to make the 25-minute drive to her boyfriend's house and wanted me to tag along and meet his roommate. Ew, a blind date. Blech. "No, my nails aren't dry," I whined. She rolled her eyes and after several back and forths ("he's really sweet, and cute, and we already told him you're coming; he wants to meet you…" etc after etc), I finally agreed to go.
Half an hour later, I was staring at the white door of a run-down apartment complex, waiting to see what this guy was really like. I'll skip to the end first – we didn't click at all. He was quiet (too quiet), reserved, very Caucasian (the kind that doesn't tan), and quiet. We really didn't like each other. Looking back, he recalls that I was
cute. But too loud. And direct. Not very girly. But something I do remember from that first night was the moment he opened that grungy white door – how very blue and twinkly sweet his eyes were.
There is nothing super important about that moment, except that now I remember it as the first moment of a night that was really UNspectacular. An evening we really don't remember much about, but that changed our lives forever.
I can't tell you how many times I look at my little girls (eta: and sweet Cam) and there I am again – my future husband at the door. It makes me smile. How two people at one point in time had NO clue that 12 years into the future they'd share a history of loss, war, several moves across the country, two children, and another pleasant surprise on the way…It tickles me every time.
Hi Crystal. We don’t know one another. I was looking for an easy burp cloth pattern and found her site. I have to say that I love your blog! Your photos are amazing and really captures the moments. Thanks for your thoughtful sharing. Your children are truly beautiful–and yes, those blue eyes! Blessings to your family.
very cool story Crystal! it must have been the eyes, your children’s eyes are gorgeous!!
Awwww how precious! and I love their blue eyes!
The part about the deer reminds me of an episode of Gilmore Girls where the deer runs into her car. hahaha
Dayna, believe it or not I couldnt believe he was so white. 😉 And when he told me he doesnt tan I went so far as to try to prove him wrong bc I just couldnt believe it. An hour after dousing him in baby oil (!) and laying out with him, the poor man was a lobster! He looked at me, all pink and wincing and just said, See, I told you. How can you NOT date someone who will go through that for you?
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I love this, and it cracks me up that you threw him out there for not being able to tan! (As I sit here peeling from sunburn. And I’m not of the non-tanning variety)
isn’t it the ordinary that really becomes extraordinary? i love that when i reflect through the simple moments of a day.
so sweet and wonderful. wishing you all the best with the birth-day to come. know you are very excited to meet the new man in your life. we are too! xoC
I just wanted you to know that I enjoy your blog. We don’t know each other at all, I think I stumbled upon your site looking for an easy sewing pattern. I think your family is precious, and your heart is sweet and thoughtful, which shines in your writings. I wish you all peace and joy as you await your new baby boy! (I’m having a daughter, in June, and I cannot wait! She will join her 1 big sister and 5 big brothers!)
Great post.
Love this – gave me goose bumps – so true 🙂
Loved reading this, Crystal. So you, so descriptive, so beautiful.
I love looking back on the UNspectacular moments in my life and realizing that they changed everything.
I’m so glad you didn’t let your wet nails hold you back!