Since I did not do a specific post on our anniversary (Dan and I both forgot that day until well into the day), and since Andrea requested wedding photos, I will use this Flashback Friday to write our Love Story for posterity's sake. Here ya go, kids.
Spring of 1992...Dan and I work on the yearbook committee together. I'd seen him across the band room working the tympani and I was smitten. I asked my friend to ask him if he liked anyone (remember, we were in junior high). I don't remember alot of what actually happened, but before you knew it, we were sitting together on the bus and he was walking me home several blocks out of his way. One day, he even saw my dad at the gas station and introduced himself. We were 14.
Summer 1992....Shadley, fearing Daniel's jump to HS meant impending doom for their budding romance, breaks it off in the spirit of "enjoying 8th grade with my friends."
Fall 1993...Band Camp starts...oh yeah...we have the same carpool driver! Thanks Mandy Runyan and Angie! If it weren't for my BFF's sister being good friends with his sister, we might not have gotten back together! We all piled into the little Oldsmobile and sweated it out while we learned Kansas songs in marching band arrangements (seriously). It was awesome.
September, 1993...Dan asks me to the Homecoming Dance. I'm psyched. Cut to two hours later, Dan's band gets the emergency task of filling in for the cancelled DJ. I am dateless. But Dan is cute as a drummer.
October, 1993...on the bus to Valley Fest marching band competition. Dan seems uncomfortable the whole time. He finally gets the courage to ask me to be his girl. Then he says, "Do you ever get gas pains?" Apparently it was more than teenage angst getting him that day. From that day on, we're inseperable. I am a freshman and he is a sophomore.
(this is at my 16th b'day)
1996- Dan graduates and moves to Iowa City and travels home almost every weekend!
1997- Shadley graduates and moves to Iowa City.
1998- Dan gets an internship in New Jersey. He is really bored and making way too much money for his own good. While shopping for a calling card, he buys a diamond.
July 17th, 1998...Shadley comes to visit Dan in NJ. He seems agitated. She is tired. He drives to a really nice pier, leads her to a bridge over a small body of water. He fumbles in his pocket and kneels down. Shadley is in shock. They have talked about marriage only to say that they do not want to get married until after college (this was Dan's idea). Dan pops the Big Q and Shadley says, "Of course!" and then feels stupid. They can hardly eat their $50 meals at Il Porto. The waitstaff congratulates them, and a small boat of people applaude! Later that week, they go mini-golf to celebrate!
(a very bad engagement picture--yikes)
Fall 1998...We live apart for a while so I can try a school in Omaha.
Spring 1999...Shadley moves to Cedar Rapids to live with Tiel while she takes classes at Iowa again. The wedding date is set to August 14, 1999! Only 6 months to plan! Later that spring, Dan and Shadley decide to commit their relationship and themselves fully to Christ in all aspects of their lives. This is a major turning point.
August 14, 1999...The big day! It is hot and humid and there is NO A/C in the church. 400 (can that be right?) people maxxed out our small town church. The reception was held in the basement. The happy couple drove off that night to Plum Creek Inn in picturesque Thurman, IA. (google it) We spent our two-day mini-moon in Omaha at the Family Fun Center playing air hockey and skee ball. Did I mention we were 21? We ordered pizza and drove back to Thurman with it. Ah, romance.
Spring 2000...We had our "real" honeymoon in Colorado! We spent a week in Steamboat Springs at Shadley's great aunt's cabin. Awesome. I got lost on my way to a spa! Thankfully that nice public transit driver drove me right to the cabin door so I wouldn't get lost again.
Basically, long story long, we lived in some crazy places, shared life with some great friends, served alongside some awesome Jesus-followers and basically were blessed like crazy. In 2000, Dan graduated from college, and in 2001, Shadley followed. A month after graduation, Baby Grimes was on her way!
March 2002...Bought first house!
May 2002...Moved to the new pad.
October 26, 2002...The day we became a family! Eden Lily was born, weighing 7 lbs 8 oz. Her daddy was completely in heaven.
September 1, 2005...Family of four! Elly Lyn is born at 7 lbs 5.5 oz. We wonder if we will ever sleep again.
August 2007, we begin pursuing the adoption of our third child! If only I had a picture to post!
That is it. We are best friends and a great team. God has so blessed me with my husband. I am thankful every day that this example is the one that is set for my girls. Love you, Hon!
