It all started in 2002 as a sweet friendship in college. We had so much to talk about and learn about each other. We had lots of time to just hang out and enjoy each other with school and part time jobs being the only responsibilities.
In Spring of 2004, Tim graduated and moved off to Kilgore, TX to start his new job with Halliburton. It was a struggle at first with the long distance. We talked on the phone at least once a day and visited each other or met in Shreveport the others. He moved to Dallas for more training shortly after. I graduated in the Winter of 2005 an moved to the small town of Cleveland, MS. That was the first step of us truly getting to learn our own habits and get to know ourselves in the adult world. We both had great adventures with friends both new and old in our independent destinations. It challenged our relationship at times, but more importantly made it stronger. Afterall, they always say "Absence makes the heart grow fonder".
In March of 2007, the commitment was bonded by our engagement. I had driven to Shreveport late on a Thursday night to surprise Tim. Little did I know, my life would change that night. I opened the door to his house and there was a long aisle of rose petals with tea light candles lit on each side. It was magical and so surreal. I couldn't believe what was happening. I searched all over the house for Tim and couldn't find him anywhere. I went out to the patio and there was a large box wrapped in a Tiffany blue with a big white ribbon around it and a note that said "Open me". There were candles all around it and along the edge of the porch. I opened the box and there was a smaller, wrapped box inside. I opened that box and another was inside. That process continued a couple more times until I got to a small box. Inside it was a ring box...and no ring. Still in shock, I called for Tim and told him to come out, because I didn't know what to do next. When he finally came out of hiding from behind some bushes by the patio where he had been spying on me, he got down on one knee with a rose and ring in his hand and asked me to marry him. Of course I said "Yes". :) That night began the wedding planning and my hunt for a job in Shreveport. I got a job and moved there that October.
On March 1st of 2008, five years ago, we got married. I became Mrs. Timothy Grace. It was one of the best days of my entire life. That morning was spent with my bridesmaids, close friends, and of course my family getting ready and pretty for the ceremony. Even though I was more than ready to marry Tim, I was a little nervous. My nerves were more because of all the people waiting to witness our celebration, than any fear of marrying the man of my dreams. The doors opened to the chapel and my dad walked me down the aisle. With huge smiles, we talked between our teeth about all the people that were watching as we made the journey to the alter. My dad handed me over to Tim and my eyes did not leave his from that moment on. I watched my Tim the entire time and took in each and every moment as we said our vows with full hearts. When we went to light the unity candle, the moment hit me and the tears of happiness began to flow. I couldn't believe this moment was here. We were then pronounced husband and wife. My smile did not go away and my entire face was sore because of it :). The night was filled with food, dancing, LOTS of visiting with family and friends who had come to share in our big day...the beginning of the rest of our lives. We left for Jamaica that Monday and had a wonderful honeymoon, just the two of us, enjoying each other. The next couple of years were spent getting to know each other as we lived together and learned the way we really lived day to day. We took a few trips, spent time with friends as a married couple, and just enjoyed what we had.
In January of 2010, a new chapter began. We found out I was pregnant with our first baby. Around Easter, we found we were expecting a baby boy. It was wonderful news and although we knew what we were expecting, you can't truly understand parenthood until you experience it. Boston was born on September 17th and it was the most wonderful experience meeting our "little us" for the first time. We quickly had to learn that our us and me time were now mostly devoted to the life of our baby boy. That November, Tim was given the opportunity to interview for a job. He accepted the job in Houston, Texas and began making plans to move. After about a month living in a hotel (longer for Tim), we found a house and moved in. It took some time to get used to being far from family, but we visited Shreveport often that helped alot. It was really good for us to have so much time, just us, exploring a new city and learning where everything was in our new home town. I stayed home with Boston for about 6 months, then began working. The year of 2011 was a year full of learning and adjustment...new baby, new jobs, new city, new home, and new friends.
In 2012, we found out we were expecting a second little baby boy. We were ready for that next step in our lives and were filled with excitement. Little Boston would have a life long playmate and friend. We knew life would be more chaotic, but were ready for the challenge. Blake was born on December 28th, an amazing end to 2012 and beginning to 2013. Our days are filled with making sure our baby boys are taken care of and loved these days. Tim is working, Boston is in daycare, and I am home for a couple of months with brand new Blake. There may not be very much "Tim and Bonnie time" any more. We do our best to enjoy family dinners, relaxing on the back porch, and watching our favorite shows together. Life is different than it was when we met, but we wouldn't have it any other way.
That is a little story of the past 5 years of marriage with my loving, caring, sweetheart, hard working, devoted Daddy to our babies, amazing hubby.
I love you Tim with all of my heart and can't wait for many, many, many, many, many more years!
