NINE

1. I was coerced into going on a date with you by your pestering brother and my "oh just be nice and go out with him" Mom. I went, felt shocked that I had so much fun, and felt bad for not wanting to go in the first place.

2. You walked me to the door and said something funny as you walked away. I burst out a giggle, and at the same time (blushing) actually PASSED GAS! I was convinced you heard because you turned back and said, "What did you say?" Then you didn't call the next day. I felt mortified. (By the way, this memory still makes me giggle)

3. On our third "hanging out" I took you to my secret special places, all the places that I think are pretty cool that most people don't even notice. I was surprised when you told me that you had some too, and even more surprised when you took me to all of them that night.

4. Your face turned bright red, as we sat on the side of a mountain having escaped the ward summer party, when you leaned in and I asked, "Are you trying to kiss me?" Shocked that I would ask that, you were indignant and then refused to carry through with the deed.

5. I was so sad, annoyed, confused, bewildered and in a huff that you would get cold feet so many times...so many that we would break up 5 times! But so in love, that I would jump back on board as soon as you came to your senses.

6. When we walked in the park and found a lost and very wet golden Labrador, I knew you loved me when you let me put the dog in the cab of your pristine Red Chevy Truck.

7. You took me to the singles dance even though we had broken up. I staked my claim by hugging and kissing all over you ALL night long. You pretend to be put off, but I know you loved how much I loved you!

8. You said goodnight on the doorstep, and then as I would turn to leave, you would ask if I wanted to take a walk. We walked and talked and you would take me home again, just to ask if I would not go in yet and walk some more.

9. I once drew a dreamy sketch of what I would want my wedding ring to look like, I thought it had been thrown away, but months later you surprised me when you knelt down on one knee and presented me with a small white box. I opened the box to find, not a ring, but the drawing I had crumpled up, and tossed out. In a quiet, trembling voice, you asked me to marry you as you pulled the ring, replicated from the picture, out of your pocket. It was everything that I wanted...just as you still are today. HAPPY 9TH ANNIVERSARY!