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.
Posted by: cindy | 03/21/2010 at 02:03 PM
very cool story Crystal! it must have been the eyes, your children's eyes are gorgeous!!
Posted by: Penny | 03/20/2010 at 05:45 AM
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
Posted by: Megan Nadalet | 03/16/2010 at 03:50 PM
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?
To: crystal0901@hotmail.com
Posted by: crystal1011 | 03/16/2010 at 05:26 AM
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)
Posted by: Dayna | 03/16/2010 at 03:38 AM
isn't it the ordinary that really becomes extraordinary? i love that when i reflect through the simple moments of a day.
Posted by: erin .@.tinytwistcreative | 03/13/2010 at 09:41 PM
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
Posted by: charlotte | 03/13/2010 at 08:02 AM
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!)
Posted by: Shanda | 03/12/2010 at 02:51 AM
Great post.
Posted by: Amanda | 03/11/2010 at 08:02 PM
Love this - gave me goose bumps - so true :-)
Posted by: Amber | 03/11/2010 at 05:42 PM
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!
Posted by: Andrea | 03/11/2010 at 04:05 PM