I know it may seem crazy that I am already thinking about snow, especially since it is now the middle of July. I just cannot help it. Something about the ground blanketed with fresh white powder. Makes the world seem not so terrible, if even just for a moment. I never have been a fan of Summer. Most people think I am crazy. Winter has always been my favorite season. There is just something about drinking hot chocolate and snuggling up close to the people you love. Makes me feel all warm and cozy inside. When I think about snow, I think about how each individual snow flake is different. No two are alike. I think about snow angels and snow men and snow ball fights. I recall snow days from when I was just a little kid and how Mom would always make snow cream. I think about chicken noodle soup and warming up by the fire. I love seeing children and their little rosey red cheeks. Night is always when I love snow fall the best. I love peering out the window and looking at God's beauty all around me. Most of all I love walking in the snow, something about all that crunching underneath my feet. Makes me feel like a little kid all over again. Sometimes I just lay back, stick my tongue out and see how many snow flakes I can catch. I think about sleding and all the good times I had growing up in Crater Park. There was never a dull moment. I think about snow days from school and how excited we would be when Mom would come in and say "there is no school today".
I think about the Christmas season and how it is always my prayer for a White Christmas. I got to experience this for the first time ever two years ago. God had heard my prayers. It was so peaceful. There is just something so surreal about it. I remember times in Blowing Rock, NC with family and how every first weekend in December we drive up and get our Christmas Tree. It is so much more fun when it snows. Nothing like picking out the perfect tree in falling snow. It is the BEST! So yes, it may be July, but my mind is already thinking of December. Praying for the powdery white stuff again this year. Let it SNOW, let it SNOW, let it SNOW!
Mi Familia
Jeremy, Dallas and James
Friday, July 20, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
To Get Me To You...Continued
I remember the night he proposed just like it was yesterday. I remember being so excited and overcome with joy. I was so happy and was bursting at the seams to tell everyone. Jeremy and I make our way back to the beach house hand and hand. My cousin, Josh is outside with some of his friends and I immediately make the big announcement. I start showing off my beautiful and prized ring. I could literally stare at this all night! I make my way upstairs and into the house. Kristin and her Mom are sitting on the couch. Kristin looks at me and says with a huge smile on her face..."so did you say yes?" No fair...I wanted to surprise her. Her Mom, Betty just laughs. I proceed once again to show off my new BLING. I pick up the phone to call my parents so I can give them the good news. My Mom picks up and so I say "guess what?" she says "I know" Seriously...can I please surprise someone! Turns out Jeremy had asked for permission from my parents before hand. I heard all about that story later from my Mom. Turns out everyone that I tried calling that night already knew the BIG news. It is amazing how fast word gets out!
That night Jeremy and I decide to take a little walk together. We start thinking about dates and Jeremy tells me that he would like a long engagement. He wants to save some more money so we can start planning our lives together. I wanted a Christmas Wedding. This has always been my most favorite time of year. It always seems so magical to me...like anything can happen. We decide we better hold off on a Christmas Wedding, as this wouldn't be fair for most of his family. Most of his relatives live in Utah or Arkansas. Most of my family is here. We soon decide on February 4th 2006. Mind you this was July of 2004 when he proposed. I was ready now! I already knew what colors and flowers I wanted. I was super excited to start dress shopping even though the wedding was nearly two years away! Our vacation quickly comes to an end and it is now time to go home. Yay...I can finally show off my ring to everyone!
The months go by and the wedding plans begin. Jeremy tells me I can do whatever I want. That it is my day. I tried to have him be more involved. It wasn't that he didn't care, I guess it's just called being a guy. Jeremy never has been much of a shopper...even though he is more picky then I. He probably wouldn't admit this, but trust me, he is. Jeremy likes plain things and well I tend to like things that pop and shine. BLING is an essential color (I think). I have already picked out my dress by this point. I wasn't the type to sit around and wait. My younger sister, Michelle is actually the one who picked my dress out. We purchased this from David's Bridal. I remember trying this on and I knew it was the one. My Mom starts crying of course. I am in love and I can't wait for our BIG DAY. It seems like the next months wanted to drag on, but then before I knew it, our BIG day had finally arrived. It is February 3rd. The night before our wedding. My stomach is in knots as we run through the dress rehearsal. Jeremy is just as calm as he can be. We have our dress rehearsal dinner at the church. Afterwards I make my way back upstairs to help with decorating the sanctuary. I want everything to be perfect. My Mom is into bows...always has been. Me...not so much. Everything seems perfect until I look up and what do I see hanging from the Baptismal? A BIG UGLY BOW smack dab in the middle. I make a little fuss over this...hoping someone will take this down. I didn't want to be Bridezilla...after all it was just a bow. I did hate it though. I take a few more looks around and realize we need more candle holders and candles. Our wedding was to start at 5:30 the next evening. My best friend, Amy and I decide we had better make a trip to Wally World. We were there for literally 3 hours. We finally make it back to the church and make the last minute arrangements. I still can't get that BIG bow out of my mind. I just want the thing down. It does not match! My mom assures me we will take this down before tomorrow. That night I stayed at my parents house and my younger sister, Michelle asks if I want to have a sleep over in her room. We talked and laughed for a little while and she asks if I am nervous. By this point I am fine and just looking forward to what tomorrow has to bring. She nods off and I am laying there wide awake. Too much on mind as I wonder what the next months and years will be like. I start to cry, not because I am sad, but simply because I will miss these conversations and moments spent with my sister and parents. Jeremy and I had purchased a house in October of 2005, but Jeremy and I did not move in together. He was living there by himself. So that night would officially be the last night at my parents house. I thought about this for awhile and wondered how different this would be. I would now be responsible for my own mortgage. I was growing up, getting married and leaving my parents nest.
Morning comes and I cannot believe that I am getting married. I will be Mrs. Jeremy Welch. I remember how weird it felt telling everyone that Jeremy was my fiancé. How much more weird would it be saying this is my husband? It took awhile to sink in. It's funny all the stages you go through in one's life. baby, child, teenager, young adult, adult, girlfriend/boyfriend...you catch my drift. I go for my hair appointment and make all the necessary preparations like any Bride would do. My girls are right there with me. My older sister, Nichole, My younger sister, Michelle, My cousin Kristin and my best friend, Amy. We take our pictures and now we are down to the last five minutes. Everyone is acting goofy. I guess they were trying to keep me from being nervous. I was fine. 5:30 is now here and it is time to get this party started! My Dad meets me at the front of the church. He too asks if I am nervous and I tell him no. I am more excited then anything. The wedding party is now all in place and the doors open for me to come in. Everyone stands up, but all I can see is that BIG DAMN BOW! Finally I fixate my eyes on Jeremy. Does he seriously have tears in his eyes? Dad and I make our way up the aisle. Everyone with the exception of my cousin Kristin and the Groomsmen are all crying. This includes Jeremy. I am whispering to everyone under my breathe "stop it" Pastor Dale asks who gives this woman? My Dad answers and now Jeremy and I are hand in hand. I again mumble under my breathe "Stop it" this was all while gritting my teeth. How is it that I was a wreck the night before and now I am fine? Jeremy was the one who was a mess. He wasn't balling or anything like that. I guess he realized how fast his life was quickly coming to an end...haha!
We go throughout the ceremony and Jeremy finally has clear eyes. It is times for our vows. We each repeat after our Pastor, Dale. Dale looks out into the crowd and says he now pronounces us husband and wife. Holy Crap! I am now married! Yahoooooooo! Jeremy may kiss his bride! We make our way slowly back down the aisle. Our life as Mr. and Mrs. Welch has just begun.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
To Get Me To You
Many people have asked how me and my husband, Jeremy have met. It is a LONG story, but I have plenty of time. You see if someone would have told me 16 years ago that he and I would be married someday, I would have laughed in their face. We are total opposites, and for that matter I thought he was a total and complete jerk. I will not use the word he choose to describe me, but I am sure with a little bit of imagination, one can guess. Jeremy and I actually met at Ranson Middle School (Go Raiders) when he and I were in the 7th grade. He and his family moved here from Alabama, but he is orginally from Utah. His family also started visiting our church, Statesville Road Baptist of Charlotte, NC. He and I rarely spoke. He says I was too clickish, but I say he never took the time to get to know me. I knew him as a stubborn, hot headed, skinny, red headed kid who was very blunt in how he spoke to you. As far as I could tell, we were not going to be friends, much less anything else.
It wasn't until our High School years that we actually "talked" to one another. He and I actually had one class together our sophmore year. It was Geometry and we had CrAzY old Mrs. Clemmons. He and I actually sat in the same row. Too this day he claims he didn't deserve to be in her class and that his only purpose for being there was to help others cheat. He and Tre Murray (or so he claims). Yes, I will admit that he is smart (maybe even a little brighter then me), but then again, he always did have a BIG HEAD. Haha...
I recall one day (my senior year) when I had a POUNDING headache. I just so happened to run into Jeremy out in the halls. I guess he saw me from a distance and knew that something was wrong from the way I looked. He was actually leaving early that day. He was taking a few college courses and was also working at the time (Big hot shot that he is). He asked if I wanted him to drive me home. I think I was in shock, b/c like I said, he and I rarely spoke. Anyhow, I immediately said yes and he offered to drive from the student parking lot to the front of the school. If you know anything about Vance High School, then you know to get from the school, to the student parking lot, that you literally have to climb a MOUNTAIN of stairs. I thought it was sweet that he offered, but then was even more floored when he offered to drive around to the front for me. He had an old blue mustang at the time. He came around front and off we went. He drove me home and then drove off. Okay...so that wasn't so bad. That was my first thoughts. After that, he and I would talk from time to time, but nothing too in depth. For some reason, I always found myself sticking up for his younger brother, Jesse. OMG could he be annoying! Jesse...if you are reading this, then sorry, but let's face it. You were...still can be as a matter of fact! Bet you never thought I would be your sister in law huh?
My friends and boyfriend at the time were never pleased that I always took up for him either. It may not have been the most popular thing to do, but it was the right thing to do. Maybe that is why Jeremy offered to drive me home that day?
It wasn't until February of 2001 that Jeremy and I officially started hanging out and what would be the beginning of something much more then that. You see I had a boyfriend at the time. I was in love, but little did I know, my heart was about to be crushed into a million little pieces. I guess I should have seen it coming...all the little signs were there. But being young and in love, sometimes we choose not to see those things. My boyfriend and I broke up on Feb. 19th 2001. I was a hot mess to say the least. I cried for what seemed like an eternity. At that age you don't ever think your heart can or will ever mend. In my mindset this was the end of the world. I remember feeling completey and utterly alone. It didn't matter what anyone said. I was heart broken and there was no fixing that. Just when I thought I was doing better, something else would happen. A song on the radio, pictures, you name it, it was a NIGHTMARE! Or was it?
Two weeks had gone by and my parents house phone rings. I had been asleep on the couch. There was no going into my room...way to many pictures and other things that reminded me of my now ex. I pick it up and say"hello" the voice of the other end doesn't sound familiar, as I hear "Hey Dallas, it's Jeremy" My reply "Umm Jeremy who?" Poor guy! "Jeremy from church" Me "OOOOO, I am sorry" Jeremy speaks up and says "I heard you were down in the dumps, so I just wanted to call and get you out of the house. What do you say to lunch and a movie"? Me "Okay, but this is not a date" Man...maybe I was the word Jeremy used to describe me!
Jeremy shows up in his little white S-10 pickup truck. I look a mess, not that I was trying to impress anyone. After all, I had made it very clear that this was NOT a date. We ended up going to O'Charleys for lunch. I ordered a salad and maybe took 2 bites. That was the only good thing about a break up for me...no appetite. To this day I still don't remember what in the world we talked about. After lunch we headed to Concord Mills Mall to watch a movie. I can't even recall what movie we watched. I just remember going into the bathroom afterwards and seeing my reflection in the mirror. Did I seriously just go out in public like this? I walk out of the bathroom and smack Jeremy on his arm. He looks at me like "what was that for" I say to him "I cannot believe you didn't tell me I looked terrible" He says "I am sorry, but you look fine to me" He was seriously just trying to be nice at this point. I had the worse bags under my eyes and if you could have seen my hair...I looked like a fashion disaster, but worse. After our "Not a date outing" Jeremy drove me home. Maybe he is not such a jerk after all.
After that Jeremy and I would talk from to time while at church, but again, nothing too serious. After a few months, he had started dating someone. I was still hung up on my ex anyway. It wasn't until one day (at church) that I was sitting out in my car. I see Jeremy and his girlfriend come walking out. They are holding hands and I notice that Jeremy now has a new haircut. Man did this make him look totally and completely different (thanks Liz). Jeremy and his girlfriend slowly walk past. We don't talk, just wave. I look out my side window and see him open the passenger door. His girlfriend hops into the seat and he gives her a little peck on the lips. Great...now I am thinking of my ex again! They drive off. Did I seriously just notice that Jeremy got a hair cut? What is up with that? A few months goes by and we are all at church again. Some of us are talking and I hear Jeremy say that he, his girlfriend and some friends are going to the movies. For some reason he asks if I would like to come along. Me with no life now...agrees. So off me, him and his girlfriend go riding in his brand new Dodge Ram truck...ummm akward! After that Jeremy and I started hanging out. Needless to say his girlfriend is not to happy about this.
Now for whatever reason, my ex has now decided that he too, will start hanging out with Jeremy. We all of the sudden become the three musketeers. Can you say even more awkward??? We literally go and do everything together. Jeremy's girlfriend again...not so happy. She calls while Jeremy, My ex and I are out. I could tell she was not pleased by the answer Jeremy gave when he told her who he was out with. They eventually break up. Now moving on to an even more awkard moment...
Jeremy and I are at my parents house. We are both in my bedroom just carrying on casual conversation. Nothing too serious right? Wrong! For some odd reason we start talking about people in our youth group and who we think likes one another. Jeremy says, "well I kind of like someone" Me being the idiot that I am says "ohh really who?" He says "Really Dallas"? Me...well at this point I am totally clueless. I start naming off people and Jeremy continues to shake his head no. I finally say (in a joking voice) "then who, me?" Jeremy "Yes you" Ohh snap...did he really just say that out loud? That is one of those moments when you wish their was a rewind button. He was not going to like what I had to say next. I must have been 50 shades of red, but I somehow spoke these words "I am sorry, but I just don't feel the same" Jeremy is also now 50 shades of red. He proceeds to get up and leave and I grab his arm...how can I fix this now horribly awkward moment? I say to him "but that doesn't mean that those feelings can't change." He sits back down and we pretend this how conversation never happened.
A few weeks go by and we are at this parents house. We are sitting on the couch watching whatever we can find on tv. I guess you could say we were flirting. Jeremy kept poking me in my side. With every poke I got a little closer to his face. He finally just grabbed me and kisses me. Wow...not what I was expecting. Not that the kiss was bad. I guess I was just taken away by the moment. We sat there in slience for a little while. I was trying to think of something to say. Then finally, I open my mouth and say "Jeremy, if we start dating and you break my heart, I will seriously become a lesbian." I could not take another heart break. Of course I was only joking about the lesbian thing. It was an ice breaker at the time.
Needless to say the weeks go by and before I know it, Jeremy and I are now dating. I don't know exactly when this happened. I guess you could say Valentines of 2002 was our first official date. I was working as a waitress at Macado's of Concord Mills Mall. He had a dozen long stem red roses sent to work. I am totally shocked! Not at all the Valentines day I was expecting. He calls and tells me to get ready and that he is taking me out for dinner. It's off to Mickey and Mooch for us. Can we say YUMMY? From that moment own we were with each other pretty much every weekend. At the time, Jeremy traveled a lot with his job. So the time that we did get together meant the world to me. I was finally happy again and was starting to feel whole once more. God had an amazing plan all along. I just couldn't see it at the time.
I rememeber the first time we said those three little words "I Love You" we were standing out on my parents front porch. Jeremy leans in for a good night kiss and says "well I am just going to be the first to say it, I love you" Me and my dorky self, looks at him and says "I love you too, Jeremy Ray Welch" We laughed about this for sometime and then again Jeremy says "I love you Dallas Anne Dulin" Why I had to state his full name is beyond me. We still jokingly say this from time to time to one another. Brings back good memories. Jeremy and I had been dating for sometime when he decided it was time to pop the BIG QUESTION. I was at Holden Beach with my cousin, Kristin at the time and Jeremy was currently in Utah. We had made plans for him to drive down and join us later in the week once he finally arrived back home. I was so excited to see him. I remember when he pulled in the drive at the beach house. I ran down stairs and jumped into his arms. Back then I was skinny, so he was actually able to do this. LOL
I was happy to see him. The next day Kristin, Jeremy and I all rode to Myrtle Beach together. We spent the day going in and out little shops and had lunch at Dicks. If you have ever been to Dicks at Myrtle Beach, then you know what type of restaurant this is. Needless to say is was a lunch we will never forget. After spending most of the day at Myrtle, we decided to head back to Holden. I remember wanting to stop for cookies and cream ice cream and Jeremy had promised me that we could. On the way back, those afternoon Thunderstorms started to roll in. I remember thinking of the movie, Sweet Home Alabama. On our way back, Jeremy asks if I want to go and take a walk with him on the beach. I look at Kristin and ask if she would like to come too. Kristin just says no. Little did I know the plans that Jeremy had up his sleeve. We pull in the drive way to our beach house and all get out. I again ask Kristin if she would like to come with us. Again, I am such a DORK. By this point it is starting to drizzle, but this wasn't going to ruin Jeremy's plans. We make our way to the beach access. It has now started lightening. I look at Jeremy and ask if he just wants to do this later. He immediately says no and off we go on our walk. It wasn't too long before Jeremy asks if we can sit down. So I do, and he sits behind me with his arms wrapped around. We sit in silence for a minute or two and then Jeremy starts asking me all these questions. I can't recall what they all were, but you can guess what is coming next. Before I know it, there is a box in front of my face and he says "Will you marry me?" I am now crying by this point and excitedly open the box. He went to Jared...just FYI. Haha...I open the box and see the BEAUTIFUL ring that is about to be placed on my finger. He slips it on my ring finger. We are now engaged! I see another couple walking towards us. I just so happen to have my camera on me. I ask if they will take our picture. I cannot believe I am now engaged! I can't wait to start making plans for us to spend the rest of our lives together.
To Be Continued
It wasn't until our High School years that we actually "talked" to one another. He and I actually had one class together our sophmore year. It was Geometry and we had CrAzY old Mrs. Clemmons. He and I actually sat in the same row. Too this day he claims he didn't deserve to be in her class and that his only purpose for being there was to help others cheat. He and Tre Murray (or so he claims). Yes, I will admit that he is smart (maybe even a little brighter then me), but then again, he always did have a BIG HEAD. Haha...
I recall one day (my senior year) when I had a POUNDING headache. I just so happened to run into Jeremy out in the halls. I guess he saw me from a distance and knew that something was wrong from the way I looked. He was actually leaving early that day. He was taking a few college courses and was also working at the time (Big hot shot that he is). He asked if I wanted him to drive me home. I think I was in shock, b/c like I said, he and I rarely spoke. Anyhow, I immediately said yes and he offered to drive from the student parking lot to the front of the school. If you know anything about Vance High School, then you know to get from the school, to the student parking lot, that you literally have to climb a MOUNTAIN of stairs. I thought it was sweet that he offered, but then was even more floored when he offered to drive around to the front for me. He had an old blue mustang at the time. He came around front and off we went. He drove me home and then drove off. Okay...so that wasn't so bad. That was my first thoughts. After that, he and I would talk from time to time, but nothing too in depth. For some reason, I always found myself sticking up for his younger brother, Jesse. OMG could he be annoying! Jesse...if you are reading this, then sorry, but let's face it. You were...still can be as a matter of fact! Bet you never thought I would be your sister in law huh?
My friends and boyfriend at the time were never pleased that I always took up for him either. It may not have been the most popular thing to do, but it was the right thing to do. Maybe that is why Jeremy offered to drive me home that day?
It wasn't until February of 2001 that Jeremy and I officially started hanging out and what would be the beginning of something much more then that. You see I had a boyfriend at the time. I was in love, but little did I know, my heart was about to be crushed into a million little pieces. I guess I should have seen it coming...all the little signs were there. But being young and in love, sometimes we choose not to see those things. My boyfriend and I broke up on Feb. 19th 2001. I was a hot mess to say the least. I cried for what seemed like an eternity. At that age you don't ever think your heart can or will ever mend. In my mindset this was the end of the world. I remember feeling completey and utterly alone. It didn't matter what anyone said. I was heart broken and there was no fixing that. Just when I thought I was doing better, something else would happen. A song on the radio, pictures, you name it, it was a NIGHTMARE! Or was it?
Two weeks had gone by and my parents house phone rings. I had been asleep on the couch. There was no going into my room...way to many pictures and other things that reminded me of my now ex. I pick it up and say"hello" the voice of the other end doesn't sound familiar, as I hear "Hey Dallas, it's Jeremy" My reply "Umm Jeremy who?" Poor guy! "Jeremy from church" Me "OOOOO, I am sorry" Jeremy speaks up and says "I heard you were down in the dumps, so I just wanted to call and get you out of the house. What do you say to lunch and a movie"? Me "Okay, but this is not a date" Man...maybe I was the word Jeremy used to describe me!
Jeremy shows up in his little white S-10 pickup truck. I look a mess, not that I was trying to impress anyone. After all, I had made it very clear that this was NOT a date. We ended up going to O'Charleys for lunch. I ordered a salad and maybe took 2 bites. That was the only good thing about a break up for me...no appetite. To this day I still don't remember what in the world we talked about. After lunch we headed to Concord Mills Mall to watch a movie. I can't even recall what movie we watched. I just remember going into the bathroom afterwards and seeing my reflection in the mirror. Did I seriously just go out in public like this? I walk out of the bathroom and smack Jeremy on his arm. He looks at me like "what was that for" I say to him "I cannot believe you didn't tell me I looked terrible" He says "I am sorry, but you look fine to me" He was seriously just trying to be nice at this point. I had the worse bags under my eyes and if you could have seen my hair...I looked like a fashion disaster, but worse. After our "Not a date outing" Jeremy drove me home. Maybe he is not such a jerk after all.
After that Jeremy and I would talk from to time while at church, but again, nothing too serious. After a few months, he had started dating someone. I was still hung up on my ex anyway. It wasn't until one day (at church) that I was sitting out in my car. I see Jeremy and his girlfriend come walking out. They are holding hands and I notice that Jeremy now has a new haircut. Man did this make him look totally and completely different (thanks Liz). Jeremy and his girlfriend slowly walk past. We don't talk, just wave. I look out my side window and see him open the passenger door. His girlfriend hops into the seat and he gives her a little peck on the lips. Great...now I am thinking of my ex again! They drive off. Did I seriously just notice that Jeremy got a hair cut? What is up with that? A few months goes by and we are all at church again. Some of us are talking and I hear Jeremy say that he, his girlfriend and some friends are going to the movies. For some reason he asks if I would like to come along. Me with no life now...agrees. So off me, him and his girlfriend go riding in his brand new Dodge Ram truck...ummm akward! After that Jeremy and I started hanging out. Needless to say his girlfriend is not to happy about this.
Now for whatever reason, my ex has now decided that he too, will start hanging out with Jeremy. We all of the sudden become the three musketeers. Can you say even more awkward??? We literally go and do everything together. Jeremy's girlfriend again...not so happy. She calls while Jeremy, My ex and I are out. I could tell she was not pleased by the answer Jeremy gave when he told her who he was out with. They eventually break up. Now moving on to an even more awkard moment...
Jeremy and I are at my parents house. We are both in my bedroom just carrying on casual conversation. Nothing too serious right? Wrong! For some odd reason we start talking about people in our youth group and who we think likes one another. Jeremy says, "well I kind of like someone" Me being the idiot that I am says "ohh really who?" He says "Really Dallas"? Me...well at this point I am totally clueless. I start naming off people and Jeremy continues to shake his head no. I finally say (in a joking voice) "then who, me?" Jeremy "Yes you" Ohh snap...did he really just say that out loud? That is one of those moments when you wish their was a rewind button. He was not going to like what I had to say next. I must have been 50 shades of red, but I somehow spoke these words "I am sorry, but I just don't feel the same" Jeremy is also now 50 shades of red. He proceeds to get up and leave and I grab his arm...how can I fix this now horribly awkward moment? I say to him "but that doesn't mean that those feelings can't change." He sits back down and we pretend this how conversation never happened.
A few weeks go by and we are at this parents house. We are sitting on the couch watching whatever we can find on tv. I guess you could say we were flirting. Jeremy kept poking me in my side. With every poke I got a little closer to his face. He finally just grabbed me and kisses me. Wow...not what I was expecting. Not that the kiss was bad. I guess I was just taken away by the moment. We sat there in slience for a little while. I was trying to think of something to say. Then finally, I open my mouth and say "Jeremy, if we start dating and you break my heart, I will seriously become a lesbian." I could not take another heart break. Of course I was only joking about the lesbian thing. It was an ice breaker at the time.
Needless to say the weeks go by and before I know it, Jeremy and I are now dating. I don't know exactly when this happened. I guess you could say Valentines of 2002 was our first official date. I was working as a waitress at Macado's of Concord Mills Mall. He had a dozen long stem red roses sent to work. I am totally shocked! Not at all the Valentines day I was expecting. He calls and tells me to get ready and that he is taking me out for dinner. It's off to Mickey and Mooch for us. Can we say YUMMY? From that moment own we were with each other pretty much every weekend. At the time, Jeremy traveled a lot with his job. So the time that we did get together meant the world to me. I was finally happy again and was starting to feel whole once more. God had an amazing plan all along. I just couldn't see it at the time.
I rememeber the first time we said those three little words "I Love You" we were standing out on my parents front porch. Jeremy leans in for a good night kiss and says "well I am just going to be the first to say it, I love you" Me and my dorky self, looks at him and says "I love you too, Jeremy Ray Welch" We laughed about this for sometime and then again Jeremy says "I love you Dallas Anne Dulin" Why I had to state his full name is beyond me. We still jokingly say this from time to time to one another. Brings back good memories. Jeremy and I had been dating for sometime when he decided it was time to pop the BIG QUESTION. I was at Holden Beach with my cousin, Kristin at the time and Jeremy was currently in Utah. We had made plans for him to drive down and join us later in the week once he finally arrived back home. I was so excited to see him. I remember when he pulled in the drive at the beach house. I ran down stairs and jumped into his arms. Back then I was skinny, so he was actually able to do this. LOL
I was happy to see him. The next day Kristin, Jeremy and I all rode to Myrtle Beach together. We spent the day going in and out little shops and had lunch at Dicks. If you have ever been to Dicks at Myrtle Beach, then you know what type of restaurant this is. Needless to say is was a lunch we will never forget. After spending most of the day at Myrtle, we decided to head back to Holden. I remember wanting to stop for cookies and cream ice cream and Jeremy had promised me that we could. On the way back, those afternoon Thunderstorms started to roll in. I remember thinking of the movie, Sweet Home Alabama. On our way back, Jeremy asks if I want to go and take a walk with him on the beach. I look at Kristin and ask if she would like to come too. Kristin just says no. Little did I know the plans that Jeremy had up his sleeve. We pull in the drive way to our beach house and all get out. I again ask Kristin if she would like to come with us. Again, I am such a DORK. By this point it is starting to drizzle, but this wasn't going to ruin Jeremy's plans. We make our way to the beach access. It has now started lightening. I look at Jeremy and ask if he just wants to do this later. He immediately says no and off we go on our walk. It wasn't too long before Jeremy asks if we can sit down. So I do, and he sits behind me with his arms wrapped around. We sit in silence for a minute or two and then Jeremy starts asking me all these questions. I can't recall what they all were, but you can guess what is coming next. Before I know it, there is a box in front of my face and he says "Will you marry me?" I am now crying by this point and excitedly open the box. He went to Jared...just FYI. Haha...I open the box and see the BEAUTIFUL ring that is about to be placed on my finger. He slips it on my ring finger. We are now engaged! I see another couple walking towards us. I just so happen to have my camera on me. I ask if they will take our picture. I cannot believe I am now engaged! I can't wait to start making plans for us to spend the rest of our lives together.
To Be Continued
Friday, July 13, 2012
I Touched a Snake!
Rocky, that is the name of the snake that I "briefly" touched today. First let me say that if you know me on a personal level, then you know I HATE snakes. Not only are snakes one of my biggest fears, besides flying, but I am deathly afraid of them. When I was younger, I stepped on a Copperhead while bare foot in my parents back yard, thus the fear for snakes began. I have always looked at them as evil creatures...nothing I would ever want to be near. I have always had nightmares about them and often check my bed (like a little kid) making sure nothing creepy and crawly is in bed with me. I can't even stand to see a snake on a television screen, much less be in the same room with one. You want to see someone scream like a little kid? Show me a snake. My husband knows better to say the least. He did get me pretty good one day though. It was while attending a beach trip. We all know the goofy little shops that you can purchase little nick nacks and things of that nature. Well, this store just so happened to have fake snakes. Needless to say, Jeremy got me pretty good. I come around the corner, and all I see are snake eyes! Thus the shreking began and the barrel of laughter from Jeremy. That is also the same day he proposed (but that is another story)....
Rocky is some sort of pyhton snake ( I think) his owner is a little boy by the name of Jax. Jax is the oldest of the kids that I am now nannying for. I must admit I have taken a liking to him. Jax is a spunky 9 year old and he is full of life. I love watching him with James and I can tell that James looks up to him. Jax tends to take him under his wing and treats him like he is a brother. I get a kick out of them from time to time. Jax tells James he is a mini version of him. Today Jax took Rocky out of his crate. Needless to say I didn't want to get to close. Jax just holds him like it's no big deal. Of course this always interests James and since boys will be boys James wants to be around Rocky too. "Let me touch him" that is what he says. In response Jax says "You can hold him if you want" Me "No, that's okay" Again Jax speaks up "no really it's okay, he can hold him" I can see the light in James eyes by this point, but again being a mother (and someone deathly afraid of snakes) I speak up and simply say "no" again. James takes his little hands and gently strokes Rocky's back. I am just praying he doesn't get into striking position...even if I am at the other end of the room. I can tell that both Jax and James are intrigued. They continue to pet him for awhile and all I can think about is Rocky's little tongue...I am sure the looks on my face are priceless. Jax assures me that there is nothing to be afraid of, but I can't seem to get this out of my mind. I am trying my best to get a little closer. My three year old is much more brave then I. By this point, Jax decides to let the snake slither across the office desk and computer key board, I am looking to see just how fast he moves. I am actually intrigued myself at this point. I decide to come a little closer...baby steps Dallas, baby steps. After slithering accross the desk, Jax decides to pick Rocky back up and he slowly curls up his little arm. I am about 5 feet away at this point. I myself am finding it hard to believe that I am actually in the same room, much less 5 feet away. I decide its time to be brave and face my fear head on. I tell Jax "I think I want to touch him" I can see the surprised look on Jax face. I tell him to have Rocky's head face the opposite way. If he is going to strike, I sure don't want to see this. I slowly ease my hand over, but then jolt back, as I see Rocky's little head and eyes turn my way. I will admit, I had goose bumps at this point and I shrek a little bit. Jax just laughs at me. I again reach my hand out and slowly but surely touch Rocky. I did it! I actually did it! I faced my fear and touched a snake! I immediatley go and wash my hands. It was not at all what I was expecting. I was expecting something slimmy and gross, but honestly it was nothing like that. I can't say that my fear for snakes is completely gone, but at least I was able to somewhat face my fear. Rocky's not too bad. I guess if a three and nine year old can enjoy a snakes company, I can at least try. Maybe next time I will try holding him...until then baby steps...that is what I will take.
Rocky is some sort of pyhton snake ( I think) his owner is a little boy by the name of Jax. Jax is the oldest of the kids that I am now nannying for. I must admit I have taken a liking to him. Jax is a spunky 9 year old and he is full of life. I love watching him with James and I can tell that James looks up to him. Jax tends to take him under his wing and treats him like he is a brother. I get a kick out of them from time to time. Jax tells James he is a mini version of him. Today Jax took Rocky out of his crate. Needless to say I didn't want to get to close. Jax just holds him like it's no big deal. Of course this always interests James and since boys will be boys James wants to be around Rocky too. "Let me touch him" that is what he says. In response Jax says "You can hold him if you want" Me "No, that's okay" Again Jax speaks up "no really it's okay, he can hold him" I can see the light in James eyes by this point, but again being a mother (and someone deathly afraid of snakes) I speak up and simply say "no" again. James takes his little hands and gently strokes Rocky's back. I am just praying he doesn't get into striking position...even if I am at the other end of the room. I can tell that both Jax and James are intrigued. They continue to pet him for awhile and all I can think about is Rocky's little tongue...I am sure the looks on my face are priceless. Jax assures me that there is nothing to be afraid of, but I can't seem to get this out of my mind. I am trying my best to get a little closer. My three year old is much more brave then I. By this point, Jax decides to let the snake slither across the office desk and computer key board, I am looking to see just how fast he moves. I am actually intrigued myself at this point. I decide to come a little closer...baby steps Dallas, baby steps. After slithering accross the desk, Jax decides to pick Rocky back up and he slowly curls up his little arm. I am about 5 feet away at this point. I myself am finding it hard to believe that I am actually in the same room, much less 5 feet away. I decide its time to be brave and face my fear head on. I tell Jax "I think I want to touch him" I can see the surprised look on Jax face. I tell him to have Rocky's head face the opposite way. If he is going to strike, I sure don't want to see this. I slowly ease my hand over, but then jolt back, as I see Rocky's little head and eyes turn my way. I will admit, I had goose bumps at this point and I shrek a little bit. Jax just laughs at me. I again reach my hand out and slowly but surely touch Rocky. I did it! I actually did it! I faced my fear and touched a snake! I immediatley go and wash my hands. It was not at all what I was expecting. I was expecting something slimmy and gross, but honestly it was nothing like that. I can't say that my fear for snakes is completely gone, but at least I was able to somewhat face my fear. Rocky's not too bad. I guess if a three and nine year old can enjoy a snakes company, I can at least try. Maybe next time I will try holding him...until then baby steps...that is what I will take.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Ohh The Things My Three Year Old Says...
There have been many a times when I have literally laughed out loud at the things my son, James says. Boy is he a HOOT! I have a million and one examples that I could share, but that might take all night. My Mom is forever telling me "You better write that down" Now I wish I would have listened! I wish I could explain how much it blesses my heart to hear my son speak in his sweet, soft spoken voice. It melts my heart to hear him say "Mommy I love you" It's even better when I hear him say something silly. For the longest time, I told my husband his first word would most likey be "whatever" that seems to be number one in my husbands vocabulary. Praise God his first word was actually Mommy. Ohh how it melted my heart...out of all the words he said "Mommy" first! Although the "whatever" word has been said a many a times by my three year old. The first time he said this, I merely turned around, looked at my husband stern in the eye and said "you get to deal with this one" His reply "whatever". These are the moments when you have to bite your tongue and try not to laugh.
There have been many times when laughing is all I can do...for instance Jeremy, James and I are driving home from church. We are at the intersection of Gilead Rd. and the off ramp. James looks up and says "Mom, where are we at?" while explaining this to him his reply is merely "whatever you say dude" Seriously? Did my son really just say this? Another Laugh out Loud moment! My thought is where did he hear this? You have to be VERY careful what you say around a three year old...their ears are ALWAYS wide open.
To add to some more funny things that my son has said I must first explain that when he goes to the bathroom, he likes to look in the toliet after he is done...must be a guy thing...anyhow...after taking care of business...he yells from the bathroom..."Hey Mom, I just dropped a BIG JUICE...not one, but two BIG juices" Hummm....I wonder where he got this one from? Another thanks to my husband! DEUCE = JUICE in my three year olds eyes! There was also a time when James looks in the toliet, comes running out and says "Is that the Lion King?" Sure didn't look like the Lion King to me! Haha!
Enough bathroom stories for now though! I am sure I will have many more to tell! Just ask me about the "wings wings" story...that one always gets major laughs! I think from now on I will take my Mom's advice and write down all these precious moments...plus it will be a GREAT opportunity to embarass him when he is much older! Ohhh the things my three year old says!
There have been many times when laughing is all I can do...for instance Jeremy, James and I are driving home from church. We are at the intersection of Gilead Rd. and the off ramp. James looks up and says "Mom, where are we at?" while explaining this to him his reply is merely "whatever you say dude" Seriously? Did my son really just say this? Another Laugh out Loud moment! My thought is where did he hear this? You have to be VERY careful what you say around a three year old...their ears are ALWAYS wide open.
To add to some more funny things that my son has said I must first explain that when he goes to the bathroom, he likes to look in the toliet after he is done...must be a guy thing...anyhow...after taking care of business...he yells from the bathroom..."Hey Mom, I just dropped a BIG JUICE...not one, but two BIG juices" Hummm....I wonder where he got this one from? Another thanks to my husband! DEUCE = JUICE in my three year olds eyes! There was also a time when James looks in the toliet, comes running out and says "Is that the Lion King?" Sure didn't look like the Lion King to me! Haha!
Enough bathroom stories for now though! I am sure I will have many more to tell! Just ask me about the "wings wings" story...that one always gets major laughs! I think from now on I will take my Mom's advice and write down all these precious moments...plus it will be a GREAT opportunity to embarass him when he is much older! Ohhh the things my three year old says!
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