Our Story

This is us on the top of the Empire State Building in December of 2008.

EJ's version: So I happened to eat lunch on Monday November 1st, 1999 at a different than usual time at the dining hall at college. I decided to go sit with two RAs (resident assistants) that I knew that were nice and another that I didn't know, but was cute. I enjoyed the conversation and was flirting with Farm Chick. On the way out of the dining hall she had gotten an ice cream cone and I casually asked if I could have a bite, she awkwardly obliged. So I bit the bottom of the cone off, laughed and ran off. She on the other hand held on to the cone (now dripping from the bottom...awesome!) and went to her boss and said..."Who's EJ?"...to which this gal said "...oh...I see you've met him." knowing that I had a big personality.

I was rather intrigued by this beautiful girl and decided to stalk her at lunch and found her at the same time the next two days...right at 12:30pm. We had some great talks and really enjoyed each other. Thursday I went to ask her out right before I went to go run...so I was just in my running shorts...very short and leopardish. She was somewhat shocked to see me like that and then promptly turned me down...without an alternative. So I took my heart that was wounded and ran it off. The next day I decided to ask again...I'm very persistent...and she said yes (finally). She spent the next month being pursued like no one has ever pursued anything. You've got to understand that I'm very very competitive and when I set my mind on doing something, I will do it and I will win. I am not trying to say that in a cocky way, I'm just very persistent. I knew within that month that she would be my bride and we would grow old together and chase after our dreams together. We knew that it'd be best to finish college before we got married so I waited 2 years to get engaged; the Christmas before we graduated. I played and sang "The Gift" by Jim Brickman on the piano to her in a really cool church. We wed 6+ months later in our home town on June 15th, 2002.
Now Farm Chick and I know some people. To give you an idea here are some statistics (only because I LOVE stats!). We had 7 bridesmaids, 7 groomsmen, 2 preachers, an organist, a pianist, a string quartet, a guitarist, a soloist, and we invited around 1,100 people to the party we called our wedding. That day there was several tornadoes and hail storms so there weren't that many people there, however there were around 550 people there even so.

Farm Chick and I have been through a lot in our short marriage, however I know that God has been there every step of the way. He has grown us closer together than I ever could have imagined. He has changed both of us to conform to His will and changed us and our desires drastically. That's what's great about Christ is that when you let him change you, His will is great to live under; much better than mine. I have a client who just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and they are as loving to each other as ever. I can't wait until we are there! Here's to you Farm Chick!

Farm Chick says: I just read EJ's part and I'm grinning from ear to ear. It is true that he was persistent. I never had to wonder if I was "the one" for him.

I remember that first day in the dining hall. I had noticed EJ before on campus because he was always dressed nice and I thought he was very handsome. That day at the lunch table it seemed like everyone else disappeared and it was just us. I can remember being intrigued by this outgoing and joyful guy. I have to admit the ice cream cone thing was really strange. I guess he wanted to be sure he left an impression!

He worked hard to win me and I worked hard to guard my heart. I can remember praying that God would take him out of my life if this wasn't the right man. EJ thinks that is really funny...now. I distinctly remember God's response (no it wasn't audible but it was obvious in my spirit) "He is my gift to you. Don't reject my gift." After that I just felt a peace about it. I knew that we would have to do a lot of work to grow up together but I was up for the challenge.

The best day of my life was when I became EJ's wife. I will never forget walking down the aisle on Pop's arm and seeing him standing there. Tears were in his eyes and a huge grin was on his face. He loves me with an unconditional love. I love him back in the same way. We are human and we make mistakes but we are so thankful that we can find forgiveness in each other and in the mighty God we serve.

Our marriage has not been perfect but it has been an exciting ride so far! I am reminded of a quote from a favorite pastor (Voddie Baucham, Jr). He said, "I told my wife if you leave me, I'm going with you."

EJ and I are complete opposites in a lot of ways. We are as Grammy often says, "iron sharpening iron."

Here are some of our differences that create lovely irritations with each other...
He speaks in detail, I speak in headlines
He is a morning person, I am not
He loves corny jokes, I like dry humor
He sees the big picture, I get lost in the details
He is bold and adventurous, I am cautious and careful

The good news is...
We are both believers
We agree on our values
We agree on politics
We agree on budgeting (mostly)
We agree on the importance of family
We agree that we were made for each other
We agree that the cowboys are the biggest blessing we have ever received
We agree on loving the adventure of Four Sisters Farm
We agree that we love being married to each other!