Two.

I first met Daniel in sixth grade. We were in the same band class. He played trombone. I played flute. We ended up being in band together all three years of middle school. Also in middle school, we were a part of something much more important. Our band teacher led a Bible study on Thursday mornings. We'd gather in the bonus room in a wonderful family's home with other middle school students and start our mornings in the Word. I got me through my middle school years.

Yes, I know this isn't middle school, but I don't have one from middle school readily available. So this will have to suffice.
On the river, Summer, 2010

Daniel and I became better friends in high school. We had a similar group of friends and were part of a lunchtime Bible study. We got to be a part of one of the largest youth outreach events our senior year. We celebrated with a group of friends at his house before our senior prom. I found an awesome friend in Daniel. He helped make high school as awesome as it was.

Senior prom, Spring 2005

He went to college in southern California. I traveled down there to help move one of my best friends into (a different) school and a group of friends went to Disneyland, Daniel included. During spring break, I went and visited my best friend, and once again got to enjoy Disneyland with friends. Daniel and I stayed in contact, not as much as we used to, and spent time together with friends over the summers. I was still thankful for this friendship.

Spring break trip to Disneyland, 2006

After we had both graduated from college, I was living in Corvallis. Daniel was living in Portland. When fall and football season arrived, I knew I could count on Daniel to have a love for OSU football. I decided to ask him if he would be at an upcoming game, and he said he would be. We agreed to meet up and say a quick hello before the game started. Seeing him again served as just another reminder of how thankful I was to consider him a friend.

Easter, 2010

After that game, we began talking more often. I had two season tickets to all the OSU football games and was always searching for friends to take the extra ticket. Daniel (happily) agreed to take the tickets and we enjoyed the last two games together. After the last game, he drove me back to my parents' house and we spent some time together, watching other football games. Now, by this point in time, we were talking daily, and throughout most of the day via text. While watching the game, I decided to try a little experiment. I told him to feel how cold my hand was and I placed it on his own palm. He responded with "it's not that cold" and I immediately thought...experiment failed. But to my very pleasant surprise, it did not. He intertwined his fingers with mine and held my hand. YES...thank goodness. When he eventually had to drive back up to Portland, he grabbed my hand as we walked outside and we said goodbye, agreeing to see each other the following weekend, as I was going to be up in Portland for "something else" (which I honestly don't remember now).

OSU v. TCU Game, September, 2010

November 22, 2009, I headed up to Portland and over to Daniel's house. We sat in his basement, talking about what we were going to do. After getting over the shock of me not yet having seen this movie, we decided to watch "Up." His mom later asked if I would be staying for dinner. Now, at this point, I had known Sarah for years, and I will tell you this...when she offers dinner, you say yes. Not just to be polite to her, but to be polite to your taste buds. She asked Daniel and me to run to the store to pick up some last minute items. We finished the movie and, before we left, Daniel stopped me. He grabbed my hands and said he was going to wait until we went to Zoo Lights the next weekend (which, good thing he didn't, because we didn't end up going), but that he instead wanted to ask now. He then asked me if I would be his girlfriend. With rosy cheeks and a massive grin, I said yes.

On the boat, Summer 2010

November 22, 2011; two years to the day that Daniel asked me that question. As I look back over the past two years, I am amazed. I am amazed, one, at how quickly the last two years have gone. I am amazed, two, at all he and I have been through. Our relationship hasn't been perfect by any means. But we have always come out stronger. We're both in graduate school, working on finding the balance in life (if that's even possible).

Ski Bowl at Mt. Hood, Summer, 2010

I cannot even begin to express just how thankful I am to have this man in my life. He is an incredible man of God with an indescribably beautiful servant's heart. He is a true gentleman, which is (unfortunately) a rare find these days. He is kind and joyful and makes everything more fun. He is passionate and driven. He is a constant in my life, reminding me to find joy and praying me through everything. I know this sounds cheesy, but I am truly better just by being with him.

Hoodoo, New Years, 2010

Daniel, thank you for keeping Christ at the center of our relationship and for being a man of integrity. Thank you for being my rock, for challenging me, and for reminding me what it means to find joy in everything. Thank you for your encouragement and your willingness to go on this journey with me. I'm glad my hand fits so perfectly in yours. I like you infinity.

Beach Trip, August, 2010