Eleven years ago today...

...I looked like this..

...because I was surrounded by this...

...and realized I would get to be with this guy forever and ever...

Clay (with the help of Josh & Erin...thanks, guys!) set up a scavenger hunt all around campus (A&M) that led me in front of the Systems Building where 14 friends were waiting with 14 roses for the 14 months we had dated.  I collected the roses and turned the corner to see a Ross Volunteer sabre arch with Clay waiting at the top.  And come to find out, about 60 of our friends were hiding in the bushes to congratulate us.  I can still remember most of the details about that night, but as I went to bed that night - at 21 years old - I remember thinking that I was literally the luckiest girl in the world to have Clay.  And now, 11 years later, I KNOW how blessed I am to have Clay.  He still cracks me up and he still teaches me new things every day.  He is not complacent and I am so thankful for that.  He is incredibly loyal and loves us all unconditionally.  And for the record, I think he has aged very well.  And yesterday he impressed me all over again.  A few weeks ago the worship committee at church asked him if he wanted to lead singing on Sunday morning.  I'm so thankful I'm not a man because I probably would have run and hid if they had asked me that.  But of course he didn't even hesitate before saying yes.  So, the bulletin yesterday morning looked like this:

Of course he did great and even peppered a few jokes in there...true Clay Starr form.  Words can't express how thankful I am for the example Clay sets for Ethan...and for me.  Love you babe - happy engagement day!