That's one of my favorite pictures that Josh and I took when we first started dating.
Tomorrow is the 4th anniversary of us meeting on an airplane out of Atlanta, Georgia (and though most of you have heard this story before, someone recently asked about how we met...and I never pass up a chance to tell that story).
He was in Atlanta for a fraternity meeting (not a partying fraternity, but a smart, geeky fraternity - the kind where you don't live together - which Josh is quick to point out whenever he mentions being in a fraternity).
I was there for the Crafts & Hobby Association trade show and had just had a conversation the night before with Karen Burniston about how I was never going to date again (it had been about 3 1/2 years since I had been on a single date...and obviously that date didn't go so well).
I had tried to reschedule my flight, but the airlines couldn't get me on another flight.
When I got to the airport, I ran into my ex-husband's sisters (who are also from Oregon). We talked for so long that I was was late boarding my plane.
When I got to my seat, someone was sound asleep in it (and even though I really, really, really wanted that window seat which I had specifically requested so I could take a nap, I couldn't bring myself to wake them up so I sat in a different seat instead).
I sat down next to Josh Downs.
About 30 seconds into the flight, he asked me what I was doing in Atlanta. 4 1/2 hours later, we were still talking.
I called my best friend in the whole wide world (Jill) as soon as I got off the flight and told her that I had just met the coolest guy ever. She immediately asked "So are you going to marry him?" and I said "I'm totally going to marry him." (we have that kind of sense of humor).
He emailed me that night and sent me a picture of him and Courtney Lee feeding ducks at the park. It was the day before Valentines day so he closed his email with "Happy Valentines Day" (and so I called Jill and said "He wrote Happy Valentines Day in his email!" to which she responded "He totally wants to marry you").
And he has referred to me as 'Valentine' ever since.
So we emailed eachother a lot.
The first quote he ever sent me was from Harriet Beecher Stowe; When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you till it seems you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.
And I have referred to him as Harriet ever since.
He also sent a quote that said Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy, which is disputably from Ben Franklin...but that one didn't feel quite as meaningful.
A few weeks later, we went on our first date (he is from Oregon too and was living just a couple hours north of me).
And one year to the day that we met on that airplane (please don't do the math on this one because it doesn't make me look very good)...Annaliesa Belle Downs was born.
February 13th (tomorrow).
Ahh Karen. . . I love that story and never get sick of hearing it. And that may be the first time I've heard why you call each other "Harriet" and "Valentine". So. . . Happy Valentine's Day to you both and a big hug to Annie on her birthday.
Becky (aka: beckywedd)
Posted by: Becky | February 12, 2009 at 03:38 PM
I enjoy your blog, enjoy your photos, found you somehow through one crafty link or another . . . and I LOVE this story. I got chills and don't even know you! How cool is that for a cool Internet? Thanks for sharing life, that's a very cool Valentine story!!!!
Posted by: Michelle | February 12, 2009 at 03:39 PM
I said "cool" way too many times in that last post. I promise I'm not 16. hahhahaaa!
Posted by: Michelle | February 12, 2009 at 03:40 PM
Everytime you share that story on your blog I get goosebumps....Ahh, I am such the hopeless romantic. Thanks for sharing Karen; I never get tired of reading it. Happy Anniversary to you both and a great big Happy Birthday to Annie! :)
Posted by: Vicki A | February 12, 2009 at 03:57 PM
Have a happy anniversary, Karen (and Josh)! No matter how often you tell the story, I enjoy reading about it.
Posted by: Dina | February 12, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Awwww, I think the fact that Annie was born exactly one year after you meeting Josh is absolutley romantic and wonderful. It's so wonderful that you found happiness with John and have created this wonderful family! Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Beth | February 12, 2009 at 04:06 PM
I don't have to do the bad math. My son missed my one year meeting anniversary by about 3 weeks. It doesn't make us look "great", but we knew what we wanted. And for the record, I'm crying all over my laptop at your story even though I've heard it before. It's a great story....
(I had not heard the quote part...I think that's what started the waterworks. Go, JoshDowns, Go!)
Posted by: caroline | February 12, 2009 at 04:14 PM
What a touching love story....thanks for telling it again. As fate would have it, it seems that you were meant to be with each other. It's amazing how such depths of emotion and feelings can be felt through words and photos for people that you have never met! You had me in tears and then, in the next moment I was smiling. Blessings to you and your family.
Posted by: laura j | February 12, 2009 at 04:19 PM
I've been following your blog faithfully for months. I love the way you take pictures and the way you tell your story. Our son turned 11 today and we have been married 11 1/2 years ... so don't feel too bad.
Posted by: EH | February 12, 2009 at 04:28 PM
What a wonderful story!!!! It's so nice to know that really great things still happen when you least expect it.
Posted by: JulieP | February 12, 2009 at 04:29 PM
It's an amazing story...I don't blame you for wanting to keep telling it!
Posted by: Jill | February 12, 2009 at 04:31 PM
Love finds you when you finally quit looking for it! Congratulations on finding a romantic "keeper" (the best ones just happen to be smart, geeky, Republicans!) Have a great anniversary and Happy Birthday Annie!
Posted by: Deborah | February 12, 2009 at 04:42 PM
wonderful story....thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Kim
Posted by: Kim Huschke | February 12, 2009 at 04:45 PM
I absolutely love this story :)
Posted by: Mary | February 12, 2009 at 04:55 PM
Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday to Miss Annie
That Josh Downs is a keeper-you are both very lucky to have each other. I love hearing your love story!
Kelliann
Posted by: Kelliann | February 12, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Love that story, no matter how many times you tell it! :) Happy Anniversary to both of you, and Happy Birthday to Annie!!
Posted by: Michelle (aka mybelle101) | February 12, 2009 at 05:15 PM
I can never hear that story too many times. :) If it's meant to be, it is meant to be. You and Josh Downs owe a huge debt of gratitude to the person asleep in your seat.
Posted by: Cyndi | February 12, 2009 at 05:16 PM
I love this story, and I just love you to pieces Karen. I always check your blog when I need a lift to brighten my day.
Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday Annie. =)
Nona
Posted by: Nona | February 12, 2009 at 05:20 PM
Your love story seems like something that can only exist in the imagination of a writer. Love it!!! And I love the name 'Annaliesa'...I would have loved a fancy name like that. My family "abbreviated" my name to 'Annabanana' which then became simply, 'Bananas'...
Posted by: ann | February 12, 2009 at 05:24 PM
Love hearing your story, Karen! I love the way put your life and all of it's wonderful moments out there for us trusty followers of yours! I really feel like I know you! Tell Annie Happy Birtday!!! (My Zach will be 2 tomorrow as well!!!) It's a great day!!!
Posted by: Heather Dietz | February 12, 2009 at 05:31 PM
I can't believe she was born a year to the day after you met. That is awesome! Happy Birthday Annie! Happy Anniversary Josh and Karen!
Posted by: Theresa | February 12, 2009 at 05:49 PM
I always love reading this story! It is a wonderful one to tell. :)
Happy meeting Anniversary and Happy Birthday Annie. =)
Posted by: April | February 12, 2009 at 05:53 PM
I'm glad you never get tired of telling that story because I never get tired of hearing it!!
Josh Downs---you should know that when she talks about you while teaching a class, the whole room swoons right with her! You are one very loved man! :)
Happy Valentine's Day (and Annie's birthday) to one of the cutest couples ever!
Posted by: April | February 12, 2009 at 05:56 PM
What a beautiful story!
Posted by: Laura | February 12, 2009 at 06:04 PM
I love hearing that story.. it gets better and better each time. Good stuff! I wonder if I ever mentioned that I was there, in Atlanta for the week at CHA! I was there assisting the local scrapbook store owner to select and purchase product (and also to join up with the Scrapping With Style and Leave Memories (stamping) girls.. I used to design with them. Wished I'd met you all those years ago! Happy Birthday Annie girl! I'm right behind you.. on the 20th.. 'course, I'm quite a few years ahead of you honey bun! LOL
Posted by: Tammy Mellish | February 12, 2009 at 06:05 PM