This post has been sponsored by State Farm®.

The other night I found myself taking a trip down memory lane. I couldn’t fall asleep, still nursing this cold that is lingering from Grand Rapids, just laying in bed staring up at the ceiling, trying not to wake Rob up with multiple sneezes and tissue tantrums. I found my way to the corner of the bedroom, with a pile of books and photo albums that lingered in an open box, still sitting there from our housing debacle. (We’re so happy it all worked out! Read more about it here.) Anyway, I found my way to a box of old photos and cards from our dating days. It’s really hard to believe that this month marks twelve years since we started dating and began calling each other “boyfriend and girlfriend”. I still remember how giddy I felt when saying, “My boyfriend…” and then “My husband…” to people. It’s hard to believe we have spent over a decade together. There are so many little changes that happen every day…the obvious ones, like random gray hairs that pop up and the little lines around our eyes that appear. Then there’s the not so noticeable ones that you don’t even realize, until you stop and think about them…like how you get used to how one whistles through the house after a nice long shower, and you immediately smile, or maybe the whistling annoys the heck out of you that day and you shoot a frustrated look across the room without even thinking. There’s the deep breaths and body language you can quickly identify when the other is frustrated or just had enough with the day and needs to be done with it all, and the cliché yet very real way you know what the other is thinking, just by looking at their face. Life moves so quickly, especially around this time of year with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I’m guilty of forgetting to stop and appreciate those moments sometimes…the good and the bad…the beautiful whistling and the just slightly annoying whistling too. 😉 The other morning I woke up after a stressful few days, stumbled my way into the bathroom and was greeted by a hug from Rob. I was sleepy-eyed and still half asleep, when he said “Happy dating anniversary. You’re still my girlfriend.” I couldn’t help but smile.

On our two-year dating anniversary Rob surprised me with a vintage-inspired ring. He was so nervous and asked me to turn around and close my eyes. I wasn’t expecting anything that grand, especially so early-on dating and young in college. We usually exchanged hand-made cards, drawings, and songs. It was a special gift and the look on his face when he saw how surprised I was, is one I’ll never forget. I have worn it every day since, on my right hand, and it’s a sweet reminder of how young and eager we were…how big, simple moments and date nights at home watching The Truman Show could be. (It was and still is an anniversary tradition.) Years pass, priorities change, and new things take precedence over others…it’s inevitable, it’s life, but going through these photos just reminded me how glad I am that we have all these years to look back on together and some pretty great memories linked to the very first ring Rob ever gave me.

sweater via Sezané

What about you guys? Any special gifts from a loved one that stand out a little more than the rest? From little gifts to a big proposal, everyone has that special piece of jewelry and State Farm is here to help you feel confident that yours is protected and safe. If you share your lost ring stories with #ProtectTheBling and #sweepstakes on Twitter during the month of November you’ll be entered to win a flyaway trip to New York City! Click here for all the details.

Thank you to State Farm® for sponsoring this post and thank you for supporting the brands that help support this blog. As always all thoughts & opinions are our own.