Tony’s thoughts… I met Chris VanCleave on a mission trip to Russia back in 1998 and we’ve been friends ever since. Chris makes me laugh! He has one of the biggest hearts you’ll ever find. He’s a gentleman, and a priceless friend. I can be real with Chris and never be judged.
Meeting Tina for the first time was like meeting a best friend. She too has a heart of gold. She’s a diva! She’ll talk your head off but you’ll love it! And as for a mom, Tina is the greatest mother you’ll ever meet, she adores her family.
I’m just so proud of his accomplishments following his passion for roses. He is referred to as the Redneck Rosarian in rose circles. Chris blogs, tweets, and chats on the radio, and speaks at society meetings and garden shows! Visit his site: http://redneckrosarian.wordpress.com/about/
Click the following link to see a video of our recent visit to the VanCleave home and garden: VanCleaveRose
I love sitting and laughing with Chris and Tina. They warm my heart and make me feel at home.
Chris & Tina’s happily ever after love notes:
The attraction, the time when your love story started…
We met in the 8th grade. Chris was on the tennis team at school and Tina came to practice to see a friend. We started hanging out every day after that. We’ve been together since.
A memorable moment…
When we were dating we used to meet one another in the neighborhood. We used to sit on a big metal drain spout and talk. Tina would paint her nails while we talked. She painted our initials on that drain pipe and about 10 years ago, we went by there and you could still see the outline of our initials.
The ingredient to our success, and the challenges that make us stronger…
No matter what, cling to each other. Our biggest challenge has been dealing with the consequences of a suicide in the family. It has challenged us in ways we never imagined.
Our favorite quote or verse…
Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
A gift that touched my heart…
Each other’s love and commitment
That something you do very well…
Tina is a great encourager and organizer and Chris a great speaker who never meets a stranger.
Our favorite foods…
Comfort foods, chili, soup, and fried chicken.
Something we dream about doing…
Traveling to Italy
Something about us…
We have a passion for growing roses. On our small subdivision lot we have a rose garden of over 160 roses.
He thinks… Tina has a million little things that made me fall in love with her and its a million more that keeps our love strong. She has such a sweet innocent spirit.
She thinks… Chris is so talented; he succeeds at everything he touches. It’s that can-do spirit that I have loved since we met. He has a great love for his family and the world around him which makes me love him all the more.
Together, Chris and Tina have found the perfect treasure. Each other. We look forward to visiting them in different seasons as their love grows and garden blooms!
What an amazing article. You captured the very essence of Chris and Tina’s love and life — an encouragement to all who know them. The pictures are wonderful and the story inspiring!