Our Engagement Story

I realized tonight that there is so much fun history that many people do not know about Brian and I.  It has been such a wonderful, exciting, and crazy path that has brought us to where we are.  I just love thinking back on the beginning moments of our story, and I hope that I never forget a single detail!!  I know everyone thinks that their love story is special, and I definitely fall into that category.  Sometimes I just cannot believe that I have been lucky enough to have such a special love story :)

When people ask me to tell them about how Brian proposed, I always have to ask them if they have time for a story ;).  I just can't do him any justice without sharing the thoughtful details of his 4-day long proposal!

On Saturday, September 1st, Brian asked me if I wanted to go to Arkansas the next weekend to spend the day at a local art museum with some neat trails called Crystal Bridges (in Bentonville) and then shop around at Pinnacle Hills (in Rogers) and just enjoy the day together.  I said yes, of course, and was a bit suspicious and carefully hopeful that a ring was coming.  We had gone looking for rings about a month before, and he had already asked my parents' permission (stories for another time!), so I knew it had to be coming soon.  Also, we had some neat memories in Rogers in particular, it is one of our favorite places to visit, so I had always kind of hoped that he would propose there...more on that later!

On Wednesday night, I was packing up my backpack to go home from his place, and when I walked into his room to say goodnight, I saw a decorative box sitting on his bed.  I looked at him kind of funny and asked what it was.  He grinned and told me to open it.
     *I quietly thought to myself, "he'd better not be proposing to me right now!  I had really hoped for  
       something more special than this" I'm so shallow...
I opened the box, and inside was a sweet letter to me telling me all about how much he loves me and how thankful he is for our relationship and all of that nauseating stuff that I get all giddy about.  Underneath was a pretty grey dress that fit perfect!  I asked him what all of it was about, but he just got defensive and asked why he couldn't surprise me with special things...sneaky, sneaky.

Thursday morning, my alarm went off and literally about 5 seconds after my mom was beating down my door asking "When are you getting up?"  I told her that I was just waking up and that I would get up in just a couple of minutes (I was milking my last moments of sleep).  Then she said, "Oh, alright.  Well, I have something for you when you are ready."  Of course, I popped out of bed immediately when she said that.  I walked into her room, and sitting on her bed was a decorative box slightly smaller than the one that I had received the night before.  I started to get SO giddy with excitement.  It must be happening!!  I opened the box, and inside there was a letter for me and a letter for my mom.  The letter that he wrote to my mom thanked her for all that she has done for me and for welcoming him into the family and treating him so well.  Underneath the letters was another beautiful dress, and a gift card to Oasis (a local spa) for my mom and I to get massages that evening, he had already booked them!  I called him immediately and woke him up to scream into his ear and let him know how excited I was...and how I was getting a little suspicious ;)

I was officially on edge.  I just knew it had to be coming!  That day in class, the other girls in my group could tell that something was up.  I literally could not contain myself.  Finally, I let down and told them all about what Brian had done and that I thought that I was getting engaged soon.  They were all so sweet and interested in all that I had to share, and continued to ask questions the rest of the day and the next day while we were at our clinical site.

On Friday morning, I was rushing around the house to get ready for my early clinical when I noticed that my dad had a decorative box, just smaller than the last one, sitting beside his recliner as he read the morning paper.  I teasingly scolded him for not telling me that it was there, but he knew that I would see it :).  When I opened it, it contained ANOTHER lovely dress, a letter for me, a letter for my dad, and chocolates from a special candy store in town that my dad loves.  I was so sad that I wasn't able to pour over this new box like I had the last ones, but I made up for it that evening when I read all three letters multiple times!

Saturday morning, I had coffee with a friend of mine (and one of my bridesmaids), Meghan.  As we visited, she asked me about Brian, and once again, I found myself spilling my every thought.  I will never forget, she said "Well if he doesn't propose today, then that he is just CRUEL because he is TOTALLY leading you on.  You are getting engaged today!"  It was so fun to share the excitement with such a special friend before the day started.

Shortly after I was done with coffee, Brian picked me up and we went to one of our favorite lunch places in town (Red Onion Expressoria) before we hit the road.  I was struggling throughout the whole day to play it cool and pretend that I wasn't about to jump out of my skin...and yes, he waited for the WHOLE day.  He is so patient...and particularly thoughtful.   I just love that about him, but I thought I was going to go out of my mind with anticipation.  Don't get me wrong though, we had a very special and fun day.  We had a great time looking at all of the art and sharing our very uninformed opinions of the different pieces with each other.  After we looked through most of the galleries, we decided to go on a few of the trails that they had available and enjoyed an afternoon strolling through the beautiful area that surrounds the museum.

After the museum, we had dinner at a local seafood place, and then drove to Pinnacle Hills, an outdoor mall, in Rogers.  I was starting to get super excited, because I realized that he might be proposing exactly the way that I had always hoped :)

• Side note...We had our first kiss at Pinnacle Hills where the two brick roads cross.  We were wrapping up a WONDERFUL date (we both look back at it as one of our favorites).  It was dark, and the stores were closed, so it was almost deserted, and the lights that hang over the street were on and it was just perfect.  I know it sounds crazy, but I had a feeling then that I was going to marry Brian.  And on the way home, I thought about how awesome it would be for him to propose there...and I've kind of always hoped that would be how he would do it.  

We get out of the car and I am about to jump out of my skin...he is about to do it!  However, he seems very calm, and asks "So, are there any stores you want to check out?"  I was taken aback...I thought he was getting ready to set the scene to ask the big question.  I couldn't think of anything else!  I told him that I couldn't think of any stores I wanted to go in, so he asked if we could go look for some new shirts for him.  We went  into a store and he tried on t-shirts for literally an hour!  Once he chose one, we left and he asked if I wanted dessert.  It hadn't been long since we had eaten, and I was still very full, so I told him that I didn't think that I could eat anything else because I was stuffed.  He looked at me very strangely, almost like he was frustrated and said "Well I want dessert, so we are getting some" very defiantly.  I remember laughing because he is never that intense about getting what he wants.  So we went to have dessert, and sat there for ANOTHER hour...at this point it was 10:00.  I was getting really concerned...and I texted the friend that I had met for coffee and told her that I didn't think it was happening.  She told me to hang in there...that it was coming.

Finally, Brian stopped sipping on his water and asking me if I wanted anything else, and we left the restaurant.  All of the sudden, I realized...he is about to do it!  He was waiting for it to get dark, or something like that.  And then I thought, I haven't seen a ring box on him all day and he doesn't have a jacket or anything to hide it in.  So I thought, 'ok, he is going to make some lame excuse when we get outside to leave me on the sidewalk while he goes out to the car, and I am just going to pretend that is normal and not question him, because the ring must be in the car'.  We walk out of the restaurant, and he looks at me and suggests that we go for a walk.

I was crushed.  I didn't want to go for a walk.  I wanted him to ask me to marry him.  At this point, I really believed that he was not going to ask, and I really didn't want him to know that I had been expecting it and was disappointed.  But instead of wallowing in self-pity, I decided that I would suck it up and cry when I got home and try to make the evening enjoyable.  

As we start walking, I realized that he was squeezing my hand so tight that both of our knuckles were white.  Then I started putting together all of the things that he was saying as we were walking, about how much he loves the memories that we have made and loves being with me and all that wonderful mushy stuff.  I will spare you the details for once ;)

Then we get to the spot where the two brick roads cross and he kind of kept walking.  I tugged back on his hand and said, "You'd better at least kiss me!" teasingly.  He grinned from ear to ear, kissed me, and pulled a ring out of his pocket and got down on one knee and asked, "Will you marry me?"  I was honestly kind of shocked!  I had talked myself into believing that it wasn't going to happen!  In fact, I just giggled and giggled and asked "Are you serious?" and "Really??" and hugged him and kissed him and then realized that I hadn't said yes!  So I cleared that up and made sure that he knew (and everyone within a 10 mile radius knew) that I was so excited to marry Brian :).  

The whole experience was incredible.  I felt so loved and cherished as Brian pursued me throughout our "proposal process", as I call it.  And I know that I have shared these pictures before, but they are worth sharing again :)

See the brick road in the back??

We were just a tiny bit giddy :)

The Ring!!

And a close-up :)

We are getting SO excited for the wedding!  I cannot wait to share the rest of my life with the wonderful man that created this wonderful proposal story for me.  18 days :)

-Rachel

Engagement Party

OK, so I know it is late for this post.  But better late than never!!  I just borrowed my Grandma's memory card and checked out the pictures that she has of our engagement party, which was on January 5.

Funny story about that actually.  We had originally planned the engagement party for New Years Eve, but I got very ill with a stomach virus that Brian had just fought off a couple of days before on that morning.  I was SO bummed that we had to reschedule, because I was really looking forward to it.  In fact, I hesitated to tell anyone that I wasn't feeling well, but I wasn't able to hide my illness for very long :(.  So my sweet mother, fiance', and my second-mother (one of my mom's best friends, Pam) all graciously called the whole guest list to reschedule.  And then Brian and I enjoyed a romantic evening of me trying to stay awake through a movie and him holding my hair while I vomited.  I was asleep by 10:30, and don't worry, we did not share a midnight kiss.  It was a pretty gross evening, but what truer love is there than holding the hair of your beloved while she pukes??  Ha!  I'm sure Brian would say that he can think of a thousand other ways that he would like to show me that he cares ;)

Back to the party...we were so grateful that so many people were still able to come!  It is so sweet to be surrounded by so much love.  We are so thankful for the outpouring of excitement and support that we have been shown since I said "yes".  It makes the wedding-planning process so much more exciting and fun!!   It was a GREAT night of great food and great people.  We had so much fun!!

The fireplace decoration
I just loved it!!

The food table
It was all SO delicious!

Probably my favorite part of the decor, the big glittery "N" :)

The dessert table

We had a wonderful evening :)

Huge shout out to everyone who was involved in the planning and implementation of our engagement party, and all of the wonderful friends and family who were able to attend.  We are so grateful for each of you and so excited to have you beside us as we begin our married life together.  We love you all!!

-Rachel

P.S.   51 days :)

Fifty-two days

Fifty-two isn't a special number that we will look back on and remember as a milestone.  But today, I am so overwhelmed by the incredible blessing that it is to be Brian's fiance'.  And today, I only have 52 days left until I get to be his wife.  And that makes me have butterflies in my stomach, tears in my eyes, and a goofy grin across my face.

I do not brag on this man that God created and is continuing to shape nearly enough.  He is so kind, and funny, and insightful, and playful, and handsome, and wise, and patient, and selfless, and driven, and forgiving, and sweet, and stable, and...the list goes on :)  How else could I explain how wonderful he is without giving all of the credit to his Creator?

Seriously, He did a great job creating Brian.  What a humbling honor it is that Brian has chosen me to be his wife :)

Fifty-two days, y'all!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Rachel

P.S. I have some wedding shower pictures I can't wait to share...I will post them very soon!

Crazy Dreams

Last night I had a dream that Brian and I got married...not that crazy, I know.  Just wait.

I dreamed that it was our wedding day, and NOTHING was right.  For some reason, a lot of our family was not able to make it and most of the decorations that we had were not there.  The caterer cancelled.  I did not get to have my hair done because I was trying to finish decorating the church.  I forgot to put my make up on.  I was freezing, so I put a long sleeve t-shirt on under my dress, and forgot to take it off before the ceremony.  I could not round up the bridesmaids.  My mom's dress didn't fit, so she was unable to help because she was having to work with a seamstress to get it fit.  The microphones did not work.  We did not have our communion glasses, but we had forgotten to get grape juice anyway.  Everyone around me was frantic and anxious and freaking out.

That isn't even the crazy part of the dream.  From what I hear, every bride has several dreams that the wedding day is a flop and everything that could go wrong does.  The crazy part is actually my favorite part.

Brian and I were totally fine.  Actually, we were way better than fine.  We were seriously giddy.  Everyone kept coming up to me and saying how sorry they were that it wasn't working out.  In fact, several people offered to help me cancel the wedding and figure out a way to make it all work smoothly on another day.  Every time I looked at them with a genuine smile and said something along the lines of "It really doesn't matter.  I get to marry Brian today.  Tomorrow I am going to be his wife.  I don't want it any other way."

I literally walked down the aisle with one house slipper and one tennis shoe.  My hair was frizzy, my face was blotchy and bare, and I was teary and grinning from ear to ear as my dad walked me down the aisle.  Brian looked perfect, of course, (except he was wearing electric blue tennis shoes with his tux) and had the expression that every bride longs for her groom to have.  He was thrilled to see me walking down the aisle and was totally satisfied with his T-shirt-under-her-dress-unkempt-hair-no-make-up-faced bride.  In fact, he couldn't seem to contain himself.

Nothing went right with the ceremony either.  There were many glitches, but we didn't care a single bit.  I will be honest, things got a little concerning when we realized at the reception that we had forgotten to get the marriage license, but then we decided that even though the State of Missouri didn't recognize us as married, God did, and our wedding was not for nothing.

It was a very silly dream, but I just love how honestly happy Brian and I were throughout the chaos.  I really believe that even if all of those things happen on our wedding day, we will react in that way.  I am just so honored that Brian has chosen me to be his wife, and that God has chosen us for each other. And I just cannot wait to be married to Brian!!

81 days everybody :)

-Rachel

Busy, Busy, Busy

I feel like the title sums up our lives right now.  We are very busy, but are making a conscious effort to soak in as much of this time as we can.  My life has been busy with nursing school clinicals, lectures, studying, care plans, papers, and other homework.  Brian's life has been busy with grading, lesson planning, and other "teacher stuff".  Together, we have been busy registering (so fun!! but also time consuming ;) ), painting our new place, cleaning our new place, and moving Brian into our new place!!  We have also been busy keeping up with premarital "homework" for our premarital Bible study and premarital counseling.  Oh, and we have been doing other wedding planning tasks too :)  We are having so much fun doing all of these exciting things, and as I said earlier, we are doing our best to enjoy each moment!
Lots of exciting things have been going on around us too.  One of my best friends is getting married in less than a month (which involves lots of fun pre-wedding tasks like showers and parties and so forth), my dad got a new job, my not-so-little brother, Jared, got the scholarship that he needed to be able to commit to going to the University of Missouri next year (his big sister is VERY proud), and my grandpa had surgery.  Thankfully, everyone on both sides of both of our families are well, and we are hoping that just maybe things will settle down a bit...but we aren't counting on it, HA!  We are oh so very grateful for the many MANY blessings that God has placed in our lives.
As of today, we have 96 days to go until the big day.  A little chill just ran through me :)  I'm just so stinkin' excited that Brian has chosen me to be his wife!!  Hopefully he doesn't change his mind before the wedding, because I am pretty darn attached ;)
Tonight, I cannot help but smile as I think of the incredible ways that God has woven, and is continuing to weave our lives together.  May our marriage be a journey of servanthood that honors our heavenly Father.  There is nothing that I would like more than to please Him in response to the AMAZING pleasure that He has given me by bringing me Brian.  OK, enough mushy-ness.  I meant every word, but I can just picture anyone who reads this starting to gag.  I'm just REALLY excited, give me a break!
And of course, a picture to wrap up...

Our first registering experience!

-Rachel

Home Sweet Home

We have found our first home!  It is a cute little 2 bedroom one bath duplex with vaulted ceilings in the living room and a patio about the size of a door mat in the back :) We just love it!!  And don't worry...I have pictures!

Street view

View of living room when you come in the front door

Looking into kitchen from living room
 (excuse my purse and other junk that I tossed on the bar)

Kitchen (Aren't the cabinets cute?)

View from kitchen into living room 

Bedroom #1 (This will be our bedroom)

Bedroom #2 (This will be our office/guest room)

Bathroom

We are so excited to get it all set up!  I will definitely post pictures once Brian gets settled in and we put our "touch" on it.  Brian is very excited to explore the design possibilities and figure out what our "couple style" is (don't fret, I'm being sarcastic ;) ).

We are renting from the sweetest couple too!  When Brian got the voicemail that they had selected us, the husband said "Well partner, I look forward to meeting you both."  Then, when Brian called back to tell them that we wanted it, his precious wife went on and on about how excited they are to rent to us and how she had hoped that we would choose them and made sure that Brian told me "hello" for her.  They are allowing us to paint the walls a neutral color to make it more of a home and even agreed to hold the place for a couple of weeks so that we could get everything in order before Brian moves in.  They are such a blessing!

We are so thankful for this answered prayer!  God continues to amaze us with His provisions as we continue to seek his plan for our life together.

WE HAVE OUR OWN PLACE!!!!  :)

-Rachel

Christmases

Brian and I were BEYOND blessed this Christmas.  Seriously.  Our families are out of control.  However, we are not complaining...in fact, here is a screenshot of Brian's Facebook status on Christmas...

He thinks that he is hilarious (and he kind of is ;) ).

We were able to hit all of the major holiday events for both of our families, which is quite a feat.  We celebrated with Brian's dad and stepmom on a Saturday in December in Springfield along with two of his brothers and one of his nieces. It was a great day of present opening, bowling, two great meals, and lots of catching up.  After Brian got out of school for Christmas break, we flew to Colorado to celebrate with his mom, stepdad, sisters, brother-in-law, one of his brothers, many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and grandmas (I don't think I left out anyone...I hope)!  It was a fun few days of celebrating the holiday, shopping, eating, opening presents, holding babies, playing with kids, and chatting.  It's so great that Brian's family is so talkative...it allows me to fit right in ;).  We stayed through Christmas morning and then took a flight back to Tulsa that afternoon so that we could make it to my family's Christmas celebration (including another wonderful meal, more presents, family game time, and more great conversations with my grandparents, 99-year old great-grandmother, aunt and uncle, cousins, parents, and brother) that evening.  After the big family celebration, we went back to my house and opened presents with just my parents and brother.  Whew, can you believe we pulled it off??  And can you believe how blessed we are to have so many wonderful family members to celebrate Christmas with?  We consider ourselves to be greatly blessed and hope to be able to share the Christmas season with all of our family as much as we can in the future.

One of the best parts of this Christmas for us was that we did not have to split and go separate ways in order to make it to all holiday celebrations, we were able to go to each event together, which was wonderful!

And just for good measure, a few photos :)

The ornament my mom got for me to remember
the Christmas that Brian and I were engaged

Instagram of Brian and I at the Denver airport on Christmas Day
(no we really aren't quite that pasty, it's the filter...or at least, we hope it is ;) )

Enjoying a fancy McDonald's Christmas lunch
on the drive back to Joplin after our flight

Merry Christmas!!

-Rachel