Yes!

So, I've been talking about wanting to blog forever.  In the back of my mind I always told myself that when I got engaged I would start.

Long story short...here is my blog!

That's right.  I'm engaged!  I can't tell you how excited I am to share the news as part of my first post!

Now, I'm guessing you probably want to hear the story...

Brodie and I were scheduled to be in Haiti for 10 days after Christmas.  Much to our disappointment however, we found out on Christmas night that our flight had been cancelled.  Our trip leader was on the phone through the night trying to make alternative arrangements.  However, the Lord must have had some reason for us to stay back because nothing panned out.

The day  after Christmas, the trip was officially cancelled.  My mom drove me to the Downs' in Warrenton, as originally planned, and we had a wonderful brunch!  (Thanks again Mrs. Downs - it was so yummy!)  After exchanging Christmas presents with Brodie's family, he and I hit the road back to Charlottesville.  Once we got home we both un-packed and somewhat sulked around, although looking back, I was probably more out of it than Brodie since he knew what was to come.

We went to the grocery story and picked up dinner.  I received two hints during that time:

1.  Brodie let me rent Sex and the City II and told me he would watch it with me!
2. There was a bottle of champagne in his cart that he said was for New Years Eve - yeah right!

Back home, it was really like any other night.

Brodie made yummy bacon-wrapped dates for an appetizer and they went perfect with our cocktails! 

While I cleaned up around the kitchen, he got dinner ready.  My next two missed signs:

1. He lit the candle on the dining room table
2. He dimmed the lights

We sat down to a scrumptious meal and I said the blessing.  I remember tearing up slightly after praying for the people in Haiti.  As sad as we were to miss our trip, I could only imagine what a disappointment it was for them.  Brodie asked me a few times what was wrong, but I insisted I was fine.  The next thing I new, my view of my plate looked a lot different.

Before

After

That's right.  Brodie pulled the little black box out of the buffet next to the table and set it in front of me.  After promptly bursting in to tears, I finally got myself together enough to let him start talking.

Truthfully, I don't remember exactly what he said, but I remember thinking to myself that I would remember the moment forever.  After several minutes however, I realized he hadn't actually asked me anything...but Brodie didn't disappoint.

He'll tell you he got up to get something and tripped.  I saw him however, get up, come to my side, kneel down on one knee, and ask me to be his wife!

Again, after many many more tears (of joy, don't worry!) I said yes.  

Needless to say, I didn't eat much of my dinner (and for those of you who know me, it takes a BIG event for that to happen!)

More of Brodie, the wedding, and the relationship we've been blessed with coming up!