A man without a wife is like a vase without flowers.

Well, here we go. It's time for the engagement story. To make it a little more interesting, I had two of my friends write the story for me. But, since their stories are a little (and by a little, I may mean a lot) off, I decided to write it myself also. And... We're off!

Siri: My dearest David decided to surprise me! Oh, what a glorious day it was. I was really emotional all week considering I thought he was coming, but didn’t want to get my hopes up at all, because I didn’t think he’d really come. BUT Torie had been really sneaky with her phone, so I knew something was up. She wouldn’t let me see her texts. Grr..  Then I was taken away that night by two girls... gagged and thrown into the car. They took me to a place, where I had never been. Oh wait! I forget to tell you I got a milk dud wrapper with a park name on it, I had given the wrapper to David last year when I had another boy and was just being my usual sarcastic self when it said that it was a token of our friendship, and what do you know, he kept it! (don’t ask me why) Haha! So back to the park. Sure enough, my huni buns was standing there!! This is winter, and it’s cold out by the way. So I ran real fast to see him. We went for a walk and then it happened. (not it, it!) He asked my to marry him! Oh what a glorious day! AND he loves me, who woulda guessed that..but this was the first that I had heard! Anyways, ripped off my glove and got the ring, and now here I am, an engaged lil princess. :) The end. PS We’re getting married in December!!!!

JoAnna: The big day was coming. My little David was about to pop the question, but as always, I was completely oblivious. I went around saying things like “I don’t think he’ll ever ask me.” and “Do you really think he loves me?” Well it was a good thing that I had friends like Torie and JoAnna who were in on the deal. So by the time David got hisself to Minneapolis the stage was set and the show was about to start. I received a love token from my boy himself. It was a dirty candy wrapper I had given to him earlier in our friendship. Like the pack rat he is, he kept it. On the back he wrote the destination of the night to be remembered. I scuddled around frantically getting ready while JoAnna and Torie warmed up the car. By the time we made it to the park I was pretty much freaking out. When I saw him my heart stopped. It was the night! Not THE night, but it was a good night all the same. We went for a walk and what do you know, we are engaged. Booya Grandma, get ready for a wedding, baby!

And, here's the story according to me.

It was St. Patrick’s day and of course, I forgot to wear green. I swear, every year I forget that it’s THE day to wear green. The day was a normal day, a Thursday. I had told myself that if David was going to pop the question before the end of the year, it was this weekend or the first weekend of April. But, after many texts from David, I soon realized that I had psyched myself out. He wasn’t coming. He was busy with work for the weekend. Well, it wasn’t just a normal day for me. I bled for about 3 hours, went to the hospital, got all stitched up (7 stitches) and looked like absolute crap after jumping in the shower and just standing there (turns out my makeup was smeared and my hair was frizzy). I hadn’t told David that I had gone to the hospital or that anything really interesting had happened that day. I sent him a quick text, “Hey! Will you pray for me?” on the way to the hospital and afterwards told him I had a story for him. But, he told me he was busy (he was going out to eat with someone) and so I figured I would call him later (sad face). Well, I got back to school, took a nap and talked with some friends, telling them about my day. I, by that point, was upset that I was wrong about him coming up to surprise me and was kinda just in a crappy mood. So, without a clue of what was going on, Torie came into my room after she had come rollerblading and handed me something. A milk dud box that I had given David the year before which said “David, this is a symbol of our friendship. Don’t lose it! Nicole”. I of course automatically knew it was from him and after receiving it and reading on the reverse side “Millennial Park" I started scrambling. This was it! The day I had been waiting for all my life. The day that I would get proposed. How crazy is that!?! Well, after getting ready I paused, received a hug from JoAnna and cried. Yup, there it was. Well, Torie and Jo decided that they would drop me off. So we were on our way! The whole time I wouldn’t say out loud what was happening. I was basically denying it; I was in utter shock. They gave me crap, like they always do (they even turned into a different parking lot, which of course made me freak out, I might have even screamed a little bit). We eventually arrived at the park and I saw David standing there, waiting for me to arrive. I said goodbye to them, told them not to spy on us, and went on my way. Well, we went for a walk. I told him about my day and how I had gone to the hospital, which of course made him feel like crap for not calling me. We walked a little ways, trying to avoid the icky ice that had re-frozen after the thaw from the day (yay March!). He then told me that he had something to say that he had wanted to tell me for a long time, “I love you.” Of course, I told him the same back and it was a really special moment. (Sidenote: to any of you who are single, I really encourage you to hold back on almost everything (I love you, kissing, etc.), it adds to the relationship, and if it doesn’t work out, there are less hurt feelings) He then explained why he chose Millennial Park. Last year we went on a walk there and he, being a bitter boy, told me he would never get married. I insisted he was wrong, and well, I guess I was right! Who knew that it was me that gets to marry him?!? :P He got down on one knee, pulled out a ring (so beautiful!) and asked me to marry him. I think I said yes about five times before he finally said, “Really? You’re not going to give me crap?” (If you know me, I always give people crap, I’m just sarcastic. People always joked about how when I would get proposed to I would say no at first, laugh, and say yes.) I responded with, “I said yes.” And he, still on one knee, asked me after a few seconds “Do you want the ring?” I said yes, ripped my glove off my hand and put the ring on my finger. To all of your surprise, I did not cry. I myself am in awe, I am a living fountain. But, no worries, I cried later while calling my mom and plenty of other times. Especially when I found my dress! It’s beautiful and I love it! I feel like this an abrupt ending, but it’s really only just the beginning...

If any of you don’t already know, the wedding date is December 3.

PS I wanted to put up a picture of the ring, but the internet isn't allowing it today... :( I will try to put one up eventually!


***Update*** I have been asking David to write down his side of the engagement story for some time and he finally did. Here's the proposal story according to David...

To My Beloved Nicole,

    You wanted to have our engagement story from my perspective in a more permanent form than my brain.  So while you are napping, I have begun typing.

    Here is the back story.  I had known for sometime that I wanted to use my great grandmother’s diamond for an engagement/wedding ring.  Also, I had known since late December that I definitely was going to marry you BUT! the question was when?  So as January crept along I patiently waited for the arrival of your birthday weekend. When it arrived I sucked up some guts and decided to lay my cards on the table with your dad.  To my shock and delight, he said yes.

    Then the plot began in earnest.  While your gospel team was staying at my house, I slipped Adam the old ring and faxed Shane co. about the delivery.  The question still was when? Knowing that the ring was done and sitting in MN was certainly motivation and knowing this was really the last option I had before you left for choir tour, I certainly wanted to.  But I was not sure about work until much later that week, so Thursday morning I woke up swiftly and packed my things.  Finished my office work, met with Pastor Dana and politely asked to be excused early so that I may go propose and ran to my car.

    On the drive up two events are significant.  The first was trying to figure out HOW to propose.  I spoke with Torie who was profoundly upset that I had not yet planned this out.  I explained my dilemma of not knowing when I was coming until that morning and that I was not sure if I could make it to Shane Co. in time.   But slowly the details of the scheme came into focus.  A candy wrapper, a park, a ring and the biggest apology ever were stewing together.  But then came the tricky part for me, the terrible liar.  YOU CALLED! But if I answer you would hear that I am in a car and immediately expect that trickery was afoot!  Though if I ignore you, you may end up annoyed, or even suspect something awry from that!  Oh! The dilemma!  So with a half fib I said I was with “Todd” via text.  Which was the voice of the man I was listening to on my iPod.

    As I neared Minneapolis my nerves both relaxed as I realized I would make it in plenty of time to get the ring, yet tensed realizing that meant it was really going to happen!  I stopped at a rest stop to change clothes and do my hair.  Then off to Shane co!  When the assistant brought out the ring my excitement swelled.  It was more beautiful then I had even imagined it would be.  Next stop was an arranged meet with Torie on the one way street along Medicine Lake.  I handed her the wrapper.  A wrapper you yourself had once given me while we were friends that said “This is a symbol of our friendship. Don’t lose it! -Nicole” in your adorable lefty script.  For me it was off to Target to brush my teeth and then to Millennial gardens to wait.  First I scoped out my options for the best spot to do the deed.  Then returned to the parking lot to wait.  I paced.  Then growing a bit cold I bided my time in the warmth of my car, staring in the mirror, my heart racing every time a light flashed thinking it might be you.  I kept fingering the ring in my pocket.  And finally you pulled up.

    Your hat was adorable.  Your coat, classy as always.  It was wonderful.  We walked down the way trying not to slip and fall.  Wouldn’t that have been a great memory?  Finally we reached a patch of mostly dry ground at the bottom with the lights on the trellises and the few bits of leftover snow surrounding us.  In the same park that I had one and a half years earlier told you bitterly I would remain single forever, I began to tell you why I had picked this spot.  I love you, Nicole.  In my stumbling way I told you for the first time, my heart in my throat the whole time.  I told you that I didn’t regret eating my words and asking you to marry me as I got down on one knee.  And you said YES! To my shock, there was no teasing, no jeering, no sarcasm, just a delighted yes.

    The next moment seemed to last an awkwardly long time till I said still holding the ring up on one knee, “do you want the ring?”  At which of course you happily ripped off your glove and allowed me to place it on your finger for the first time.

I have a blog?!?

So, I haven't blogged in ages. I'm sorry to those who want to know what's been happening. Some day I will update you on my engagement, choir tour, and anything else I can think of that's been happening recently. I don't even know what else has happened. Anywho, I'm tired and should be hitting the hay.

I promise I will blog some day soon!

Flower update.

Here's the picture of the beautiful flower bouquet I promised to put up (a while ago, whoops!). They're great! Almost as great as the boy (man? lol) who gave them to me (ok, not even close).

One year, two days.

Sorry, folks. No quote today. But, here's the news. It's been one year and two days since I found out that I have diabetes. Has it been fun? Not really. But the great thing is that God has used this time of difficulty to teach me. God's been teaching me to trust Him.
It's funny how something that has changed my life so greatly has become just a normal thing. I used to think that type one diabetes would be the worst thing in the world to have. But after getting used to giving myself 5 shots a day, pricking my finger too many times, and realizing how my body feels when I'm low and high, I've learned that it's just another way of life. To me, it's only part of life. The "funny" thing about thinking it would be so horrible is I got another disease a month later. Celiac disease. Celiac disease is basically this, my body hates gluten. So I can't eat it, or anything that has ever touched it.
Well, I'm not here to talk about how my life is so horrible. Because, it's not! Not at all. It's so great. I have been blessed with a family and friends who will stick behind me. God is so great! He loves each of us. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins. Because Jesus willingly took our sins upon Him, we can have eternal life. It's crazy how things so big, like two diseases, seem so small in comparison to what Jesus did for all of us on the cross.
Life is easy when you have God on your side. Funny, how I say that. Because life isn't easy, it's difficult. But that statement is true. God gives joy even through times of difficulty.

Why do people give each other flowers? To celebrate various important occasions, they're killing living creatures? Why restrict it to plants? "Sweetheart, let's make up. Have this deceased squirrel."

This week has been tough. I honestly have no idea why I’ve been in such a CRAPPY mood. But, I have. That’s for sure. You can ask any of my friends, or David. They hear all about it.
I’ve been getting migraines again. For about a week straight it has just been constant pain. I even have prescribed medicine for it. But, it isn’t helping this time. Lame.
Last night I went to bed with a my head feeling like it was getting crushed and woke up feeling worse. You can always tell it’s going to be a good day when that happens. Not! I took extra strength tylenol right before class and well, it didn’t help. That doesn’t usually happen. So, I didn’t take another dose. No way was I going to waste medicine. I drank tons and tons and tons of water today thinking that would maybe get rid of the stupid migraine. Well, it didn’t, just made me pee. A lot.
I decided to take a nap thinking maybe that would help. It didn’t. I started to work on homework, might as well do something with my day. I got one small assignment done. Since I had a poop day I decided to eat a carby supper. Mac n cheese. It was good. Delicious, in fact. Who knew that of all gluten things I would miss, it would be mac n cheese? Not me. Today I basically stayed in my room. Siri knocked on my door and told me to go look outside. To my surprise, there were flowers sitting outside my door.
Perfect timing, David. I almost cried. Lame how flowers can make a girl’s week better. But, I needed something thoughtful like that (because it turns out eating fatty meals just makes you feel worse). The flowers are beautiful! Gerber daisies and spider mums. My favorites. So so so so so so great!
Btw, long distance relationships are vomit. Not seeing David for 8 weeks is killing me. Here’s my advice to anyone in a long distance relationship, though. Talk lots. Use skype often. And pray and do devos together. There is nothing better than God time. It has been so encouraging at the end of the day to be asked, “What is God teaching you?” And then, to hear what God is teaching someone else! Seriously, though. It’s the trick.

Picture of the flowers coming soon!

That quote is hilarious! Don't ever give someone a dead animal. That's just a horrible idea!

"Charmin Ultra. Less is More."

Update on the weekend.
Charmin toilet paper is the best. It lasted the whole weekend, well sorta. More on that later. Did you know that you really only need two squares of toilet paper?!? It's actually great. That'll save me money for my WHOLE life. So great!
Well the weekend was a successful laid-back girls weekend. We ate, slept, watched movies, watched castle, ate, played wii, ate, slept, and ate. Basically, we ate. A lot!
And how great is this?!? Our neighbor plowed the driveway Saturday morning, so we got out perfectly. Well, Sunday we got all packed up and left to go back to school. Well, the roads were HORRIBLE! Tons of drifts and too much wind. Couldn't see more than twenty feet in front of us. Needless to say, we gassed up, bought some ice cream and toilet paper (because we used the last right before we left) and turned around. We left this morning around 9 and got back at 1. The roads were good and we didn't even almost once die. So that's good. Too bad we had to miss class. Lame!
Oh well, it was a good, restful weekend. I'm glad we ventured out!


And... to end the blog. Here are the lyrics to the charmin song. Haha!

"Charmin Company Charmin Ultra Less is More" Hey little fella gotta change your touch What you thought was enough might be too much You see it's more cushiony then ever before Charmin Ultra less is more When you say less is more (Yeah!) Less is more It's more absorbent then the regular ripple brand for sure What you used to love now you're gonna adore CHA CHA CHA Charmin!!!!

"The whisper of a pretty girl can be heard further than the roar of a lion."

It's girls weekend this fine weekend. We just finished J-term and decided, "hey, let's take a roadtrip!" So we did. Me, Kayla, Anna, and Siri are all at my cabin.
Well, yesterday we finally left around 4:30 after all the running around the city to get groceries. We are fully stocked up on delicious food for the weekend. We're making pizza and tacos for our dinners, and just eating salad for lunch each day (we're all on a diet lol).
We made it here last night at 9, and much to our dismay the driveway was full of snow. And by full of snow, I mean it was up to my knees the whole way to the garage. And its a stinking long driveway. Well, for some reason we decided we HAD to get the car in the garage so we started shoveling. It was actually fun. It was good to get some of our energy (yes, we had coffee) out of our system and do something (since we skipped out of exercising yesterday). Well, about an hour (or less, I forgot to look at the time) later we were finally in. Btw, I love my car (Suzie), but the stinking "cutting the gas when it feel like it's slipping thing" is really annoying when you're trying to get through snow. I wanted to kill my car for a second there. But, all is done (for now. We have to somehow get Suzie out of there sometime on Sunday lol).
We watched a movie last night and of course had to have popcorn! After the movie we went to bed, and now it's morning. Me and Anna are up, but Kayla and Siri are still sleeping. I'm thinking breakfast is sounding good. Prolly eggs. There's tons here!!!!

P.S. When your mother tells you "Don't forget toilet paper!" you should probably listen. I, being an idiot, forgot the toilet paper. And now, we are skimping as much as we can to make it through the weekend. We'll see how this goes!

P.P.S. That quote is dumb. Whispers are way quieter than lions' roars.