Exactly ONE YEAR ago from today, Jimmy asked me to be his wife!! He had told me we were going to have a special date and watch Christmas movies in the park and have a picnic in the cold weather (unlike this year's near 80 degree temps). We had gone on a few cold weather picnics before so I thought nothing of it. I was at work all day (when I worked as a nanny) and then went to get a manicure (good thing!). When I told Jimmy I was going to the nail place, he got more excited than he usually does, which I kindof thought was weird, but still didn't read too much into it. He also said, "You always look beautiful on our dates, but you should wear something pretty that makes you feel special." I was suspicious, but didn't want to get my hopes up and then be disappointed if he didn't propose, so I convinced myself it wasn't going to happen today. My friend Lauren later came over to help me pick out clothes and so she could borrow my camera for a "marketing project." At this point, I asked her if Jimmy was planning something, and she said--"No, definitely not. If he was going to propose I would know and I haven't heard anything [liar!!]. Turns out, she was borrowing my camera to take pictures of the whole thing later that night. I remember dancing around the house singing the "Wicked" soundtrack at the top of my lungs using my wooden spoon microphone, because it was fun and my roommates were entertained! :) They were piled on my bed, watching me get ready. Emily asked if I was excited about our date, and I just remember saying..."well yes I'm excited but I'm more nervous I'm going to be cold outside." (I should have known something was up because watching me get ready was not a normal occurrence.)
Jimmy picked me up at 7:00, with my favorite flowers-lilies. He also had my favorite band, the Fray, playing in the car. Unfortunately, I forgot my Aggie ring and so he turned the car around to go get my ring. Then we drove to research park. I thought the plan was to go to Lake Bryan, so when he turned onto University Drive I was confused, but he insisted he knew where he was going. We pulled up to the park to see hundreddddsssss of tealight candles that made a pathway through the park to a clearing lined with even more candles and rose petals. I asked if this was for me, still not believing it, and he said that it was. We had to cross a stream of water through the park, but being in high heel boots I was having trouble, so Jimmy threw me over his shoulder and jumped the creek! We finally made it to the circle of candles, and he dropped to a knee and asked "Will you marry me?" I was in such shock and also thinking -- "DANG THAT'S A DIAMOND RING!!" and couldn't really say anything--once I caught my breath and he reminded me that I had not yet said anything I said "OF COURSE!!!" And then Jimmy's sister Lisa and some of our good friends came out from behind the bushes and trees with lots of hugs and congrats. They left and we prayed together for the first time (except for meals) about our new engagement and future marriage. I didn't want to leave and end the perfect moment, but once we got to Jimmy's house I was happily surprised to see a ton of our friends at his house to celebrate with us for a surprise engagement party!!!
I wanted to write it all down, so I wouldn't forget anything about the night Jimmy proposed. It was a very special, very BLESSED day!! In the spirit of thanksgiving, I am most grateful for my husband and our new marriage! Happy Thanksgiving EVE to you and yours!! :)
