How I Became My Husband's Fiance

I guess I'm kind of skipping the actually dating part of our relationship. Really - I had no mood swings whatsoever and was an excellent communicator. That pretty much sums it all up. So, really, I can't figure out why Guy tried to break up with me once.

Hmm, we'll have to hash that one out at a later date.

We had been dating for 1.5 years when Guy proposed. We had walked through different jewelry stores at the mall once and I had pointed out rings that I liked to Guy. Guy had met my immediate family and I had met most of his immediate and extended family. No one objected to us dating so we plunged forward in our relationship.

During the summers, since Guy lived in Michigan and I went home to Kansas City, we saw each other two or three times, each of us visiting each others home. The summer of 2010 my family was planning our annual trek out to California to see all of our relatives. I begged my parents to let Guy come and then I begged Guy to come.

^^At the Grand Canyon^^

So, in late June we set off in a van that did not have A/C. It was real fun. We stopped here and there up the Coast of California working our way from L.A. to the Napa Valley.

^^ I was so cool. I'm not surprised that Guy decided to propose to me. Also, I'm not sure why there is a random shot of my mom, but I can't figure out how to get rid of it so just ignore it...^^

My parents wanted to stop in Carmel. I grew up in a small town very near there so I have fond memories of visiting Carmel and Monterey. I thought nothing of it.

After walking around Carmel for a bit, we decided to eat lunch somewhere and the typical family disagreements about where to eat ensued. At this point we had spent a lot of time cramped together in a very hot van. After lunch Guy suggested that just he and I walk down to the beach.

And at this point y'all are thinking Did you suspect anything? I really had no clue. I genuinely thought Guy just needed a minute away from everyone. Plus, Guy is not one to joke around or hint about something so serious.

We walked several blocks to the beach...

Do you love me? Yes, Guy.
Do you know that you want to be with me? Yes, Guy.
Do you have any doubts about us? No, Guy.
Do you like me? Yes, Guy.

At this point we had found a semi-secluded spot to sit down at. After Guy was completely satisfied that I would not reject his proposal this happened -

Guy: So, I guess this is the part where you stand up.
Me: What? *stands up* ....
Guy: *Kneels and pulls out a ring from his pocket* Will you marry me?
Me: ..... What? ..... Ummm, wait - Yes! YES!

We grabbed a random guy who was walking to take the below picture. And that's how we got engaged tomorrow 4 years ago. July 3rd, 2010.

Ya know, Guy didn't have fireworks in the sky (until the next day.....). He didn't record a youtube video for me. He didn't have a plane fly by that was pulling a sign. He didn't have a band play a romantic song. He didn't even have the ring in a little black box. In fact, the proposal was pretty reminiscent of how he asked me out. But I would take his gentle way of loving me over any showy gesture of affection. Guy is not one for frills, but what that means is that I get a very deep, raw and unquestionable love.

I am continually awed by how in tune Guy is to me and humbled by how he loves me despite my very real flaws. It really only gets better.

Guess Who's Back?

I'm back from California. Glad to be back with Guy, but oddly enough, it was harder for me to leave than I thought it would be.

Pictures to come of my graduation (say wha?!), the cutest nephew in the world, and other things.

While we were in California, my amazing sister-in-law coordinated a morning for us to meet with her childhood friend/a photographer for some family photographs. It was wonderful to have everyone together for the first time in a very long time. I'll leave you with the teaser she left us. More to come when they're done!

In other news, because we're poor, I wasn't able to pay for my NBCOT exam until TODAY. So now I wait for approval of my application and then I can finally schedule that sucker. 

July will be interesante ...

Highway 1

So, in April, Guy and I drove to Southern California from the Napa Valley so I could finish up a few things for school. On our way back we decided to drive up The 1. Neither of us had jobs or obligations. We decided to take our time. We spent a lot of time in Santa Barbara then drove up to Monterey where we stayed the night. The next day we went to Monterey Bay Aquarium. I loved it as a child and wanted Guy to experience it. We spent over 4 hours there. We took our time drive back to the Napa Valley and probably got home at 10 pm.

All in all that was probably the best impromptu trip Guy and I have taken together. Travelling can be stressful to both of us for different reasons, but somehow we conquered our frustrations and had an amazing time.

Just when you think you know California ...

Some of my favorite photos from the trip. Unedited 'cause ain't nobody got time for that.

I'll have you know that Guy took this last photo specifically for my blog. :)