The really truly actual honest-to-goodness dealio

So, apparently I have some explaining to do. Please forgive me for today, but the timing was so perfect, I just couldn't resist! And fortunately, my fiancé thinks I'm hilarious, so I'm set ;)

I'll go more into more detail in another post for any who are interested, but for now, here's the short explanation:

A couple weeks ago my friend introduced me to a wonderful man. He called me looking for activity planning ideas, and the conversation just kept rolling. Over the week that followed we talked for 2-3 hours every day in a completely open and honest manner about all sorts of random things both trivial and deeply personal. He may be even more blunt than I am. I know, right?! So refreshing!

He said things I've always hoped to hear from a man. He understood me in ways only my dear friends do. And he loved all my random quirks and whims and fancies - after only a week of knowing me!

I was just being myself! Completely unabridged. He was too. And because we were willing to let go of our doubts and insecurities and defensive tactics to talk openly about any and every topic that came up, we grew closer in that time than I had ever imagined possible. 

Our plans lined up. I looked forward to and enjoyed the times we talked but didn't pine for it or get distracted from my work. In fact, with all those hours on the phone and very little sleep, it was incredible how productive I was still able to be. Divine assistance, I’m telling you.

So after spending a week trying not to freak out about our perfectly aligned goals and ambitions, and the way his smooth, deep voice just calmed my soul... the next time we got together became the day we got engaged! It was like a power above and beyond us was perfectly coordinating our lives, then handed it all over and said, “Here you go. What do you want to do with this?”

We talked about these amazing feelings, about our amazing week, and about God's hand in our lives. He said something about how God lines up blessings and opportunities in our lives and it's up to us to act and take the leap of faith. And then it happened.

I said, “Let’s do this.” He said, “Marry me.” And then put his grandmother’s ring on my hand.

And I busted up laughing. The joy just overflowed! I couldn't help it!!

And yes, my logical brain was freaking out and saying it was happening too fast, but my heart and soul and everything around me was filled with the most exhilarating joy, peace, and happiness! I never thought it was possible to feel so much goodness at once, especially in regards to a person I hadn't known very long. But I couldn't deny it! As I looked into his kind, teary eyes that day, I felt more light, hope and pure joy than ever before. I knew it was right, that this was the best man I could ever hope for - and I just couldn't stop! 

So there you have it. I know this is incredibly fast, totally crazy, and completely unexpected, but it is also exciting and good and so amazingly happy!!

And though I have had a few moments of panic hit me since then, every time I talk about it, or talk to him, or see his face, I feel that excited calm and happiness all over again. And that is enough to help me step forward in faith and start building my forever with my new favorite guy. 

They say "when you know, you know" which I always thought was an overused cliché! And I cannot deny the overwhelming, completely unique way I feel about Andrew and this whole situation. However, this is still my choice. Love is a choice. In whatever form it comes into our lives, we must choose to accept, pursue, or embrace it. There will always be questions of other people or possibilities or what-ifs, so we must choose where to put our heart, and move forward. I am ready for this next, precious step in my progression, with this man, at this time. So even though all things are already pointing to this, I also choose this. I choose him.

It is a huge paradigm shift for a flirty girl who has become a pro at being single! And yet, I know that God is in this. I may have moments of nervousness, but overall I just know that it will be okay. In fact, it will be wonderful! He is a good man, living in the best way he knows. I am trying to do the same. And as we put our trust in God, and keep up this amazing flow of communication, we will become even happier and healthier and better people - both as individuals and together. Watch out world!! I'm joining forces with a dynamo and things are about to get exponentially more awesome!!

So much LOVE!!!

My ring!

It's even prettier up close!

p.s. Andrew also has a darling daughter from a previous marriage. Her name is Emma, she is 5, and she thinks I'm a princess :) Those who know me well can probably imagine just how excited I am to become a part of her world.

p.p.s.We are getting married in the Edmonton Alberta Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 27 (check out the link!). Rocking party to follow :)