Story of our Engagment

So, this day, a year ago, Landon Brewer asked me to be his wife. I have never actually sat down and written out our engagement story, so this is exciting for me. So, where to start the story?...

First of all, Landon and I dated for 3 years when we were seriously talking about wanting to get married. The only problem was he didn't have a job.I am thankful for the man he is because he would not allow me to really entertain the thought of getting married because he did not have a way to provide for me. He search for a job for 6 months to no avail. I wanted to share this song because this song really got me through this time in trusting the Lord wholeheartedly. I knew the Lord was for me and all his plans were HIS best for me.

So on a side note, our friends Kenna and Andrew were ears and encouragement for us. She was trying to be funny one day in December and told me that February 19th was going to be a big day for us. She had no idea what was going on that day. She just pulled that date out of the thin air. 

Fast forward to about about February 15, 2011. It was a tuesday night and I had to work, so Landon told me he went to BSU to "listen" to Andrew speak, but really he went to his parents house to talk to them about asking me to marry him the following Saturday. They talked it through and he left still questioning. I had no idea he went to talk to them, but I do remember him coming home and him seriously telling me he wanted to get married so bad but he didn't know he if we could anytime soon. However, throughout the next couple of days he got a job, but he didnt tell me about it. He went home for the weekend to "spend time with his parents".

Really, he was buying me a ring and talking to my parents.

Saturday, February 19, 2011, I was working at Chick-fil-A and got off work at 4pm. We were supposed to be going to Jay and Jennifer Adkins house just to spend time with them. Random, but I thought it was strange that day that he text me like 4 times to make sure I got off a 4pm. When 4 came around he text me about told me he wasn't quite packed and ready to go, so to go ahead and go to my apartment and get my stuff together. I changed into normal clothes, which I am glad I did, because I would have been upset with myself if I got proposed to in my CFA uniform. 

He text me about 10 min later and told me he was ready and there was a surprise on his door for me. The surprise was an envelope with my name on it. Because he is a graphic designer, he made a wedding invitation for us. 

I seriously couldn't believe it. I opened the cracked door to find a red carpet, daisies (my favorite flower), and candles.

'

When I turned the corner, my sweet boyfriend at the time was sitting there playing me "Marry Me" by Train. 

You can listen to it above. It was the sweetest thing ever. I had always wanted him to sing me a song when were dating, but he was saving it for a moment like that.

He was soo nervous when he was playing. He was trembling as he was singing, but it was the sweetest thing I have ever heard besides the words "I Do". 

So needless to say, I got this beautiful ring.

I was sooooooo excited. I called and text everyone I knew.

We did end up going to Jay and Jennifers and spend our engagement night with them!!

Friends, Adopted for Life, & More

So its about time I update this thing. Nothing life changing or life altering has occurred, but just wanted to jot down some sweet memories I want to remember.

1. I started student teaching at Water Valley High School about two and a half weeks ago. So far so good. I have been able to teach a couple of days and the kids (not really kids, they are 11th and 12th graders!) pay attention and participate, so I take that as a success. I think it is hard for them to grasp that I am so close in age to them, but i know how to use my "mommy" look! I use it quite often. The other day, I was able to have some one on one tutoring time with a student who was having boyfriend issues, so I was thankful I was able to be there for her. Also my carpoorling buddy, Cheslin Clemons, is fun and I have enjoyed getting to know her!

2. Landon and I have some AMAZING friends. Seriously, we couldn't ask for better ones. Two weekends ago, each night we got to hang out with a different couple. All eight of us a seriously good friends,but we couldn't all seem to get together at one time.

Friday night- We hung out with Matt and Haley. Cooked deersteak, played Phase10, watched the boys play Zelda, and shared lots of laughter and eye rolling!

Saturday Night- JDub and Amber- This was a spur the moment decision, but so glad we did it. We drove up to Hernando and ate with them and JDub's parents. Our night was full of conversations about wedding planning and Jesus. Amber also asked me to be a bridesmaid, so I'm pretty pumped!

Sunday Night- We had hamburgers and hung out with Andrew and Kenna! Fun times! The NEXT Saturday we hung out with them again and had hamburgers again, ate at Ya-Ya's, and played Sorry! while we watched Boy Meets World!

Kenna was so thoughtful and got us a book about Chicago (we are taking a trip there in the summer) and a Milka candybar (reminds me of our time in Budapest!).

We are very thankful to these couple friends (and MANY others) in our life. I seriously thank God  daily for the friendships He has blessed us with!

3. Landon and I went to the Adopted for Life conference this past weekend. Dr. Russell Moore spoke about the doctrine of adoption and our role as the church to care for the orphans. We went with the intention of just getting familiar with the adoption process. We aren't adopting for a couple of years, but because we want to adopt internationally, we wanted to see how it all worked. My heart got a little broken because apparently you can't start the adoption process from China until you are 30! I just don't want to wait so long to get our precious child, but I know the Lord will work ALL that out and already has!

A few things I was reminded this weekend:

1. All God's people have an obligation (and joy!) to care for orphans. That doesn't necessarily mean everyone is called to adopt or foster, but we all must play a role in caring for orphans. I was reminded that I have a role to care for the orphans in a different way until I can carry out what I feel like is our ultimate way of caring for the orphans, adopting one! God has saved us from the chaos of our own lives!

2. I must remember my own adoption into the family of God to truly understand the physical adoption of a child. How often I reach back to my own orphanage of my flesh!

3. The whole point of caring for orphans is to count others as more important than ourselves.

4. Love brings with it risk. I have friends that have risked a lot to care for a child, but wouldn't trade it for the world! The Lord has given us the desire to adopt, so I know he will work out all those details in his timing!

Shout out to Matt, Megan, and Gideon for letting us crash at your house this weekend. We had so much fun!