the proposal.

The question I have been asked the most since becoming engaged has been, "So, when is the big day???"

Well, we are not sure yet. We are praying about a few dates right now, however, when we know.. you will too:)

The second-most question I have been asked is, "So, how did he do it??"

Honestly - It was perfect. I can't imagine how the whole thing could have gone off better. First of all, I had no idea it was coming. I love surprises... so that made it special. Second of all, he was (and is) man enough to talk to my dad before asking me. I love it. That's the way it should be. Supposedly they had a good talk, but I am mostly thankful Noah got out of there alive. :) Jenna Schick kept me occupied during the time Noah was at my house. She, and so many more, of my favorite people all played important roles throughout the next few days.

That brings us to Leap Year Day. February 29th, 2012. Noah gave me a clue before I went to my lab that day at 330. He said I could start my scavenger hunt to find out where we would eat supper after class. I was antsy the whole time.

It took me way too long, but I finally figured out the first clue led back to my room. I went there, only to find a second clue - which led me to Dave Getz at the Coffee Hound. (I didn't know this until later... but they had come up with this last minute to stall me because I was let out of class an hour early!!) I ended up playing a 45 minute game of War with Dave... which was very fun, however, I was starting to get grumpy because I was so hungry. The next clue took me to Taco Bell, and then to Jacob's Well during our weekly prayer meeting. From there, I was instructed to call one of my best friends, Addi Maurer. Her clue led me to Olive Garden. I loved to be able to see/talk to some of my favorite people and go to my favorite places in Normal. Seriously... the best. proposal. idea. ever. And think about how much thought went into all of this!! Amazing.

Between Addi and Olive Garden - my phone died.

And our conversation went like this:
Addi: are you excited for tonight??
Kelly: yeah, I am mostly excited to eat! I am SO STINKING hungry!
Addi: BUT...
*phone died*

What she was going to say may have ruined the whole surprise, so it's a blessing in disguise that my phone died when it did ;)

When I arrived at Olive Garden*, 2 hours after I started the hunt, I was thinking something was up. But I still wasn't sure. So the first  thing I told Noah when I saw him was, "Well, now you can't use this when you propose to me!" There was no reaction from him, and all he said was, "Yeah, I guess you are right.."

About half way through the meal, Noah knelt down on one knee...

...but I don't remember what he said, because I was too busy saying over and over, "Are you serious? Are YOU serious? ARE you SERIOUS?"

Then he asked me to marry him...

and I said yes.

Thanks to Steve and Hannah for hiding and taking pictures of us:) Noah seriously outdid himself that night :) Noah and I met while passionately serving Jesus, and I am so excited to continue to serve Jesus with him for the rest of our lives <3 I am so blessed. Truly blessed to be engaged to the Jesus-following man of my dreams. Here we go!!


(and yes.. that is my super-cheese face :) )

*A big thanks to Olive Garden as well, the manager bought us our whole meal - appetizers, entrees, and dessert! The cherry on top of an unforgettable evening.