First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage...

And then comes a honeymoon, and joint accounts, and cooking, and ministry, and well I think there was a word that rhymed with marriage but I just can't recall what that was at this time.

And who cares...Because...

I'm Engaged!

Yes thats right. I finally got that boy to say he would put up with me until death do we part.

So here is how it went down. Its kindof long but I love every detail of it.

June 3, 2009: Youth Summer Kickoff Pool Party

We threw the kids a pool party to celebrate school being out and it was going great. Earlier that day I had gone and picked up Nate's sister to come and we were on our way. We all got out to the house and got to swimming. The kids were laughing and there was so much joy in the air. After about an hour or so of swimming we got out to eat and we all know I was all about that! So we ate and then the kids got back in.

And then my boyfriend disappeared. And for the life of me I could not find him. So whats a girl to do? But of course go looking for her man. And I found him. At the church van. "Getting his Bible." (I later found out that he was getting a particular ring but I had no clue.)

He fumbled around and then came out and was bearing his Bible. We walked back to the crew and the whole time I was begging him not to give the kids a talk. They deserved one night of not being lectured to. But he insisted. I wonder why!

So he gave his devo and I must say it was not his best ever. Something about nerves I guess. The boy didnt even pray.

And then as soon as he finished Bro. Eric, our preacher, stood up and announced that they had a gift for me. He gave a big spill about me being a great role model for the girls and that they had a small appreciation gift for me. So of course I took it. There was a card attatched and I started to open it first. Then I hear Nate say that I could open it later. So I proceeded to open the gift. And I kindof knew it was a Bible. And it was. I was so excited about a new Bible...and then I looked down at my name that was ingraved at the bottom.

Whitney Russell.

Thats what it said. And I freaked. I immediatly shouted, "Is this some kind of joke, because its not funny." And I went to look at my preacher and on the way up my eyes met Nathans. He was on his knees with a ring in his finger. And then were the words that any girl longs to hear.

Will You Marry Me?

And I said....

"Are you kidding? Am I dreaming right now?"

After about 2 minutes he took my hand and said, "Well can I have an answer?"

YES!!!

And I tackled him. And then the adults silly stringed us. We were covered in it. But I wouldnt trade it for the world. The youth screamed and then I realized why some adults had been videoing the whole thing. We have 3 different videos. And then in the midst of all the commotion of being tackeled with hugs I realized that I had to call my mother and father. And my Best. And my future Mother-In-Law and Sis. And my Brother.

So I dashed real fast with Nate's phone and let him handle the excitement while I took care of some important phone calls.

It was the best night of my life. So far.

Nathan, thank you for loving me enough to want to marry me. I don't deserve you. But I will cherish you until death do us part.

And of course here are pictures. Enjoy. Because I surely am.