Our Engagement Story!

As of December 24, 2010, at around 11:50 am, Caleb and I are engaged!
Here's the story:

So, on the 23rd Caleb and I were in town. It was a girls night at his house and I was hanging out with his sister and some friends, and he and I stepped out to grab the food for all the girls. I went with him so we could talk for at least a little bit that night. Well, we were on our way to get pizza and he told me he was going to "kidnap" me the next morning. I thought it was completely adorable and asked what time. He couldn't tell me that, but he did tell me that he had to salt the parking at church at 9ish, so I figured I'd be ready around 10.

The next morning, he called me at 9:58 and told me he would be at my house in ten minutes. He told me to wear my winter boots and warm clothes because we'd be going for a walk. He got there right on time but we couldn't leave right away because we'd be outside in the cold and my hair wasn't dry =] haha.. so, we waited for a little bit at my house. He was getting pretty antsy, and I figured something was up, but I let it go. I figured he just wanted to get to town to do whatever and then back to my parents house because it was Christmas Eve and my brother was coming to visit.

Anyway, we leave, and he starts to drive into town (about a 25 min. drive). He asked me if I had figured out where he was taking me for the walk and I asked if it was the state park. I had guessed right, but thats all he would tell me. Soo we get to the state park and he parked the truck up by the dam and told me we were going for a walk the first place we ever did this March when we first started hanging out. We decided we wouldn't walk for too long, though, because I didn't have very good gloves or a hat. We walked across and down the path until ended, and turned around and came back. Then, we went down as close as you can get to the dam, along the path where lots of people fish, and we stopped to look at some cool ice. Not just ice that had accumulated along the edge, but it was around some sticks towards the middle, and it was just really neat.

By then, I had reallllly figured something was up, because he had been dropping subtle hints the whole time. Well, we were standing there, and I had hooked my arm into his like we normally do when we go for a walk, and he asked me what I was thinking. Its not abnormal for him to do that, but the smile and look on his face told me something was most definitely not normal! So I made up something about how cool the ice was, while in my head I was thinking... "Is he about to...? No, he wouldn't.. But wait... he really might. Is he seriously going to... ?!?!" After I answered him, his smile got bigger and he told me that he couldn't wait any longer to give me my Christmas present. I must have given him a funny look, because his smile got even bigger as he pulled a little black box out of his inside coat pocket and began to open it as he got down on one knee and..... asked me to marry him! In my shock I threw my arms around him and squeezed until I came to realize that he was still down on one knee and I hadn't answered him yet =] .... so I released my "death grip" and answered that I would love to, and he put the ring on my finger. I was still in shock, but he grabbed me in a bear hug and lifted me off the ground in the process! (It was really really cute!) So after that we got back in his truck and..... started making lots and lots of phone calls and visits to peoples' houses!

Thats our story =] We haven't picked a date yet, but are hoping to soon.

Christmas

I want to wish everyone a truly wonderful Christmas, and I pray that you remember the real reason we celebrate. 

In short, here it is: 

Many, many years ago, a young man and woman were to be married, Joseph and Mary. One day, an angel appeared to Mary and told her she had found favor in God's eyes and would give birth to a child, God's son. Joseph wasn't so sure about this in the beginning. Think about it -> your girlfriend told you that an angel appeared to her and told her she was going to have a baby <- What would you think? You'd be unsure, right? Well, Joseph was very unsure, until an angel appeared to him and told him the news too! So, it was settled, Mary was going to have a baby (God's son), and she and Joseph were going to name him Jesus, just like the angel told her to.

Late into Mary's pregnancy, she and Joseph had to travel to the town of Bethlehem to be counted in a census. They arrived late, and couldn't find a place to stay the night. They asked for a room at an inn, where the inn keeper told them the inn was full, but they could sleep with the animals out back. Pause! -> Sleep with the animals out back? Yup, basically a stable. <- What would you think about that, staying the night with smelly animals? And to top it off, being pregnant (or having a pregnant wife-to-be) wouldn't be convenient or comfortable. But, Mary and Joseph were thankful, and decided to stay. It was in that stable that Mary gave birth to God's son, Jesus, wrapped him in rags, and laid him in a manger (otherwise known as a feed trough)  instead of a crib. 

In the meantime, three wise men (aka "three kings of orient") had spotted a very bright star. They knew this star meant the arrival of a king, so they gathered together, bringing gifts, and set out to find the newborn king. After traveling a very great distance, they found Joseph, Mary, and Jesus in Bethlehem. They gave Jesus their gifts and worshiped him. 

So that was it, in a very very short and vague summary. But here's the thing: God had His son born through a young woman, to grow up on earth, and to eventually give His life for our sins. This is why I celebrate Christmas: Jesus Christ was born, He grew up and He led a sinless life yet died for my sins. He died for me on that cross, so that I could have eternal life. How amazing is that? I celebrate His life, because He gave me life through His. And for that, I will be eternally grateful, and always celebrate. Jesus is my gift for Christmas. 

Merry Christmas everyone! 

And remember to celebrate the birth of our Savior, not just the giving of material gifts. 

With love - Shawna