The Engagement Story

On December 4th, 2009, Bryan and I were attending the Thacker Family Christmas Party. Now, at this party, the family sits and sings carols for a few minutes and one of the songs was "The 12 Days of Christmas." I thought I would be funny and sing "one white gold ring" instead of "5 golden rings" just to tease him, that time being when we were really getting serious about our marriage talk.
Tonight December 24, 2009, we were caroling with the Thacker side of Bryan's family. It's a tradition that they go caroling on Christmas eve to all their friends in the neighborhood. Well, one neighbor asked that we sing The 12 Days of Christmas. I kinda humfed and frumped because I don't know all the words and it's just a long song hahaha. So we get to the last verse and we're going down the line...
12...
11...
10... (see? even now I don't know what belongs to what number)
9...
8...
7...
6...
And instead of singing 5 golden rings, they all sang: One White Gold Ring!
I looked over and Bryan had a little white box in his hand.
The next few seconds were kind of a blur... I screamed, put my hands to my mouth, started crying, backed into Bryan's grandpa, my mom, and my sister Kylie who all commenced in pushing me back toward my soon-to-be fiance. Bryan got down on one knee and told me, "Kelsey, I knew since the first time I sat next to you that I was going to marry you. You have taken this sinking ship and you've pointed it home. I feel at home with you, and, If you'll have me..." He then took my hand (that I had to slip out of my glove because it all was happening so fast) and slipped a ring onto my finger. "Kelsey Grace Mariner, will you marry me?"
I couldn't say anything, I was crying with so much joy! I just nodded and he took me up into his arms and everyone started cheering! I turned around and I hugged my future in-laws and showed off my ring and then I hugged my family. As I hugged my mom and said, "Mommy, I'm getting married!" and more tears came down my face. There was so much love there and the spirit just rang out so strong. I'm getting sealed to my sweetheart for time and all eternity next year and I can't wait!

Not much on my mind... NOT!

Well, I can't remember if I already told my blog... But I'll say it again if I already have... I'm engaged! And it's so stinkin' exciting/stressful/wonderful/scary!! There are so many emotions running through me. But when I'm with Bryan, I'm reminded why I said yes. He's so wonderful, kind, funny. He's my friend and my love and my priesthood holder who wants to take care of me and our future eternal family. There are so many things to be grateful for and so many more things to be happy about. I just love my life!
On the stressful side, I called the temple today and tried to book my date (June 12th!) and they said that they don't book that far in advanced! Really?!! Ugh, frustrating. I'm getting my date and time that I want. It's my day and I'm willing to be bridezilla. No lies. So I'm just going to call until they'll let me book the sealing room.
Well, my parents have been here for Christmas and I've been so spoiled and loving every minute of it. But any day now, they have to go back to Arizona. Not exciting.

slight obsession

I have found that I am slightly obsessed with trying to sing pop music in a classical style. Or at least trying to make cool overtones out of my favorite pop songs because I kinda know how to now :) It's kinda weird, I know. But that comes with being a music major...
Well, I have 2 1/2 finals behind me, juries tomorrow, and my Old Testament final on Thursday. Then, I'm doing some MAD cleaning to make sure all my stuff is out of my apartment :( It's odd to think that I may never come back to this place. I've lived in the same apartment for 3 semesters now. This is home. But wherever the Lord takes me, I'll go.

So, it's December! Too long...

Well...

"‘Tis winter now; the fallen snow
Has left the heav’ns all coldly clear;
Through leafless boughs the sharp winds blow,
And all the earth lies dead and drear.

And yet God’s love is not withdrawn;
His life within the keen air breathes;
His beauty paints the crimson dawn,
And clothes the boughs with glittering wreaths.

And though abroad the sharp winds blow,
And skies are chill, and frosts are keen,
Home closer draws her circle now,
And warmer glows her light within.

O God! Who giv’st the winter’s cold
As well as summer’s joyous rays,
Us warmly in Thy love enfold,
And keep us through life’s wintry days."

--Samuel Longfellow

Those are the lyrics to one of the songs the Collegiate singers are singing this holiday season. It's been wonderful so far. Bryan came home with me for Thanksgiving. Oh, it was so good to see my family again! How I missed them! All my siblings, the kids, my parents! It was so fun! There was a family talent show and we took family pictures and we played games Friday afternoon... It was just all around wonderful! It seemed like the week went by too fast.
Bryan and I are now just waiting out the end of the semester. Both of us are working so hard to get decent grades on our finals, we barely see each other. But, it's all for a good cause. We'll get to spend all winter together.
It's starting to hit me... I may not be coming back to Idaho. Bryan keeps telling me that he doesn't have an answer about us getting married so I almost don't want to start making any changes to my life just in case he decides that I'm not supposed to be his wife. Just the thought of not being him just tears be apart, but I won't dwell on that. Anyway, we went ring shopping the other day and I found a ring that I loved! I dreamed about that ring. But I will be happy with whatever ring I get... If I get one *sighs* oh well.
Anyway, I have finals and juries to prepare for.