Our engagement story

Mark here. Been a week since the big news so I figured it is about time to tell the story of our engagement!

Liz & I have discussed it before, so I had been looking for a good day to do it. After a couple of weekends didn't work out for various reasons, I decided last Friday (6/25) was the day! I started things in motion by calling her family on Tuesday night (6/22). I admit that was a little nerve wracking. There was no reason for it to be since I get along with all her family great and they love me....but still it is a pretty big question lol. So I talked with her Dad for about 20 minutes. After the first minute or so, the nerves were pretty much gone and it was all good. Great chat.

Then I called my folks. They were surprised, but in a good way. Then that was it. I told one friend the next day, but otherwise I kept it on the down low.

Flash forward to Friday. My plan during the week was to go over her place like normal, eat dinner out, and then propose after that. I was going to do it after dinner for two reasons: to be romantic and (most importantly) so it wouldn't be so hot lol. However when I noticed the temperature was only going to be in the low 80s that evening, I decided to do it before we ate dinner. I left work early, chilled at my folks' for a few until she was done babysitting, and then headed that way. Earlier in the day, I texted her and asked her if we could walk around down by the lake. I said we could walk for a few minutes before heading out. I said it was because I was tired and I needed to wake up. This was true, but obviously not the real reason hehe. So when I got there, I asked her if we could go on down there. She first thought that I meant The Harbor in Rockwall. I said nope and she was still good with it. Phew! So we started walking down to the lake.

Side note: I picked the lake to propose because when we were walking down there after one of our first dates, she said it was one of her favorite places. From that moment, I always knew it would be the place.

So back to the walk down to the lake. As we were walking and talking, I kept looking over at her to see if she was catching on to what I was doing. It appeared I was getting away with my surprise! We walked through a grass field and then to the walkway down by the marina. After a few minutes, we got to near the end of the walkway and a little part of the land that goes out into the lake (i.e. her favorite place). We talked for a second and then she mentioned us coming out here on one of our first dates. After that, I spun her around (Liz had to remind me of this, I don't even remember I did that lol) and then I said "Speaking of that, close your eyes". She did, I got down on one knee with the ring in a little glass slipper, said my thing and she said yes! I knew from the look in her eyes she was totally surprised, so this made me double happy : )

From there, we walked back and then went off to Chili's to celebrate. We picked there because that is where we had our first date.

So there you go! I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. I am super excited. I love you Liz!!!!

P.S. The pic below is our 1st pic after I proposed. Liz's next door neighbor took it with my cell phone.

Engaged!

Big news.....we are engaged!! More details later this week. Swof out.

Broke Again

This is completely random to my family and Mark, because I have kept trying to forget the hurtful words said to me this past year. Really it was at one time from multiple people, but now of course I question anyones sincerity. I have decided tonight, to move on. No more will I mourn over those hurtful relationships. The assumption that I am selfish and an attention seeker from what I have been through makes me sick. Not just because these words were from individuals I thought cared about me, but the fact that they most likely have these assumptions about anyone who struggles with anything they lack the maturity and insight to understand.

I give and give and give room for the people I love to grow and change and endure hardships. But not me, why I am I not allowed to be human? I'm sick of people, yet I cant help loving them. I hurt for them. But I just cant trust them anymore. I have Christ, Mark (the love of my life), and my family. Im good. I dont need fake love. I dont need people to ask me how I am and not really care, I dont need to be said hello to, if there is no worth of me in the individuals eyes. That is why I got rid of facebook. My love ones talk to me outside of that dimension. I dont want the others.

Conversation at Starbucks

This morning, I ran into my fifth grade teacher at Starbucks. Instead of running off to our list of things to do, we sat and chatted for bit. My favorite part of this conversation went like this:

Mrs. Ash: Im so proud of you, not surprised at all.

Me: awkward smile

Mrs. Ash: You are the strongest most hard headed child I have ever taught. I hope you held on to that. I punished you for it, yet never meant to take that away from you, only meant to help you direct it.

Me: lol...smiled

Mrs.Ash: Do you still run

Me: everyday, I have to.

Mrs.Ash:I remember at recess, you would run around the playground doing laps, you always did this on your quiet days, days you also did not eat lunch. I even talked to your father about it, because I saw something there. You were a very abnormal fifth grader.

Me:yeah...something. That will you speak of, is very strong. Running is more to me than most. Its my mind controlling my flesh. God has taught me to beat me body into submission to His will. Not mine.

Ash: Your passion still gives me chills. Again, you are the strongest willed child, now a woman. Elisabeth God has a will for you.

Me: smile and teared up.

My Mommy

Oh how I love my mommy! Mothers day was a weepy day, like most of the holidays this past year. At some points throughout this past year, I have longed for one family member more than the other. Certain scenarios stimulate different needs and desires which my loving family each meet differently. My father, makes me strong. I'm a fighter today, because he fought so hard for me. My brother brings wisdom and laughter into everything. James leads me and always has, being my big brother and all.WWJD, what would James do. This is not an easy task to accomplish if you know my personality. It is said I am stubborn and extremely strong willed. But it is the stubborn personality and strong will that saved my life. My little sisters, bring such a hope into my life. They have both been through so much in their little life, yet love so passionately.

My mommy, is the love, joy, peace, and understanding I long for in my future. There are lots of sweet young and old women I have met in my life. Some that have the chance to become self-actualized. None are as purely sweet, loving, and naive, lol, as my mommy. Most adorable woman you will meet in this life.

Our relationship can be seen as a battle. From day one, my mother fought for me. She had four miss carriages before me, yes I am a miracle, permission to be impressed : ). Growing up, I was so strong willed, that if she spanked me as hard as she could, I would look at her, smile and say that didn't hurt, though it did, daring her to try again. As I grew, the battle reached it's climax.Satan broke my will, and I was falling fast. My mommy, with her wisdom and love of Christ, broke through Satan's stronghold, and led me to the loving embrace of my Father. This past year, there has been definite battle of will. I had one side telling me one thing, my family telling me another, and Satan telling lies of both of them. God I could no longer hear. My mommy stepped in between them all and reminded me of the will God gave me. She always reminds me.

I love my mommy oh so very much, and miss her. But I have never been more proud of her.

I'm back!

Mark here. Just a short blog post to let you know I am indeed alive lol. Been a crazy few months and a super crazy last few weeks. Always busy during filing season, but especially this year with a new client. Filing season is not done yet, but it has slowed down a little.

Besides that, nothing too crazy going on. Just spending every possible free moment with Liz!! Ohh do I love her so much : ) That 100 things list she made - wow! I feel so humbled. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful girlfriend who is infinitely loving, beautiful, and simply amazing. I will be making my own 100 things list soon so I don't want to say too much more for now ; )

On another random note, I got a new phone! Well a replacement phone when mine stopped working lol. Here it is:



Well I am out of here for now. Longer post to come later. Swof out.

100 REASONS WHY I LOVE HIM!

1. He loves me so dearly more than anything.
2. He is my best friend, my alter ego
3. He is the one I dreamed of every night and think about each day.
4. He is truly a gift from God.
5. He has shown me my true self.
6. He is CUTE!!
7. He’s so proud of me.
8. He is a God fearing person that has a strong faith.
9. He will be a wonderful dad.
10. He respects me.
11. He is a true person.
12. He loves me without even thinking about it.
13. He believes in my talents.
14.He wants to read more about my struggles so he can be there for me and support me
15. He will follow me anywhere to make sure I am alright.
16. He always sends I love you messages everyday.
17. He loves to surprise me.
18. He loves me without make-up.
19. He lives everyday as if it is his last on earth to the fullest.
20. He has a very forgiving heart.
21. He is romantic.
22. He always makes me feel like a princess.
23. He never gives up on me.
24. He wishes to stay home with me 24 hous 7 days a week..
25. He has an awesome sense of humor.
26. He makes me laugh.
27. He holds the key to my heart.
28. He knows almost everything.
29. He sings beautifully.
30. He is the most intelligent man I have ever met.
31. He wants to grow old with me.
32. He will stand in the freezing cold and cheer me on in a half-marathon
33. He laughs at my corny jokes and funny moves.
34. He is a wonderful teacher of life.
35. He is so affectionate.
36. He has reachable goals in life.
37. He will give me anything I ask.
38. His eyes and his lips.
39. He gets along with my family and friends.
40. He keeps my deepest secret.
41. He makes sure I have everything I need
42. He takes complete care of me when I am sick.
43. He says the cutest things over and over and it never gets old.
44. He has great family values.
45. His natural smell.
46. He is a computer genius. Super!!!
47. He naturally smiles. Seriously, he does not know it, but he is always smiling.
48. He will cheer for my favorite team, just to make me smile.
49. He is an Aggie!
50. He can finish my sentences and somehow know what I was going to say
51. He is not embarrassed to call me pet names in front of others.
52. He calls me just to say I love you and how I am.
53. He isn’t afraid to tell me his feelings.
54. He isn’t ashamed to cry in front of me
55. He teaches me everything about computer and gadgets
56. He loves his family with a great deal of passion.
57. He pampers me.
58. He loves me in my most un lady like moments.
59. He is my strength and my weakness.
60. He saved me just before I crossed the line.
61. He is my inspiration.
62. He strokes my hair as I nap
63. He is my hero.
64. He is my stress ball.
65. He is my soul mate.
66. He can not stand silence…so cute.
67. His random noises

68. I feel safe in his arms.
69. His passion
70. How he holds me and leads me in crowds.71. I can be myself whenever I am with him.
72. I love the way he says baby to me.
73. I love the look in his eyes when he says “I Love You”.
74. I love laying my head on his bare chest and feeling his heart beat.
75. I still get butterflies when he kisses me.
76. I love to watch him sleep.
77. I love the way he wraps his arms around me and holds me tight.
78. I love the way he acts like my doctor
79. I love his voice over the phone.
80. I love his 5′10″ height
81. I love that he demands respect but isn’t controlling.
82. I love it when sings and dedicate it to me of course.
83. I love the way our bodies fit together when we dance.
84. I love the way he talks about our past years like it was yesterday.
85. I love how he wants to make up after a fight.
86. We can talk without speaking.
87. We can glance at each other from across the room and know what each other is thinking.
88. We plan our future together.
89. How he forgives me over and over when I do something wrong.
90. How he always puts me before himself.
91. How he isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
92. How he makes me feel when I think I am nothing.
93. He accepts Hanson as a part of our relationship...mmmbop
94. The way he holds my hands.
95. Listening to his stories of life.
96. The way he explains when I really don’t understand something.
97. Every time he looks at me my heart skips a beat.
98. Because he looks at me when he thinks I am not looking.
99. Because he protects me in any ways.
100.I know that if I die today I will see him again in Heaven and my life was better because of him.