The Backstory...
For those of you that didn't know, I was going through some major Moore family withdraw right after the holidays in January. And while I wasn't sure I was ready for the move, I packed up some of my favorited dishes, a suitcase of clothes and all of my computer equipment and off to KC I... moved. I couldn't believe that I was actually packing to move. And while I was so excited- and so super scared at the same time- I knew it was going to be for the best.
That didn't stop me from crying when hugging my parents and saying good bye, on my way out the lane or the first taste of homesickness I've really ever had. I was doing good when I finally got to Pleasant Hill and my man was there to welcome me home. And off we went.
The next two months seemed to pass in a blur. There were a few tearful calls home and Justin was a champ through it all. He really made the transition as smooth as it could have and the kid's hugs and cheerfulness made it a lot easier to settle into Bonus Mom mode. (Speaking of Bonus Mom- stole that from a client that explained she had a Bonus Son, not a step son- I loved the idea and it's become a regular term around our house!). We kept busy with work and a "small" weekend project.
The Engagement...
So as February made it's appearance, we started chatting about rings (we had known that a proposal/marriage was going to be happening)- and Mom and I did a little look see at the mall. But then good ole Pinterest popped up a ring that my heart loved. I sent it along to my bestie Melinda, who immediately forwarded it to Justin- apparently as he was driving to the jewelry store to pick it out. Let's just say it was a perfect match!
As it turned out, we ended up going to Saint Louis on February 11th to help with the annual Weber butchering. Dad and Justin took a ride to go put some meat in the freezer and were gone suspiciously long. I came out when they got back and Dad gave me a big hug... I wonder what they were talking about? Later that evening, Shannon came up to me and said that he went and talked to Grace's dad the same day and was planning to propose on March 23rd, so I started laughing saying that I thought Justin had done the same today. More on that another time :)
That night Justin and I were driving home and we were chatting about our "hypothetical" wedding. Where we'd have the reception, the people we were excited to include and the family that would be there. It was going hunky dory until the truck broke down... Cue 2 days of running Justin back and forth to work- which if I didn't know any better I would have said he planned it that way to throw me off
Valentine's Day rolled around and Justin mentions that he is taking a half day off so that he can go to Abby's school party- I think nothing of it, and the 4 of us enjoyed the time together at her party followed by this cute selfie in the car (the last before it became official!)
When we got back home, I was told to keep myself busy for 20 minutes and that I would be told when to come out of the office. When I rounded the corner I saw the people I love the mostest with the biggest grins on their face and was invited to sit on the couch. After I sat, Micah and Abby came over holding home-made cards- with Abby's saying "Will you be" and Micah's saying "Our Bonus Mom" Followed up with Justin taking a knee and asking me to be his wife- with huge tears in his eyes. My hands shaking, the only word I could get out was YES! Lots of hugging and laughing and once I got my breath THE RING. My man did EXCELLENT!
The kiddos were so excited and just kept giggling. The first people I wanted to call of course were my parents. Dad wasn't around but said I shouldn't wait and to call Mom- we FaceTimed and the family showed her the ring- lots of excitement ensued and Abby popped in and said, "Now you're going to be our Nana Carrie"- see pic below to make your heart melt over the pure excitement on both of their faces.
After calling Justin's mom, Kirsten, we enjoyed our time with the kiddos for a few more minutes before they went to their Mom's. The kids gave Justin his Valentine's gift- another future heirloom- a wood handled buck knife. After dropping the kids off it was time to call a few family members- you know the ones that I didn't want to find out on FB that we were engaged... And let's just say there were a few. The best part was that we were able to FaceTime most of them- some of my favorite reactions!
A few weeks and a back surgery later (can't recommend KU Med Center enough- they were fantastic!) Mom and Dad threw us a Surprise engagement party- the kiddos and Justin were a little shell shocked to realize that most everyone in the room was now their family. It was adorable and very exciting! And to the friends and family that are reading this that our darling children bummed quarters off of that day- thank you ;)
*Originally posted April 17th, 2017
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