Three Swings and a Ring

I'M ENGAGED!!! I feel like shouting from every mountaintop and dancing in the streets like King David (although I'd opt to wear clothes!)

I knew this was coming soon. Taylor and I have had a wedding date set for a couple months now. We've already started planning the wedding, it was just a waiting game until he proposed. I had decided I was pretty sure he was going to do it next Monday the 16th which would be 3 months from the day we met. We came to Searcy, AR on Wednesday to see my grandparents, visit with friends, and so I could introduce Taylor to Harding since it has been such a special place in my heart. Yesterday morning we had a plan to meet one of his friends in front of one of the women's dorms to say hi and set up a time to get together later in the weekend. We got to Patti Cobb Hall, and there was no sign of Brandon. Taylor spotted a Harding swing that was vacant. Now for those of you that don't know the significance of the Harding swing-let me fill you in. There are beautiful white swings all over campus that are very much a trademark of the university. During the fall and spring semesters, it is very difficult to find an open swing. Students sit and visit or study on them all the time. But...they are most known for their romantic attraction. A common saying at Harding is "Three swings and a ring" meaning that if you are caught swinging with the same guy three times, then you must be bound for marriage. So, back to my story--we head over to the swing and sit down. I am very excited to be sitting in a swing with Taylor, but anxious to meet his friend and head to the education building to see some friends and professors. Taylor leaned over to put down the bag he is carrying, and then looked up and tells me that he loves me. He had a very intense look in his eyes, so I asked him if he was okay. Next thing I knew he was down on one knee in front of the swing. Unfortunately for Taylor, the words that came out of my mouth at that exact moment were, "No way!" I was shocked that he was about to propose to me considering I was fully expecting it next week! I put down my drink, took off my sunglasses, and tried very hard to pay attention. I was already giggling at this point and so excited to be experiencing this moment at long last! Taylor said some sweet things to me, most of which I cannot remember due to the giggling and excitement. However, I do remember him talking about how God brought us together 3 months ago, and how he had planned for this moment to happen right here in this place because Harding had meant so much to me and been such a huge player in my growth as a woman, Christian, and student. He picked up a ring box, popped the top open and said, "Kristi, will you marry me?" I barely got the word "yes" out before I had given him a hug and a kiss. He told me to turn around and wave. The friend we were supposed to be meeting was standing there with a video camera capturing the entire thing. We stood up and hugged, then he told me to turn around the other way. I did, and I saw my parents walking towards us. Taylor had invited them to come along and take pictures of the moment and share in the celebration with us afterwards. We spent the next 30+ minutes calling everyone we could think of, before we started running around campus so that I could introduce my fiance to everyone I could find to talk to. The moment was so special to me. I'm not even sure if I would have realized how special it would be to me if someone had asked me about it beforehand. It was perfect. It was simple, it was sweet and romantic, and it was us! The weekend has been incredible and I've loved every minute of it. We are both exhausted from all the excitement and emotions surrounding this event, but we are floating on Cloud 9!

This man the Lord has given me is amazing. He is all I could have dreamed about and more! In 6 months and 7 days I will be pledging my life to him. We are soul mates, best friends, confidants, and help mates. Life with him is going to be an adventure, and I am so excited to take the ride. I am so blessed, and I pray every day that I never take for granted the gift that he is in my life!

So, for the questions that might be out there: Yes, there are pictures of the ring forthcoming. It's a round 1 carat solitaire on a white gold band! It's absolutely gorgeous! And...the wedding is December 20th in Dallas. YEA!!! This is so much fun! Keep checking the blog for all of our engagement/wedding adventures that will be happening in the next several months!

"Many waters cannot quench love."
Song of Solomon 8:7