That Star Won't Be Lonely Long: Becoming a Texan

After being MIA on the ol' blog for quite a few days, I finally get to share the past week and a half with the world in which it all started...

Remember in January 2011 when Kelly over at Kelly's Korner posted a link up for singles? And remember when I about melted when I saw a picture of some guy from Texas? And remember when 47 other girls did too? ;)

And remember when he actually facebooked me? And then he called me? And then he came to Arkansas? And I went to Texas? And we traveled? A lot. Then before we knew it we celebrated our 1 year anniversary?

Well, if you don't remember--all that happened the past year. Oh, bless you, 2011.

Since I teach school and the highlight of that is a week in March when I go on a sabbatical most commonly referred to as Spring Break, Cash and I decided to plan a trip to Ruidoso, New Mexico. I had never been, but he and his family go quite often since it's only a 5 hour drive from Midland. To say I was pumped is an understatement. I was so excited to go on a trip to the Rockies with my favorite person in the world. I'm used to traveling: picking him up at the airport or driving/flying to West Texas. But to actually go WITH Cash was excitement of a new kind.

Saturday, March 17
I woke up way too early that morning to drive to Dallas then caught a 1 hour flight to Midland. I hate driving. I hate flying. So I did a little of both. We spent the day at my favorite boutique ever--Pink Tumbleweed (check them out of Facebook-they'll blow your mind). Then we had a date night to the play "Red, White, and Tuna" which was completely politically incorrect and hilarious. Hands down it was my favorite play of all time.


Note Cash's dislike for my picture taking-remember that in a few paragraphs

 

awesome performance at the MCT!

Sunday, March 18
After going to Cash's sweet little Lutheran church on Sunday, we set out on our venture to New Mexico. Once we finally started seeing the mountains, I was like a little kid seeing this grand scene for the first time. And Cash was praising the Lord that he didn't have to be cooped up in a truck with me for another 30 minutes as I talked..and talked...and talked. Can you imagine that?


That night we ate at Farley's, which was this good little restaurant in the middle of town. Then we made it back to the condo, started a fire, and watched a movie. I wish I was still sitting on that couch--it was such an awesome time.

at least one of us was enjoying it



ahhh...I'm ready to go back!!

Monday, March 19
Cash had told me there was a beautiful lake near Ruidoso, so he thought Monday morning would be a good time to go take a look. If you know me, you know I love taking pictures. However, Cash hates them. So I was trying to take pictures of just landscape--and there was plenty of it.

I just kept snapping pictures not even paying attention to anything besides how breathtaking it was.

Cash kept saying, "Don't you want a picture together?" I really didn't know why he kept asking that, because he really REALLY hates when I take pictures of us with an outstretched arm. I told him to go sit on that rock (above picture), and I would just take his picture.

Finally, he said, "Come over here and sit with me. Let's take a picture together."

"Mmm...okay?" I sat down and started fidgeting with my camera and had my head down. I was turning it on, and he said, "Maybe it would look better with this in it..."

I buried my face in my hands, started crying, and just leaned in his arms. Then he said those four words every girl dreams about hearing, "Will you marry me?"

"Yes, yes! Of course I will!!!" I said with a shaky outstretched hand. I was in shock, and the tears kept rolling as he unveiled the whole course of action he took in talking to my parents, getting the ring, planning the trip. It's one moment I will never forget my entire life. We just sat on the rock for a few minutes and enjoyed the moment and really let it sink in that we were engaged!!!!


Love everything about this picture!!

 

a little blurry, but i was shaking

Then I dashed back to the truck only to find I had no cell phone service and couldn't call anyone. Ha! We went into town and then were able to call our parents and siblings. I texted several people, not nearly everyone because I just couldn't think straight, and then I facebooked the one person who made it possible---sweet Kelly. She was ecstatic; and I've been trying to get to this blog post ever since so she could share it with everyone! (Disclaimer: it also wouldn't have been possible without my future SIL Jeanne who wrote the blog and my friend Sara who showed it to me--thanks, y'all. You helped make all of our dreams come true!!)
Lunch at --I don't even remember the name of the place-- was a blur. Obviously, since I can't even remember the name. Cash ordered us a glass of wine to celebrate, and I honestly can't even remember if I drank it. I just kept looking at him, my ring, my phone, him, my ring, my phone. Our first congratulations (or one of them) was from sweet little Lena and Toby. Precious.

Then he got the first of many texts that read, "You're getting married in July?! Is she pregnant?" So I wanted to state once and for all that NO! haha. I am not pregnant. We just love each other!!

The rest of the day was spent relaxing while doing a little retail therapy as the sky poured snow. And we topped the night off this time by going to a local casino and Cash winning almost 300 bucks! It was definitely his lucky day. Me? I lost $11. I'm a big spender.

Tuesday, March 20
Our first full day as an engaged couple! :) We shopped a little, browsed through some condos for sale (holla!!), and got massages. The man giving me my massage was, ummm, a little harsh. He lathered my back with cold lotion then literally threw hot stones on me. It took every ounce of me not to jump off the table. Cash on the other hand got this lady who I'm pretty certain wanted to take him away from me. He considered her very nice, so we'll just go that route with the description. ;)

Afterwards we toured some more condos that were ah-mazing. Hey, a couple can dream, right?!

It was STILL snowing, so we stopped at Starbucks for some coffee and a game of checkers. These two kids sat by us and one yelled out, "Hey, she's beating him!!" Cash was pretty much done with Starbucks at that point. ha.

Another fire. Another movie. I love those nights.

Wednesday, March 21
As sad as I was to leave Ruidoso, I was ecstatic to show off my ring to his family and friends. Before we left town, we stopped at an art gallery and bought a pair of glass candle holders so we would always have something in our house to remember our engagement. I would love to show you a picture of them, but I forgot to take one before I left Midland and my fiance despises taking pictures. So...maybe next time. :)

We weren't back in town too long before we got to pick his mom up from the airport. It was nonstop wedding talk the rest of the week after that...which makes any newly engaged girl happy. Dinner with his parents was so awesome, and it just reminded me that I'm so blessed with the best future in-laws in the world. Big Russ asked Cash, "Why didn't you let her call me back the other day?" Cash responded, "I have no idea what you're talking about." So Big Russ said he had left Cash a message for me to call him back, because he wanted to tell me congratulations. Tons of people had called and texted, and we appreciated all of it. But it really does mean a lot when our families do that---and both of our families made that day/week/going on 2 weeks the most enjoyable time of my life...thus far!

Thursday, March 22
Although Cash had to go back to work, we were able to go by his mom's office and see all of her co-workers. To be able to show my ring off was exciting, because I hadn't gotten to see my friends or family yet. Everyone was so sweet, and it just made the soon approaching wedding date even more exciting.

Friday, March 23
We actually started registering that day since we live so far apart...and I'm in grad school and working full-time. We felt it would be best to get a jump start on everything. Between bouts of registering, though, we stopped for dinner with his friend Trevor and Trevor's wife Beth. They were both the sweetest people ever. I love those little reminders that I will be okay moving 10 hours from home..that I will make friends...that Midland is the greatest place on Earth.

That night we went back to his parents' to show them some wedding stuff and waited for his Uncle John and Aunt Chandra (and all 4 kids) to arrive from Austin. I've heard about them for over a year now and was excited to finally meet them! I know it meant so much to Cash to have them drive in; he really loves his family.

Saturday, March 24
After trying (and failing) to do a little more registering, we called it a day and went to help out at his parents'. But only after eating at my favorite Midland restaurant--King and I. Andrea reminded me that Russ had gotten a fortune back in December that said, "Someone in your family will wed soon." She had even kept it!! What a neat thing we'll be able to have!

The afternoon went by quickly, and before you knew it people started arriving, the bbq was in the air, and we were able to share our excitement with some of their closest friends. Kelli and Dean came by too, and it was awesome to see them! I love having such good friends our age in Midland. (If you can't tell, I'm really stuck on this not knowing anyone in West Texas thing.)

Sunday, March 25
It was not only my last day in Midland, it was also John and Chandra's. So we went over to Cash's parents' house for breakfast and goodbyes. Afterwards, he took me to his office so I could type up the letter that was going to put the seal on this whole ordeal.

He had stepped out as I was typing, and when he came back in my head was on his desk and tears were just streaming. It's bittersweet. Much more sweet than bitter. But it's hard to change. I did all this on my own for so long. I wanted so bad to be a teacher at Alma, and I did that. All by myself. And I bought my house. And I made it--all on my own. Nothing in the world beats moving to Midland and giving it all up. But at the same time it is hard to throw away everything you've worked for individually to move 10 hours away from family to start this new life in a world you barely know. It wasn't that hard to press print though...

I hated leaving. I hated flying much more. But I was excited for Monday, and all the things it was about to bring.

Monday, March 26
I got to work early and went into my principal's office with shaky hands and an envelope. She was so happy for us, a little sad I was leaving, and completely understanding. She admitted that she had been expecting the news, and as she opened my letter she said, "And I bet this is....yep. Resignation."

I've had a lot of questions as to what I'll do in Midland. I don't know. I just know that this is my last year teaching. 8 more weeks, and I'm jobless and careerless. I try to remember to tell myself to breathe on that note.

My sweet momma was all smiles when she finally!!!! got to see my ring. She had done such a good job at keeping it a secret and was one of the last ones to see the actual ring. She even baked a cake and invited our best friends and my aunt/uncle over. I am so blessed to have such a close group of people in my life. Last night I just couldn't quit thinking about how blessed we both are. Between Cash's family and my family, we have more love than I can conceive.

It's crazy. I saw a picture of a guy on his sister-in-law's blog that was linked to another blog that I didn't even follow. And I decided to send him a message. 1 year, 1 month, 3 weeks, and 2 days later we got engaged.

And that is how I became a Texan.

XOXO...

Avery Jane