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Monday, May 21, 2007

10 Weeks Down; 10 to Go!

FINALLY! We're at the halfway point. :) Seems like it's been forever since the first countdown week, but we're just over the midway hump and now it's gonna fly. This past week has been fantastic, but today is met with a mixture of excitement and melancholy knowing I'm going home. Excitement because I know the final weeks will zoom past and it's only 9 weeks until I see Stuart again. Melancholy because it's 9 weeks until I see him again. (sigh)

I know I'll have a lot to keep me busy, but this past week has given us both a glimpse into what our lives will be like together, sharing each day and doing so many things together. Even just sitting and doing nothing has been a treat.

Alas, our time together has come to a close, but it ends with the knowledge of great accomplishment and anticipation for our new life to come.

So, with that said, here's what we did this week:

* finished our premarital counseling book and discussion (Before You Say I Do)
* visited stores and had fun walking through the aisles to complete our registry lists -- amazing when you put two NON-shoppers together with a mistaken sense of timing; yeah, we underestimated how long this would take. Thank God for online shopping and browsing!
* completed the list of registry locations for the Tiffany Miller/Stuart Stockton wedding -- Kohls, Mikasa, Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens 'n' Things, Target, Walmart, Pier 1 Imports, Amazon.com, Macy's and Pampered Chef -- and set delivery address for online items to here in Colorado to save me from having to lug additional items to my new home in August
* met all the outlaws...I mean inlaws (winks) and was adequately initiated or "broken in" to my new family -- sorry, no wackos with eccentric behaviors or clothing...yet. :)
* picked out and purchased the wedding bands; had to order big-hand Stuart's since they didn't have one in his size there (btw, he went to Jared's!)
* oh! and finally got the sparkly thing on my finger too

Stuart's such a romantic, completely surprised me the first night. After we went horseback riding, we saw Superman 3 and dropped by his sister's so I could leave my luggage there, then we went back to his condo. He disappeared for a moment and when I came back down the hallway, all of the lights were off and there were 3 candles glowing on the back porch. I followed the trail and the moment I stepped onto the porch, it was illuminated by a strand of Christmas lights strung around the edge. I was so wowed by the view, that it took me a few moments before I looked to my right and realized that Stuart was down on one knee holding a rather important box in his right hand. The lilting strains of soft music added a special effect, and I let out a soft gasp as I walked toward him.

Standing in front of Stuart with one hand lightly touching my lips and trying hard not to cry, I listened to him speak words of love to me that went straight to my heart. When he finished, I was still waiting for the actual question, so I said, "Well...are you gonna ask?" to which he grinned and said, "Will you marry me?" I paused for a moment, but couldn't help but giggle as I said, "Obviously." I think I did manage an actual "yes" but I can't be certain. :) He slipped the ring on my finger and then kissed my fingertips. I leaned over while he was still kneeling to seal our promise with a kiss, then we sat on the porch loveseat with our dinner for a peaceful evening, basking in the joy of the moment together.

Amazing how easily the ring takes residence on the finger and feels bare without it. Only had it off for a couple hours to be resized and missed its presence. All right, now y'all can sigh and daydream and share in our happiness.

Until next week....

6 comments:

Shauna said...

Ooooh, *deeeeep sigh*! What a romantic. That is one of the sweetest things I've heard. Like something out of a book. :-) And they say real life ain't like that! *scoff* Guess your Stuart proved them wrong. LOL!

Shannon McNear said...

Ssschhhhaaweeeeeeeet!!!

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Oh, Shauna...you have no idea! My Stuart has blown me away every time he lets his romantic monkey out to play. :) And it happens quite often. Our time together with this recent visit was awesome, and I miss him something fierce.

As for out of a book? I've already got some ideas for our romance story.

And Shannon, you summed it up perfectly! LOL!

Donita K. Paul said...

I knew he had it in him all the time. He's a prince charming at heart.

Pamela S. Meyers said...

Hi Tiff,
I just found your blog and loved your description of getting the ring. I had no idea Stewart couldl be such a romantic.
I was in Colorado same time you were at the writing conference in Estes Park. I roomed with Vickie McDonough and she told me how she, you and two others went up to Estes Park from the ACFW conference the year it was in Denver. She didn't remember being there until we were there. Loved the mountains and envy you that you'll be living so close now. I'll check back again now that I know where to find your blog :-). BTW, we have a wedding coordinator at my church too. When my friend got married her new husband called her the wedding nazi LOL. In jest. She just needed to make sure the guys were where they were supposed to be.

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

Oh without a doubt, Donita...a definite romantic. Something most wouldn't expect with a scifi and gaming guy, but it's those quiet ones that'll surprise ya! :)

And Pam, glad you found me. Look forward to seeing you visit from time to time. Wish we coulda come to visit Estes Park to see our fellow ACFWers. But, the drive was too far and y'all were too busy gleaning wisdom from workshops and making important connections! Yes, Vickie and I had fun with Bonnie Blythe and I believe Diane Moody. Drank lots of water and saw some amazing sites!

As for the wedding coordinator? No nazis here. LOL!