Tractor pulls, best friends, and a ring.

One of the first things people ask you when they find out that you are engaged is how the whole proposal went down. Where were you? How did he do it? What did he say? What did you do? Are you happy? (DUH!) The list goes on. Our proposal story doesn't include flash mobs, or scavenger hunts, or renting out theaters, or a fancy date. It was completely, 100%, spur of the moment, on the fly. And honestly, I can't imagine it being any other way. So, without further ado, this is the little story of how Joe proposed to me.

The night Joe proposed I was really excited because my bestie for life, Amy, was in town visiting with her husband (JSP), and her baby (Ez Bug). I made plans to go to Amy's mom's house in Arcola to see them. This was after a huge storm blew through Fort Wayne and most of the city was without power. Unfortunately the pizza place Joe works at got power back 2 hours before his scheduled shift was supposed to be over so he ended up having to go to work. So, I went to by myself and was already filled to the brim with excitement because I was going to see my favorite little family for the first time in months.

That weekend happened to be the Arcola Tractor Pulls. If you've never been to or been near the tractor pulls you are really missing out. They're even on ESPN2 on about a 3 month delay, sell fair food and are loud enough to keep your ears ringing for days, so they're obviously a big deal if you're into that kind of thing. Anyway, I spent a some time holding Ez, catching up with Jeff and Amy, and talking and enjoying the background noise of some mean tractors.

When Joe got off work he came out to join us. The whole time we were all hanging out Joe was being really fidgety and not really like himself. I thought it was a little weird but I didn't think much of it. As it got later we were all getting sleepy because once you pass the age of 21 you apparently get tired as soon as the clock strikes 10:30, plus Jeff and Amy were still recovering from a long trip and a baby thrown off his sleep schedule. So, we said our goodbyes, gave hugs, and Joe and I walked out the door.

As we were walking out to our cars Joe and I were talking about nothing particular when suddenly he grabbed my arm and spun me around. He was holding a ring in his finger, shaking like a leaf, and told me he couldn't wait, and asked me to marry him.

At first I thought he was joking. So I did the only logical thing and started running away and saying no over and over. (I'm a peach!) Then I realized he was not joking and  and pure shock set in. He told me he had wanted to ask my dad for permission, plan a big proposal out and make it special. But, after finally getting the ring he was too nervous and anxious to wait.

He got down on one knee and said some of the most genuine words to me anyone has ever said. He asked me to marry him again and after what probably seemed like an eternity, I said yes! We laughed and cried and hugged and soaked in our first few moments of going from boyfriend and girlfriend, to future husband and wife.

The first picture I ever took of my engagement ring.

I'm not very good at photographing it.

It was crazy and spontaneous (and not to mention loud). I really can't picture it happening any other way! I still feel myself smile when I think about it and I never want that feeling to go away.