The Proposal

Chris and Sarah this afternoon

Sarah was really looking forward to Valentines Day.  It would be her first time to enjoy that particular holiday with a sweetheart of her own.  WalMart, however, had other plans.  Chris had a class at the community college that morning, and Sarah was scheduled to work for the remainder of the day.  There just wouldn't be enough of the day left for them to spend any meaningful time together.

Their schedules conflicted for the next two days, as well, so they decided to celebrate their first Valentines Day together on Thursday instead.  Chris planned out the entire day and refused to divulge any of his schemes to Sarah.  He only told her their date would begin at 11:00 a.m.

Chris's planning paid off.  He successfully surprised Sarah with a romantic afternoon.  They took a long hike along the Mogollon Rim.  Then they took a path into the forest, where Chris spread a blanket among the tall pines and provided a picnic lunch from his backpack: elk steaks, mashed potatoes, and corn.  Personally, I'm impressed that he managed to keep it all warm for so long!

After they finished lunch, Chris sang a song he wrote for Sarah.  He's been working on it for many weeks.  He calls it "I Am Blessed."  Sarah says she cried as he sang about how they met, how they fell in love, and how she has changed his life. At the end of the song, Chris went down on one knee and asked Sarah to be his wife for eternity.

Then he gave her a Valentines teddy bear holding a red pouch.  In the pouch, Sarah found Hershey's Hugs and Kisses and, at the very bottom, an engagement ring.  They are both so excited and happy!

Sarah wearing her new engagement ring and Chris wearing the indigo-blue CTR ring that Sarah gave him for Valentine's Day.  For those of us who are LDS, CTR means "Choose the Right."  Chris said it also means "Christ the Redeemer" and "Current Temple Recommend" to him. 

Sarah, age 21, on Thursday, the day she and Chris became engaged.

Wow!  Our lives keep changing in wondrous ways.  First, Ed and I met and married.  Then Jacob left us to serve a two-year mission for the Lord.  And now my firstborn and only daughter is planning her temple wedding (probably in August).  Life is full of surprise and promise!

We are so thrilled for Chris and Sarah and wish them the brightest of futures together.  Welcome to the family, Chris!