#TilTheLayThatIDie

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at you. Some you can see coming, but most rock your world. I was in a tough time in my life before my future wife finally found me. But after her and I met, my life only got better. There’s that curveball that rocks you. I was sitting there in Champions Sports Saloon (Holler at our boy Chase) having a cold one after another hot ass Arizona day. But hey, the Barrett Jackson show was on so it wasn’t really all that bad. Lo and behold, someone finally had the courage to sit next to me that day. A gorgeous little thang who instantly made me think “I need to get a piece of that.” So naturally I made fun of her silly little White Claw as a way to break the ice. Smooth I know. But she gave it to me right back by making fun of my girly Coors Light. I liked her immediately. Soon we would be spending a lot more time together. Going hiking and almost dying, me totally dropping the ball on the FIRST date, going camping to escape a pandemic, taking Sullivan to the zoo, mindless Goodwill visits, -- anything to do with her was my jam. There was definitely a spark between us. And that spark started a fire of bullying, inappropriate jokes, laughter, and love for every day we have known one another. Allie, my amazing other half, is honestly an incredible human being. If you have had the pleasure of knowing Allie then you know how passionate and loving and selfless she can truly be. She is DOWN for you any given moment. Allie has poured so many GOOD things into my life and doesn’t ever stop. She has become the most INCREDIBLE step mother to my son. And boy was I nervous having her meet him. The fact that she knew I had a child and it did not bother her was illuminating. I still think to this day "What character this woman has. It’s beyond anything I’ve seen in anyone.” Now I have an almost 6-year-old boy (HOW?!) and a gorgeous woman that are two peas in a pod. They are best friends. The two best things I have in my life. The two humans who keep pushing me to be a better husband, father, mentor, and Godly man. She is the best in all of us. Also, this might be hard to believe, but SHE is the funny one in our relationship. I never thought I would win the lottery and have the honor to marry someone like Allie. I love her with all of my heart, and I will always, always be happy with her by my side.

Our 'how we met' story is one of my favorites to tell. I had been in a season of my life focused on my girlfriends, loving life, and just saying yes to anything I could -- pre-pandemic mentality for sure! One of those "yes's" was meeting one of my best friends, Sara, at Champions Sports Saloon *cough cough* a few times a week, to just chat, hang out, and sip on a couple White Claws. She had also just started talking to one of the head bartenders there (hi, Chase, we love you!) and wanted an excuse to go and see him -- you're welcome, Sara ;) They are now married with 2 perfect children, so I'll say it totally worked out! It was a random Tuesday in January when I got the text from her... "Champs??" and I obviously obliged. We parked ourselves at the bar, and unknowingly I sat right next to Cody. I didn't notice him at all until he turned to me and said some snarky comment about me drinking a White Claw. The second I turned to see who had made that joke, my first thought upon seeing him was... "Wow, this guy can get it!" I obviously had to throw a sarcastic comment back at him for HIS choice in drink -- Coors Light!!! It's really not any better than a White Claw. We exchanged Instagrams and phone numbers and the rest is history. We've been bullying and loving each other ever since. Cody is the BEST person I know, with a close second being his son, Sullivan, who I am beyond blessed to be able to also get to love. I never in a million years saw myself becoming a step mom, but God always has a way of showing you exactly who and what you need. My heart has expanded in way I never could have imagined and now I can't picture my life without either of them. If you know Cody, you know he is the biggest (and loudest) personality in the room, and yet he always finds a way to be your best friend. He would do anything for those that are closest to him, he is the hardest worker I know, and he is the MOST incredible father. I feel so lucky to have gotten to witness who he is as a dad as we hopefully have our own kids one day. Nothing makes me happier than knowing I am marrying my best friend. No matter where this life takes us, I am so grateful that a little dive bar in Gilbert, AZ brought me him.