We're getting married!

Our mutual friend, Jamye Clark, mentioned Tyler to me a few times and having someone she wanted me to go on a "double date" with. I later found out she had already told my mom, Tyler and his family about wanting to set us up. One day while at work with Jamye, a co-worker said she had someone she wanted me to meet. Jamye interrupted and said I couldn't meet that person until I met Tyler. So right then I made the first move by sending Tyler a friend request on Facebook. ;) He accepted right away and sent me a message... we've talked everyday since.

It was a warm October morning and I woke up and headed to the gym with my mom (our every-morning routine). Afterwards I came back to my apartment and picked up Brice, we went to Starbucks (our every-morning routine when I'm off) and I took him to daycare for the day. Brice was not a fan of meeting new people, especially males, and is very protective of his mom so I thought it would be best he go there when Tyler came over for the first time. Tyler texted me to let me know he was almost here and I responded with "Well don't be because I'm not ready." ...... what a brat. But seriously my make up wasn't even half done and I planned to curl my hair which didn't happen. As soon as he pulled up I walked downstairs to meet him outside and we headed out to get brunch at Whiskey Bar Kitchen (my favorite). I remember laughing so hard on this date my stomach was sore after, I still laugh thinking about things on this date he said that were so funny. I should've known Tyler was the one when I left my to-go box on the table inside but was too embarrassed to go back in and get it, and Tyler went back inside to get it for me. We went by work to see Jamye and bring her coffee, then we headed to pick up Brice. Brice didn't bark at Tyler when he got in the car (this was a first and huge relief), and when we got back to my apartment Brice laid down on Tyler's boots and would not get up. We had to actually move Brice off of them when Tyler went to leave. It might have taken me a few more months of convincing, but Brice knew from the first date. Puppy love at first sight! ;) Tyler left and I later found out went to Krystals because he was still hungry after our date LOL. Brice and I shared my leftovers and called our family and friends to fill them in on the successful first date.

On Thanksgiving evening Tyler came to town and met my family. We started at my Nana's house where he met my step dad's parents (Nana & Papa), mom, step dad, and other family. He was adamant we go by and see everybody this trip, so after that we headed to dad's to meet him and my step mom. If you know Tyler you know sleep is top priority, which is why I was so surprised when after that he still wanted to meet my younger sister and hang out with her friends who were home from college for the holidays. I understood why when the next morning during breakfast at the Waffle House in downtown North Augusta when he brought up us officially "dating." He said out of the blue, "Well I've met everybody so I guess you can go ahead and make it Facebook official." So I guess he never really asked me to be his girlfriend... When he left that day Brice laid on my balcony watching his truck leave. I called EVERYBODY-- including Jamye who just so happened to be in the same store as his mom and sister (I'm still getting used to this small town life, haha) so she filled them in before Tyler could. Tyler was a crowd favorite from the start and I was excited, of course, but my friends and family were THRILLED.

Tyler wastes no time when he sets his mind on something and asking me to marry him was no exception. On Saturday morning we woke up and drank coffee with the dogs on the porch like usual. During breakfast he asked if I wanted to go to the club house to see the new air conditioner. He did some odd things this morning like make me listen to stand up comedy during breakfast (?) and he ate another bowl of cereal after saying he was full, but I had no idea this was due to nerves of an upcoming proposal. I asked if I needed to get dressed to go to the club house (AKA will your family be there) and he said no so I brushed my teeth and off we went-- me still in my pajamas. After I checked out the new air conditioner, we walked down to the pond and sat on the swing. His sister Kaylee went by earlier that morning and hid the ring underneath the swing. She did a good job because I didn't see it and sat on the swing talking to Tyler who was standing up. He pointed to the ring box after a few minutes and asked me what it was. I said, "I don't know, pick it up and see," with genuinely NO IDEA there was a ring in there for me or that he was about to propose. I remember my mind racing and I started rambling off things like "maybe Kaylee took engagement pictures down here and left the box." Before I knew it, he picked up the box and opened it down on one knee. I said, "Tyler what are you doing?" and at this point I thought he was playing a joke on me. My jaw dropped when he opened the box (so he says ;)) and eyes started twitching so bad he could see it behind my sunglasses. He said, "I'm trying to ask you to marry me!!!!" In complete shock, I of course said yes and we spent the day celebrating with our families-- and yes me still in my pajamas. He's been my best friend since our very first date and planning a wedding in 5 short months is just his style as you can see. We, along with our dogs Brice and Colt, are so excited to spend our lives together!