We're Getting Married!

Darren has had many life adventures but has never been married. Kelly has been raising her three favorite people Cole, Taylor, & Nathan for over a decade as a single mom. So when friends introduced us in July of 2018 things moved VERY slowly. We had coffee, went to eat sometimes, texted occasionally… But eventually we started really enjoying each other & became friends. About six months later we finally decided the risk was worth it and fell in love. We are both still a little surprised at God's goodness to us. It's unexpected. It's life altering. It's wonderful!!!

After an amazing date the day before Valentine's Day, Darren just knew that this was the girl he wanted to marry, but things aren't so simple when there are three kids involved. After many discussions and with much prayer, Darren and the kids met. It didn't take long for the kids to enjoy Darren's company too. We might have taken them out for ice cream often to facilitate everyone enjoying being together. Soon Darren was at the house every evening, coming to family functions, being introduced to youth sports, school events, & crazy schedules. Thankfully he has years of experience working with kids as a teacher and church youth group volunteer. He took the emotions, reactions, and crazy busy schedule in a stride. The kids adjusted to his presence in their family. So once Darren was ready to ask Kelly to marry him, he knew he wanted the kids involved. We were ready to be a family.

Once we were happy, in love, and the kids were on board, Darren just needed to ask for Tutu and Papa's (Kelly's parents) blessing, get the perfect ring, and plan an amazing proposal. It wasn't at all overwhelming to him (sarcasm added). As Kelly and the kids ventured off to Hawaii with family, Darren had the perfect opportunity to talk to Tutu and Papa. They enthusiastically gave their blessing and agreed that Darren should also ask the kids for their permission. Just one more huge step in the process... Thankfully, He was easily able to shop for and buy the ring because everyone was out of town. It was sparkly, beautiful, & set to arrive just after Kelly's return. But how was he going to get the kids alone and how would they react? Fortunately, God's timing in all of this has been perfect. Once Kelly & the kids were home Darren had an opportunity. He told the kids that he loved them and wanted to be part of their family. He was able to ask for and receive their unanimous blessing as well as set up a proposal that would involve all of them...

Once the kids knew about the plan, Darren had to act fast. Expecting three kids to keep a secret this big even for an hour was expecting a lot. While at dinner (ramen of course), the kids almost couldn't contain their excitement. It wasn't suspicious that the kids were a little nutty after just getting home from a long vacation, and Kelly had no clue. After dinner, we headed to Little Calf Creamery, our favorite ice cream place in town. We are a family that loves ice cream! Because our regular table in the back was occupied by another family, the kids chose a table in the middle of the restaurant. This caused Darren a bit of stress knowing Kelly does not love surprises or being the center of attention. However, it all worked out. One of the fun things they have at Little Calf are tins on each table with questions to ask your friends or family. The kids and Darren came up with a plan to ask each other a bunch of these questions, as we always do, and then Darren would ask the big question. Still, Kelly had no idea what was about to happen even though our table inexplicably had four tins of questions on it. The kids were giddy asking questions and giving Darren suspicious looks. Finally, Darren got on one knee (yes, in the middle of the restaurant) but discreetly (so discreetly no one else in the place even noticed) and asked Kelly if she would marry him. Her answer..."Here? Now? YES!" Immediately the kids erupted with joy & questions... and the ice cream arrived. It was a sweet engagement in every way. We are so excited to celebrate with you as we choose a life full of love, laughter, chaos & ice cream!