Get to know us!

Question

Do you remember the first time you met?

Answer

The first time I met Joel, I walked into the gym I was working at and saw a new intern watching the class that was in session. My exact thoughts were “Dang, he’s cute. I wonder if he’s single? No, Natalie. He looks old. And I don’t know if he loves Jesus. Should I go ask him how old he is? Should I introduce myself? Should I ask if he loves Jesus? That might be a little weird to ask a new coworker. Oh crap. I’ll just ignore him. I’m not getting in a relationship.” *walks up to him anyway* “Hey! I’m Natalie” -Natalie’s response It was my first day at my internship, and I was observing the session taking place. The next hour, I was told I would be watching Natalie coach a class. She walks in 20 min before her class starts (she’s always early), with her hair in a braid and 3/4 leggings. And to be honest, I couldn’t stop looking at how jacked her calves were. I start wondering if she’s single and if she’s nice. She came right up and introduced herself. Yep, she was nice. -Joel’s response

Question

Natalie, what’s one of your favorite memories together?

Answer

In the fall of 2018, Joel took me on a road trip through the Flint Hills in Kansas. He had been planning the day for over two months, trying to find a time I was free from track. The idea was to find a landmark called “Teter Rock” and watch the sunset and star-gaze. (Yes, I said a rock. Look it up!). Unfortunately, the GPS didn’t know where it was either. We found ourselves driving into people’s yards, down field lanes, and on roads that were so bumpy we thought we were going to get stuck. As the sunset approached, Joel was so upset because we couldn’t find it. When the sun went down, we gave up. Trying to find our way home, we saw something in the far distance. We figured out the way, and low and behold, we found the rock!! IN the pitch black, cold weather, and no stars in the sky. We could hardly see it. We laughed until we cried and went home. See above picture for the “rock” we found! -Natalie’s response

Question

Joel, what’s one of your favorite memories together?

Answer

The first time I came to Iowa, Natalie took me to see the Grotto of the Redemption shrine. This was a special day for me, because I had recently started going to her church each weekend and was interested in the Catholic faith. Walking around the shrine with her, I could feel myself being called to Catholicism and having her at my side. It will be a day I always remember. -Joel’s response

Question

What’s your favorite thing to do together?

Answer

1) Breakfast dates!! 2) Coffee dates!! 3) Working out together 4) Making him run with me in the summer :) -Natalie’s response 1) Pray the rosary together 2) Breakfast dates 3) Workout in our garage gym -Joel’s response

Question

What’s the most annoying thing about each other?

Answer

He has way too many shoes and they are EVERYWHERE! -Natalie’s response SHE DOESN”T KNOW HOW TO CLOSE THE CABINETS!! -Joel’s response

Question

When did you know you wanted to get married?

Answer

Before she would even give me the time of day, I was training my good friend Kaiser and other buddy Sean. Natalie was getting ready to leave the gym and I told her goodbye as she left. I turned right then and there to Kaiser and Sean and said “I am going to marry that girl someday” —At which they responded “you’ve hardly even talked to her”. -Joel’s response I can’t say it was “love at first sight” like Joel can. I thought he was cute and yes, I was interested, but I was adamant about NOT getting in a relationship. I wanted to grow more in my faith and wanted a relationship where we both pushed each other spiritually. I actually started praying for my future spouse about 6 months prior to meeting Joel. When I finally gave him a chance, I started to see he was an answer to my prayers and more. When we started praying together on a regular basis, going to church together, and simply enjoying life together—I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him :) -Natalie’s response