If you ask Joe, he'll tell you he let Emily win but don't believe him! After a beer and a burger at TapHouse, the date continued to (where else) but Electric Rainbow inside the Western Mall. A lively game (or four) of Skeeball occurred, and Emily achieved more points than Joe making her the "Skeeball Champion" of the evening.

After we knew we loved one another and our futures belonged together, we worked hard to ensure that Taylor and Ellie felt the same way. Joe and I were excited to be together and wanted us to be a family. Taking the time for this adjustment wasn't always easy, but in the end it has proven to make us stronger and love one another that much more.

The skies opened and an angel fell from heaven into our family. Zoe Jane was born on November 1, 2018. Through the process of adoption, she joined our family, and we now know she has always been a part of our hearts and was indeed meant to be. Zoe's name in Greek means "life." The joy she brings to us and her extended family is a gift to behold.

Our engagement to each other feels like it happened long ago...but the actual event, the date, the real deal with ring and the BIG question, occurred on a sunny and warm Christmas morning. As Zoe took a morning nap at Grammy and Grandpa's house, Joe, Emily, Taylor and Ellie headed over for a morning walk through McKennan Park. After a few swings on the swingset, we wandered over to the sunken gardens which has always been a favorite place of mine in the park. As I looked at the planter and was going on and on about how it used to be fountain, I turned around to find Joe on his knee asking if I would marry him. A quick answer of "yes," as the kids clapped with delight. Not every engagement has two very interested spectators ready to clap - but ours did. The timing of this engagement couldn't have felt more right. We've been through it all, the richer and poorer, the sickness and health, and a long distance relationship. We've been tested, and tried and been put through more than most couples in our 3.5 years together. Through it all, we've championed on and kept the love for each other a priority. After a long courtship and raising three kids together, the timing of our commitment to each other is perfect...as most of God's plans usually are, although we've taken our time to get to this special day. Our marriage is a true celebration of our commitment to each other, and our future.