To Be Determined.

I'm Engaged!! (Hallelujah!)

2012-01-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

The time has finally come!

I am officially engaged to Matthew Gress. Praise the heavens above!

Okay, so here's what happened:

First off, for the last couple of months I have been just looking around for engagement rings, and telling Matt anytime I saw one I liked. I have a very very unique style when it comes to what I want in an engagement ring, so I was more than happy to assist Matt in the process, should he ever want to pop the question. Plus I got my finger sized for fun before we were even too serious over the summer, so he already knew most of the details. Anyway, after searching and searching I had found many rings that were close to what I wanted, but none that were perfect.

Then... last Friday, everything changed. My good friend who is also dating someone got the OK to look at rings from her boyfriend, so I just thought it would be fun to stop into this place I've driven by a million times: Sierra West Jewelers. Within two minutes of being in there, and with a little help from jeweler Steve, I had found the setting of my dreams! The center stone wasn't in it, but the setting was everything I've dreamed of! Anyway, that night I told Matt about the ring and Sierra West, and he seemed to kind of... shrug it off. Of course in my head I was thinking "hmph!" but I couldn't really blame him because I've found "the ring" so many times. But it really REALLY was the ring this time! And alas, he didn't really care.

So I thought.

I decided to get Matt the details and item number and such of the ring so that I could make it easy as pie for him to snatch it. Well, it turns out that on the following VERY SNOWY Monday afternoon when I went back into Sierra West, the. ring. was. gone. GONE! Steve was there again, and as we searched for the ring, it was nowhere to be found. In fact, we had absolutely no way of even ordering another because it was apparently one of a kind. I was in the depths of despair. 10 minutes later when I finally came to terms with the fact that the ring of my dreams was gone... I put my chin up, turned and walked toward the door without looking back. I got in my car and somehow ended up back home. Just then I got a phone call:

K:"Hey."

M: "Hey Honey, how are you?"

K: "Alright."

M: "Yeah? What's up?"

K: "I've got some bad news today."

M: "Oh yeah, what's that?"

K: "That ring that I liked so much is gone!"

M: "Yeah, well, I'll be home from work soon."

K: (YO. I'M REALLY UPSET! TALK TO ME!) "Where are you?"

M: "I'm on I-15 getting home from work."

K: "Okay, can I come over?"

M: "I'll come get you in a while. I'm going to go to Ross."

K: (Why doesn't he care about this ring thing?) "Can I meet you?"

M: "No, it's okay. I'll see you later."

K: (Jerk.)"Alright."

The next couple of days were fine, and I just had to come to terms with the fact that engagement wasn't coming for a while. I told Matt we couldn't use the word "engagement" anymore since it just made me sad.

Well this brings us to yesterday, which started out as a bad day for me. Just everything went wrong! Plus Matt and I were fasting for our little niece Josephine, and when I am hungry, I am CRANKY. Matt called me up around 4ish:

M: "Hey Honey, so can I take you to dinner tonight?"

K: "Oh, alright I'll let you take me to dinner! ;)"

M: "Great, so it's a date then."

K:"Our very first one. I hope it goes somewhere!"

M: "Yeah, so do I."

Well, he picked me up at 7, and we went to Carrabbas for dinner, which happens to be where we went on our very first date! I enjoyed the Chicken Bryan, and we had a lovely time. When we got back in the car, Matt got super weird because I had put his jacket over my purse in the car because I didn't want to take it into the restaurant. Weird, right? Then he put the jacket on and turned the heat on full blast. I was DYING of heat stroke and I asked Matt if he was okay, and why he was so cold, but he insisted that he was freezing, and that he wanted to keep his puffy jacket on. Whatever.

After that, Matt started driving West toward Utah Lake, instead of East toward home. When I asked him where we were going he just said "You will see."

On our first date (in May), Matt took me to West Mountain, where we off roaded in the Xterra to the top of the mountain where we had a little fire and just talked for a while about our hopes and dreams. Then we danced to "our song" in the rain. It was the best date of my life.

So far.

Well on this date on January 26th 2012, we did the same thing, though circumstances were a little different. This time the mountain was pretty covered in ice, and I was just praying the entire time that I would live. "Heavenly Father, I know I'm a brat sometimes, but I would really appreciate it if I could live to be engaged." I kept telling Matt that we could turn around, and that it was just fine if we didn't make it up. He was DETERMINED to make it.

Well, somehow, we did. Matt got out of the car and opened my door for me. Suddenly I was FREEZING, so he put my jacket on me, and then put his jacket on me. We stood out and looked at the view, which is amazing from there. You feel like you're on top of the world, because there is nothing higher than you are. We watched the city lights flicker on the lake, and I thought to myself, "too bad he doesn't have the ring, because this is always where I wished the proposal would happen. " Then he opened the car doors and blasted "In Your Atmosphere" by John Mayer, which is our favorite song. I almost asked him to turn it off, because every time I hear that song, it makes me cry. Well, as it turns out, like on our first date, we danced in rain/snow. This time though, we only danced for a few seconds before Matt let go of my right hand, and put his hand in his pocket. I was so wrapped up in the song and the beauty around me, I wasn't paying attention, and suddenly Matt said "Katie, I love you." and then got down on one knee. Obviously, I freaked out. I was stunned! I just gasped and threw my hands over my mouth. Then he said "Katie, will you be my forever?" and pulled out a ring.

I just threw my arms around him and said "Of course!" We hugged for a while and then he put the ring on me. In the dark, it looked like a solitaire for a moment, but when he took me over to the headlights of the Xterra, it was my ring! MY RING FROM SIERRA WEST!

Of course I cried the whole way down the mountain (partially because I was so happy, and partially because I was scared that my deal with God to let me live until I was engaged was officially over, and I was terrified of the icy road.) After I gained self control, Matt let me in on some details:

1. Apparently the ring had been in the puffy jacket, and he thought I had found it. (Hence the weirdness, and me watching him sweat for 20 minutes in a 90 degree car with a snow jacket on.)

2. He planned to propose a few days later, but apparently the way I brought up the first date on the phone made it perfect for him to do it that night. (yay me!)

3. On Monday when I went into Sierra West to look at the ring, Matt was actually in the back room purchasing it at the time. I swore I would kill whoever bought that ring if I ever found out, and behold... it was my fiance.

So folks, it turns out that I am the luckiest girl in the world. I got the proposal of my dreams, the most beautiful ring in the world, and of course, I am fortunate enough to be marrying Matthew Gress, the greatest man I know, on May 12th, 2012 in the Salt Lake Temple. I am so grateful for the experiences we have both had in our lives to make us into the kind of people that make for a perfect pair! I am so blessed to have him in my life. Matt accepts me all the time. Even when we've been camping and I haven't showered in days, and when he visited Seattle and saw me in the morning for the first time. Even when I'm in total brat mode, Matt always has the patience and love to help me through my moments. No matter what, the kid still loves me, and I love him. I cannot tell you how fortunate I feel. He is my everything and now it's forever.

Wonka: "Charlie, don't forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted." Charlie: "What happened?" Willy Wonka: "He lived happily ever after.

My Obsession.

2012-01-26T17:20:00.001-07:00

Nickelcade!

2012-01-26T15:20:00.001-07:00

When you're feeling blue, the Nickelcade will make all your troubles float away.

From Cali with love.

2012-01-23T13:56:00.001-07:00

Matt went to NAMM last week because he's crazy about guitars.

He brought me this from California because he's crazy about me.

Which makes me feel better about not being able to get him out of my head.

Cutest Baby EVER.

2012-01-19T16:15:00.002-07:00

My Boyfriend Is Hot.

2012-01-18T19:42:00.001-07:00

Back to Provo.

2012-01-16T18:38:00.003-07:00

Dear Reader,

I am so very sorry that I've been MIA for the last while. I've been REALLY busy and have just not had much time to write. Plus I have made it a goal to write my missionaries before I blog, so obviously, I just wrote them all last week and now I just wanted to write a little update what's been going on.

Well, I guess the biggest news is that I moved back to Utah on the 6th. I cried the entire plane ride and when Matt picked me up I got into the car and burst into tears. Here goes the rant:

So, I graduated from BYU in April, and planned to stay in Provo until the end of May and continue working to cover my last expenses for Uganda. Well, I wasn't expecting for Matt Gress to actually admit he liked me back when I FREAKED OUT and told him I was crazy about him (hence this post and this post) and so we started dating and then I move back to Seattle like, a week later. I'm a really great girlfriend. Just for the record, I did tell Matt that we could just hold off dating until I was back in the same continent as him, but he must like the way I smell or something, because he was totally down with exclusively dating me while I was on the other side of the planet. He's a cool kid. I like him.

Anyway, so I drove home in my Honda to Seattle for a minute before I went to Uganda, which was a pretty logical thing to do considering I wouldn't be able to contact my family except via email for 2 months. See? logical.

Ladidadida I went to Uganda and of course that was awesome. And THEN... I came home. And I stayed Now, for the last 6 months I've been living with the question: "What are you doing with your life now that you've graduated?" That is the worst question ever. Honestly, I didn't get a "real job" in Seattle, ( I nannied) and I totaled my car within a week of coming home, so I totally felt like I was 15 again and that I had never gone to college at all. There wasn't really a "logical" reason for me to move back to Seattle, and I didn't really do anything of major significance while I was there. However, I can honestly say that going home for that seemingly too short period of time, was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It is rare that a person of my age gets the opportunity to go back home and spend one last bit of time with the most important people in their life, but somehow God knew that we all needed it. It was such a delight to sleep in my own room again, to have Family Home Evening together, to just hang out with my siblings, and to learn about running a household from my mother with the new level of respect I gained for her having lived on my own for 2 years. I think I was also able to prove to my siblings how much I loved them, and that I had really grown out of many of the squabbles that were so present in our relationship as young children. I finally got to spend time with my father, who whilst I was growing up, always had a work schedule that kept me from seeing him often for days at a time, and now has a schedule where I could spend time with him in the evening and learn from the many experiences he has had in his life. I loved spending time with my mother, and to develop our relationship not only as mother and daughter, but as best friends. She is one of my greatest strengths in my life. I loved to spend time with my little brother who grew to be as tall as me while I was home with him, and to talk to him about the hardships of being 15 and to just let go of all my inhibitions and get goofy with the kid. And of course, my sister and I were inseperable the entire time I was home. She is my Bosom Friend, my greatest cheerleader, and my best example. I miss them all so so much, and am getting myself homesick just writing this. I just wish that I could have all the people I love in Utah with me in Seattle. But that's life I guess.

Anyway, Matt and I made a deal that if we could make the next 6 months work doing the long distance dating that I would move back to Provo and we would try dating living 1.5 miles apart verses the 888 miles from Provo to Seattle. Well, after hundreds of phone calls, skype dates, letters, packages, texts, flowers, skymiles and flight benefits, we've made it work.

And here I am.

I'm finally settled into my room, and I bought a new car with the money I earned from nannying Lukas Friday night. Matt and I have seen each other every day, but we are totally cool about hanging out with other people. He's such a peach. In fact, he's coming over to watch Pride and Prejudice with me right now. He wants to know what all the girls go crazy over it.

So, that's the short update of what's going on. Presently I'm looking for a job, and I have some interviews lined up next week! I'm really happy with life right now, and have so much to be grateful for. Life could not be better. Thank you for all of the love and support.

Sincerely,

K

Crampy Caroline.

2012-01-08T17:43:00.000-07:00

Putting hot chocolate in your pants with a Ferrero Rocher in your mouth apparently helps relieve cramps.

"What?"

I Miss My Bosom Friend.

2012-01-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

Lemonhead.

2012-01-05T17:30:00.000-07:00

My mom... is an awesome cook.

The only problem is that with every meal, there is this constant dark shadow that after dinner and before dessert we have to clean up the wretched kitchen.

Well, we made a deal that if Caroline and Soren both ate a lemon... a WHOLE lemon, I would clean up the kitchen.

It was so worth it.

Last Visit to Dash Point.

2011-12-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

A few days before going home, Caroline, Daniel and the pups and I went to Dash Point.

It was windy and cold.

I haven't felt so alive in a long, long time.

For the TRUE I Love Lucy Fan...

2011-12-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

2011-12-21T22:47:00.003-07:00

He's finally home.

Food Bank!

2011-12-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

Each year our family volunteers at the Des Moines Food Bank.

There's nothing like it to get us in the Christmas Spirit!

What The H Is This?

2011-12-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

I saw this out of the airplane window.

SOMEONE EXPLAIN.

Christmas Lights at the DC Temple!

2011-12-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

Washington! Well, the other Washington.

2011-12-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

So this weekend I was lucky enough to fly to DC to visit my Man and the rest of the family in Maryland. We had SO much fun, and even got to have a day going into the Mall and visiting museums and such.

We took the train in and had a wonderful time!

My favorite boys on the train!

Julia Child's kitchen!!

We wanted a picture with the monument, when we realized... we pretty much do the same pose in every picture together. Laaaame.

So, we decided to try some new poses.

I <3 DC!

I Feel My Savior's Love.

2011-12-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

This picture reminds me of Uganda so much.

Last Day With My Baby.

2011-12-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

I cried the whole way home.

The Distance From 'A' to Where You'd Be.

2011-12-14T00:36:00.002-07:00

Hot Man Thursday.

2011-12-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

Another Matthew that I love in my life...

Matthew Cuthbert, from one of my favorite books/movies... Anne of Green Gables.

2011-12-05T19:33:00.001-07:00

Maybe I'm a Bad Person...

2011-12-02T01:41:00.001-07:00

But seriously... considering this whole Mormon social media thing...

you think someone would have the skill to photoshop a happier face on President Eyring. Come on!

This picture made me laugh. Twice.

Once for me, and once for President Eyring.

Hot Man Thursday

2011-12-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

2011-12-01T14:32:00.001-07:00