The Proposal (How did I pop the question?)

Rachel and I were talking about getting married a couple months before I actually went to get a ring. We then went shopping so that she could decide what kind of a ring she wanted. We went to several stores in the South Bend and Merrillville areas and I had plenty to choose from. The funny thing was that I knew which ring I wanted to buy her, but I apparently didn't get to the store soon enough. I went to the store to buy the ring on the Thursday before her cousin's open house (Katie graduated high school...congrats to her!) Anyway, a few people thought that we were already engaged so they congratulated us at the open house. I wanted to say that I was going to ask her really really soon, but I couldn't. I really wanted it to be a surprise. It was so hard not to tell them that I had picked a ring and it was on order.

Anyway, the next Friday, June 29th, 2007, I had the ring in my possession...all sized and cleaned up. All I had to do was put it on her finger. I was nervous all day. Rachel and I decided to have dinner at her apartment, and we were going to make taco salad....nothing special (but it was very good). I thought it would be a good surprise to ask her then. So, I arrived at her apartment and we made taco salad. Then, as we sat down to eat I pulled out the ring and knelt down. She was turned around adjusting her seat or something (not entirely sure). When she turned around she saw me and was truly surprised. I then told her how much I love her and why. Then, I asked her if she would marry me. She said, "YES!" She didn't even take the ring first. She just wanted a hug. I thought that was the coolest thing. After the hug and alot of giggling, I put the ring on her finger.