Well first off...Happy May everyone! I'm sorry its been a while since i've written. I would just like to say Jesus is crazy amazing! Beyond amazing! Beyond words! I am so thankful right now to be his daughter and just beyond grateful for the blessings that have been pouring out. He is so faithful and so good. He is for us! He wants to bless his children! If you ever doubt if there is a God-look around. Look at the people that fill this earth. What an absolute miracle! Every person with their own story-their own dreams-their own beauty. It blows my mind sometimes how unique each person is. The way we are all created so beautifully different. Thank you Lord for giving us eyes to see Your beauty! Your creation!
Well if you've been anywhere near my Facebook this past month, you have probably noticed that IM ENGAGED! I honestly could not be more excited, more confirmed, and more confident that Travis Marr is the man of my prayers and one who God has designed for me! I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with him! I could go on and on about the way he has blessed me and points me to Jesus, but I will save that for my vows :) I posted an entire album of pictures so I'm sure you may have got an idea about the proposal...but I will give you all the backstory :)
Well it started out saturday April 21st, being picked up at the airport by my love. It had been about 6 weeks since we had seen each other, so needless to say we were crazy excited to see each other. We then went to grab some dinner at CPK and shared some yummy pita and hummus. Now I knew the next day we had planned to spend the day together. Because my birthday was that wednesday and he had to drive back and forth between phoenix and tucson for school he said he wanted to celebrate my bday with him on sunday. So near the end of the meal he said, "sooooo we are starting the day out early tomorrow" After questioning how exactly early he meant...he finally told me we'd be leaving my house at 415am. WHAT?! He said the place we were going had a beautiful sunrise spot and great food. HMMMM...???
So I'm thinking maybe we are going on a hike and having breakfast and watching the sunrise??
So there I was getting picked up in the dark at 415am. We are driving, driving, driving...and soon pull into..."Deer valley Airpot." Needless to say I was confused. I soon learn that we are going on a HOT AIRBALLOON RIDE! We have both always wanted to go on one (something we checked off our bucket list) He said, "Happy birthday!!" sooo I am so excited and he rented it for just the two of us and a private flight! Wow! So we are up in the air and enjoying the beautiful sunrise and angelic floating in the sky. It was such a wonderful experience. We are on are way coming down and Travis is saying, "look over there, there's a roadrunner" ...I didn't see a roadrunner. "Here you need to use the binoculars" (as he's fumbling around in his backpack, but me not noticing because I'm trying to see out the fuzzy binoculars) He said, "oh you don't need them anymore. Look over here!" THERE IT WAS! A huge 40ft long poster that said, "Erica, Will you marry me? Check Yes or No"
All that my mind registered was the word "marry" because it was in bright red compared to black. I looked back at him and just started saying, "oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh" He then said some beautifully sweet words and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him presenting the most beautiful ring! We then immediately hit the ground and I kind of launched over him and it was a bit rough but we were cracking up. I of course said YES!!! and he slipped the ring on my finger! I did not even realize they were there until I hear my entire family and Travis's parents shouting! They were able to video and get pictures of it all! I ran to check the yes box and hug all my family members! It was so surreal! We then celebrated with a toast of champagne and headed to brunch. I was on cloud-9. I am sitting at breakfast sipping on some sweet iced tea with my fiancé by my side, surrounded by all my family members.After brunch, we head back to my house and I get to spend time with my beautiful nephew. He is just such a bundle of joy! I could sit and stare at his adorable face all day long! Now here comes the next surprise...
One of the venues I had been dreaming of for a while was having their open house none other but today! Well, we are now engaged soooooo we go check it out! We drive down to florence to The Windmill Winery, and I of course instantly fall in love and am confirmed this is where I wanna get married. We then head back up to Gilbert and decide to chillax a bit and go to a movie and see The Lucky One. Moving on....
Next we are heading home and I naively think the day is done. Only to find some my close friends and family all at my house for a surprise engagement party!! It was sooooo fun! I got to share the proposal story and show my ring. I got some meaningful cards and it was altogether a magical day. The rest of the week was spent in absolute bliss. It was soon my birthday and we of course celebrated with loved ones.
I head back to new york and come home to a sweet surprise of a bridal magazine and champagne from my amazing roommates! How did I get blessed by the people in my life?! Really Jesus, He is just too good to me! Now I am back, and starting to plan on continuing my training and dance partner search. Only to get a text saying a guy had recently moved to NY looking for a partner. Well after we had a tryout, we decided this was a great fit! We have been training ever since! It is beyond wonderful to have a partner to train with and start thinking about upcoming competitions.
WOW! So if your not overwhelmed by now, I congratulate you. I continue to be blown away by God's goodness in my life and am SO SO SO SO SO blessed by my parents. Every day I feel as if Jesus is revealing more and more how absolutely wonderful they are. I have no idea where I would be without them. My dad is the best father I could ever imagine. Truly, he does everything in his willpower to provide for his children. This is such an example of Jesus to me. I truly see his desire to support his kids in their dreams and passions. I am beyond blessed. Words will never be able to describe how much I appreciate my dad.
My mom, is one of my biggest supporters as well. Always encouraging me in what I choose. I get closer to her each and everyday. I could go on and on about how much I love my mom. She is truly like no other woman.
Now I will leave you on this crazy note. Ever since Travis was in High School he claimed to wanted to purpose to whoever he marries in a hot air balloon. He of course never told me this. About a year ago, I had a very clear dream of Travis proposing to me in a hot air balloon. WHAT?! I of course never told him this, because I didn't want to A. freak him out B. put any expectations on him. Now I can LITERALLY say ...I am marrying the man of my dreams! :)
Many blessings!
Erica :)
