The Proposal

I have a story for you... I think you will like it. It has been a long time since I last blogged, but I think that this story is to be read!

A few weeks ago Brad and I decided to go St. George, UT this weekend to visit his Mom and to get away from Provo. We went down this last Thursday (3hr drive) and went to dinner with his Mom after we got there. Then when we were going to bed, (he slept on the couch, I slept in the guest room) I made a joke that my ring finger was sad because it didn't have a wedding ring on it. he laughed and said it was coming soon enough. He then said that he would tell me that he was going to propose around an event that was special to us. I guessed, "General Conference?" and he laughed and said ya. Well after talking some more he started to get sad because he wanted it a surprise and was mad he told me anything. So I went to bed after feeling a little bad I had asked and guessed etc.

The next morning we went Zion's National Park which is an hour drive from his Mom's house. We were going hiking all day! We packed snacks, got all dressed (it was so cold, and rainy but we still wanted to go) and we had such a blast driving down singing in the car, and talking about how we met and all that. I asked him if he was uncomfortable to be cuddling in front of his mom... he said, "oh really? I didn't notice." then I said, "ya you have just been acting a little different..." but he kept trying to change the subject so I dropped it.

Our first hike went well. We had such a good time and we laughed and talked. On the way back down the trail we started talking about things and how we want to communicate much better than other people we have noticed. I started reflecting back on the times I was such a baby, and over reacted during many of our conversations. I fell into more of a silent-pensive mood but we still had fun. I was going over different things in my mind when we got back to the car and started driving to the next hiking location.
All of a sudden he pulled over and said that a friend of his had told him to check out some kind of platform gazebo thing that was by a small waterfall. So I said we should go see it before we head down to the next hike. He kept saying, well we can just come back or do it another time.. however I said, "nah, lets do it now." so we did and as we walked up it started lightly raining. I was cold but enjoyed being out in nature.

I looked out over the balcony and he put his arms around me from behind. I felt so much love as I was being held and wondered where it all came from so out of the blue ;)
then he turned me around and said, "I have your birthday present with me. Want to see it?" (He has been saying that he was making me a present for 1 1/2 months now) I was surprised but thought it was cute. Then he got it out of his backpack and handed me a photo album. I started to open it and he stopped me. "wait, let me put on a song". So he turned on our song, You belong to me by Jason Wade and as it rained I looked through the pages. I immediately started crying and was so touched that he would do this for me. The first page said, "for Valentine's I gave you ten reasons why I loved you. Now I want to tell you why I choose to marry you". (at this point I still had NO idea what was coming.. hahah) at the end of the book it had a picture of the Sacramento Temple saying -Brad and Cailey August 19th, 2011-- I looked up and said, "oh how sweet of you!" then turned the page and saw a picture of the ring. I was almost mad because I thought he was teasing me showing me a picture but not giving it to me till next week at conference. Then he turned me around and knelt down.... he told me he loved me. He said that he would provide and protect me. That I was his best friend and that we belong together. "I choose you Cailey. Will you marry me?" I was SHOCKED and cried and cried! So happy and so calm! It was the best feeling I have ever felt.

The best part was that he opened the ring box up and it was upside down! I just laughed and said, "it's upside down but YES YES YES!" then we kissed and it started pouring rain and then it started to hail. I did not feel any of it. I just felt warm in his arms and cried over and over. I felt so happy and I know it is the right thing. Bradley said that as he drove by this place he knew that was the place and time to do it. He hadn't planned any particular place, but was waiting to feel the right time to do it. And that moment on Friday the 25th of March at 1:40 pm was the perfect moment. We laughed and had such a good time taking pictures and looking at my hand actually wearing my ring! I can't wait to marry him and can you believe it--- I am engaged!!!!!!! We hiked the rest of that rainy day so happy and so wet. There was no reception for cellphones so I didn't call or tell anyone till later that day, but that is how I wanted it. Private and personal. Now my finger isn't lonely any more!