Wow. What a week it has been. It almost felt like a dream until I realized that it was all REALLY happening! I am excited beyond words and feel so incredibly blessed and humbled that Richard asked me to marry him!
So let's back it up a little....
I had a feeling something was going to happen this week. Just a feeling. Richard seemed like he was hiding something...so I may or may not have snooped a little...but I didn't find anything. ;) Well when we had been talking about what we were gonna do this week he requested that we do a picnic on the beach at some point. So I put that into the plans. Tuesday we packed a lunch, drove down to the Balboa Pier in Newport Beach and had a picnic! I did not think anything was going to happen that day, a proposal was the last thing on my mind. I knew he was waiting for some kind of "package" so that threw me off a little! Well we got there, laid down our blanket and then I laid down to soak in the sun. I was only there for a few minutes before he asked me to close my eyes, then he gave me a little kiss. I kept opening them and he kept telling me to keep them closed! Lol. So then I did...I felt something being placed on my stomach and then he said open and I opened! He was looking down on me and he asked "Will you marry me?" I was so stunned! The sun was shining so brightly that it seriously felt like a dream! Of course I replied "YES"! and then I sat up to see a BEAUTIFUL ring in a box and he takes my hand and puts the ring on. I was seriously in so much shock, I kept saying Oh. My. Gosh! I was so elated at the moment. I really couldn't believe it was happening...to ME!! It was such a beautiful moment that I will NEVER forget :). Of course I couldn't wait to call and text everyone. I still had to go into work that afternoon and teach 3 classes. It was so fun to share with the office staff and other teachers the great news! Even my students were excited for me. I told my little 5 year olds that I was getting married and they said the funniest things like how their parents were married and what does Richard look like and do we want to have kids! Love them. Well, since Richard had asked my Dad's permission the day before, my parents already knew. So we drove to their house that night and they had cake for us. We celebrated with them and all my siblings and even played a friendly game of poker. Anyone that knows my dear mother knows that of course she wanted to start planning that second and started shooting off a million questions. Let's just say I was slightly overwhelmed. But the great thing was we had the rest of the week to enjoy being together and start planning little by little. Of course my mother has continued to call and text me every day, but bless her dear heart. I know she is just excited. But...this could be a LONG engagement! hehe. My cute Aunt Bonnie started a board on pinterest for me. I love all the support I've gotten thus far. It means so much! So...let the wedding planning begin!
In my life, I was really beginning to think this would never happen for me. That I would never meet a wonderful guy who loved me for all the reasons I'd want to be loved. (don't laugh cause its true, I really thought that!). Being single all these years was awesome but at times it was hard. I kept living my life and of course always wondering when it was going to happen for me? It was hard at the young age of 20 to watch all your friends get married and you're not and then you start to think maybe something is wrong with you...BUT like I've said before. Each of us has our OWN path in life. Mine was just different and I feel so blessed for the path that the Lord set out for me. I'd be lying if I said I always had faith and always knew I'd get married someday...it was difficult. But of course as I look back now, I can be grateful for the experiences in my life that have shaped me into who I am today and give me the tools to become who the Lord wants me to become! I feel so blessed.
Richard Sims Harkey, I cannot wait to become your wife. I love you with all my heart. You are the most loving, caring, honorable, smart, humble, selfless, handsome, funny, honest, spiritual, respectful guy I've ever met. I feel honored to be by your side for eternity. :)
We will be sealed on August 25, 2012 in the LA Temple
xoxo
Ashley
