MAN and WIFE

1 Year

2009-08-09T16:26:00.002-04:00

David, thanks for asking me! It is such a joy to be your wife!

I love you so much more now than I did 365 days ago

I wish I would have known...

2009-07-28T23:06:00.000-04:00

...about this last year for our wedding entrance. How fun would this have been to enter into the church like this ! If you haven't seen this wedding clip, you should totally check it out.

P.S. Shannon, I think this is calling your name! :-)

C-Town Part 1

2009-07-27T16:25:00.003-04:00

David and I went up to Cleveland for the 4th of July weekend. David is such an amazing husband that he let me stay an extra week with my family while he went back home to work. On the 4th it is tradition for my family to wake up, stop by Dunkin Donuts and then go watch the parade. Even though I am now 23 years old, I still look forward to going to the parade :-)

Mini car

They threw so much candy this year!

My favorite...the bagpipes

Girl time....
Awkward Family Photos at its best

Catie on her new trampoline

C-Town Part 2:My Birthday and Chick fil-A

2009-07-27T16:05:00.003-04:00

Out to lunch at Olive Garden for my birthday.
I love my family! (but wished my hubby could have celebrated with us)

I love Chick fil-A milk shakes so instead of having my mom make a cake, I asked that we all go out for milk shakes....yummThe cute couples :-) sharing our shakes!

On Friday, July 11th Chick fil-A celebrated "Cow Appreciation Day". They were giving out free meals to all those who dressed like a cow. Of course I could not pass this opportunity up to eat FREE Chick fil-A so Amanda, Natalie and I put on our spots and proudly supported cows that day. :-)

We definitely made a memory together!

Wedding and Beach

2009-07-12T23:02:00.008-04:00

Our dear friends got married last month! It was such a beautiful day and are so excited they are married and now part of the club! :-)

Our care group

Our care group leaders

About 3 weeks ago David and I woke up and decided to be spontaneous and go the beach. We called our friends Jason and Julianna to see if they could come, packed up the car and we were off. After about a 4 hour car ride we finally arrived. Then all of a sudden a storm rolled in and we had to huddle under the umbrella to avoid the downpour.

The rain stopped about 30 minutes later and we were able to enjoy the beach the rest of the day.

Thanks Jason and Julianna for going with us! We had a great time. Up next the 4th of July and my week in Cleveland...

Happy Birthday, Love!

2009-06-21T22:28:00.005-04:00

My wonderful husband had a birthday yesterday! (but I didn't get a chance to post because we were at a wedding all day). But I just wanted to take a minute and honor the love of my life with a list of 23 things I love and appreciate about him...

1. I love how you constantly put a smile on my face

2. You are such a hard working man

3. You are so diligent and faithful to apply yourself to school

4. You are really, really HOT :-)

5. You love to dance and have a good time
6. You selflessly serve me

7. You always call or text me throughout the day to remind me you love me

8. You love God with all of your heart

9. You are an encourager

10. You love to work with your hands

11. I love that economics excites you

12. You love animated movies
13. Your laugh is contagious

14. You are strong and gentle all at the same time

15. You are quite the gentleman

16. You are a man of integrity and are trustworthy

17. You are one of the most humble man that I know

18. I love how you provoke me in my walk with God

19. I love the way you bless me with flowers just because

20. You are others focused and intentional

21. You love to ask questions to get to know me more

22. You love the gospel more than me

23. You are wonderful!

Love, I am so grateful we get to celebrate your birthday together. It is a pure joy being your wife! I love you with all my heart!

Introducing...

2009-06-14T23:06:00.004-04:00

David Jr
Born on Jun 14, 2009 at 11:03 p.m. 7 pounds 13 ounces, 21.1 inches
Proud Parents: David and Hannah

Matilda
Born on Jun 14, 2009 at 11:14 p.m. 6 pounds 2 ounces, 21 inches
Proud Parents: David and Hannah

NO...David and I are not pregnant! We just had fun envisioning what our kids could look like on the VW baby picture maker. (http://www.vw.com/vwhype/babymaker/en/us/)!

It's official...OUR KIDS DON'T STAND A CHANCE! :-)

2009-06-13T16:09:00.004-04:00

Last weekend my parents and sister Catie came down for the weekend! It was a packed weekend full of sightseeing, shopping, eating and just hanging out! Thanks you 3 for making the trip down, it was such a joy to have you here!

On our way down to DC

My wonderful Mom!

These 2 are adorable together! :-)

All these couples were taking their pictures here, so of course we had to do the same!

David determined to beat Caitlin at Racko

I can't wait to see you all again in a month!

Coming to visit...

2009-06-05T12:20:00.004-04:00

My Dad and Mom and Catie are coming to visit this weekend! I am so excited to see them.

It is crazy to think a year ago tomorrow, we packed up the truck and they moved me down here!

New Favorite...

2009-05-27T13:49:00.003-04:00

David and I purchased a grill this spring! I pretty much use it all the time now (I mean...David pretty much uses it all the time now)! But its great, here is a new favorite...

Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

Chicken:

2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

1/4 teaspoon salt

Salsa:

1 cup chopped plum tomato (about 2)

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 avocado, peeled and finely chopped

1. To prepare chicken, combine first 4 ingredients in a large bowl; toss and let stand 3 minutes. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Sprinkle chicken evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add chicken to grill; cook 6 minutes on each side or until done.

2. To prepare salsa, combine tomato and next 4 ingredients (through pepper) in a medium bowl. Add avocado; stir gently to combine. Serve salsa over chicken. Yield: 4 servings

2009-05-25T21:13:00.011-04:00

SOOO....lets just say that I took almost a 6 month break from the blogging world (not on purpose, but life just seemed really full) and I didn't really have much to blog about because I kept forgetting to bring a camera. All that to say, I am not even going to try and catchup for these past few months and start fresh with this post. :-)

Before I jump into the current update of what David and I have been up to, I will give you a little background into our lives. David started going to school full time in January and will finish school this December. With David being in school, life is very busy and our schedule is constantly changing. I have realized I really do not like change very much and that it takes me a good 6 weeks before I can adjust to the "new" schedule. Yet it seems like our schedules are changing every 2 months. :-) This being said I have about 2 weeks were I am in a routine :-), someone told me the other day..."welcome to motherhood! God is just preparing you for that". I am so aware of God's grace and provision in this season though and so blessed that I get to walk it out with my man!

Now the current update: David finished his semester this past Wednesday! YAY, I am so proud of how hard he studied and applied himself this semester. (Love, thank you for your faithfulness and diligence though this season! I so love and respect you.) So to celebrate before his summer semester starts (2 weeks) we took an over nighter to Baltimore. We had such a relaxing and refreshing time together. It was so wonderful to spend the whole weekend with my love!

God is so kind to provide David a paid internship this summer! David will begin working at Morgan Stanley next Monday. He is so excited to get into the business world!
Also on Sunday, Natalie was down in Baltimore for a conference so we got to hangout with her and some of our dear friends from Cleveland. We had such a great time hanging with everyone!Oh boy, Natalie do I miss you! I love you!

Everyone out to dinner Sunday night!

Megan and I

Miss you girls!

That's all for now. Hopefully I will be around a little more these days!

My wonderful wife!

2009-03-27T11:47:00.002-04:00

I know that I have not posted in something like a million years. But considering I am only 22 this would be impossible. (this logic is only due to the excellent schooling that I am recieving) ha

But I wanted to just say a few words on how wonderful my wife is. My wife does many things so well like working while I am in school, going grocery shopping, and is constantly cleaning and making my life easier! But beyond that she is also my best couselor. When I am struggling with something spiritually or just with school or work; she is always there by my side asking me questions and helping me figure out my heart! What a gift. Half of the time I don't even know what I am thinking. I am so grateful for her care for me in this way. I was struggling with my sin one night and she was able to lead me back to God and care for me in an incredible way! Hannah I am so Grateful to God for you and the humble, careing wife that you are!

P.S. my wife will have an update for everyone soon! BUSY BUSY!!!

An Update is....

2009-02-28T09:05:00.001-05:00

COMING for January and February!

Same Old

2009-01-11T15:34:00.003-05:00

Nothing to new to report. Life has been busy with ordinary things (work, grocery shopping, hanging out with friends, laundry, going to the gym, etc...) David will find out sometime this week if he got into the business school at the University of Maryland (please be praying that God would give him favor in the decision process!) and if he gets in life will be very full with him going back to school full time. I will keep you posted on this!

Other than that, David and I have started going back to the gym on a regular basis (4 times this week, ha we will see how long I last :-)). We have been going with Seth and Janet and that has been a lot of fun and great motivation.

Next weekend David and I will be taking an overnighter to Williamsburg. I am so excited to go away with my hubby!!!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T19:56:00.007-05:00

David showing off his new Browns sweatshirt and players gloves!

Shadow wanting to eat breakfast with us.

My dad got a pellet gun as one of his presents. He love it. And Catie and David did too! But the classic Caitlin line was when my dad asked her if she wanted to shoot it..."Sure dad, let me just finish painting my nails!" I loved it! She also got a bulls eye!

Getting ready for another family photo...

Did I mention that I love my sisters so much! We had such a fun time together!

This video is of Shannon playing a game on Christmas over at my Uncle John's house.

Our first Christmas

2008-12-23T10:02:00.003-05:00

Wow, I cannot believe it is almost Christmas! We are headed to Cleveland today to spend the holiday with my family! Hopefully I will have lots of pictures to post! (if I can remember to pull out my camera)

Here are a couple of David and I having fun! Did I mention that I love him so much!!!! (Complete side note: My wonderful husband, changed a car battery yesterday in the freezing cold all by himself! I was so proud of him. David thank you for the many ways you care for us. I am so grateful to God I am your wife =). ) Now the fun pictures....

Family and Friends

2008-11-29T17:05:00.006-05:00

Well let's just say this post has been a long time coming! We were without internet for 3 weeks and then as soon as we got it back life became really busy! So I am sorry Aunt Nancy for not keeping you up to date:-)

3 Weeks ago David and I went home for the weekend to visit my family! It was so nice to be back in Cleveland because I was really home sick prior to the visit! We had a blast just hanging out with my sisters, going shopping and going to a movie.

Trying to take a normal picture with all 4 of these people is always a challenge:-)

I love him so much!

Kit-Kats at the movies! Yumm

The following weekend one of my dear friends Sarah Altrogge (she was in my wedding) and her husband came to spend the night at our little home. I was so blessed to be able to send time with them and catch up. Also during this weekend, David's grandparents came to visit and we were able to spend time with them.

Last weekend we took a trip to IOWA for my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary celebration. That's right, the great state of Iowa where the corn goes sweeping down the plain! ha. This was the first time David had ever been this far west so it was quite the adventure for him ;-).

Crossing over the Mississippi river (Miss-iss-ipp-i) David stunned in amazement!

Welcome to IOWA!

My wonderful parents!

What did I tell you about serious pictures! ha

All my cousins with the grandparents

My adorable little cousin Tessa

All the Fam!
I love them both so much!Aww <3
On the car ride back to the airport with my family. (we all are very tired!)
Sacked out :-)

Then this week we spent Thanksgiving with David's family and had a wonderful relaxing day! I am so blessed for ALL God's many blessing in my life.

Crockpot Blog

2008-11-06T14:02:00.002-05:00

Someone passed this Crockpot blog along to me so I thought I would share it with you. I have not yet tried any of the recipes, but I can't wait to try a couple!

http://www.crockpot365.blogspot.com/

Going to Cleveland this weekend to visit my family! I am so excited and I hopefully will have lots of pictures!

This is the God I trust (Isaiah 41: 1-10)

2008-11-05T16:16:00.004-05:00

Listen to me in silence,O coastlands;let the peoples renew their strength;let them approach, then let them speak;let us together draw near for judgment.

2 Who stirred up one from the east whom victory meets at every step? He gives up nations before him,so that he tramples kings underfoot;he makes them like dust with his sword,like driven stubble with his bow.3 He pursues them and passes on safely,by paths his feet have not trod.4 Who has performed and done this,calling the generations from the beginning?I, the Lord, the first,and with the last; I am he.

5 The coastlands have seen and are afraid;the ends of the earth tremble;they have drawn near and come.6 Everyone helps his neighbor and says to his brother, “Be strong!”7 The craftsman strengthens the goldsmith,and he who smooths with the hammer him who strikes the anvil,saying of the soldering, “It is good”;and they strengthen it with nails so that it cannot be moved.

8 But you, Israel, my servant,Jacob, whom I have chosen,the offspring of Abraham, my friend;9 you whom I took from the ends of the earth,and called from its farthest corners,saying to you, “You are my servant,I have chosen you and not cast you off”;10 fear not, for I am with you;be not dismayed, for I am your God;I will strengthen you, I will help you,I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Soup Recipe...

2008-10-26T19:30:00.003-04:00

Today I made Minestrone soup in the crock pot (with David's help too). It was very flavorful and great for a relaxing Sunday afternoon!

Zesty Minestrone

1/4 cup Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
1 cup chopped Onions
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (19 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans (14 oz each) vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups small shell macaroni, uncooked
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to make it:
Heat dressing in skillet on medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots and celery; cook 2-3min or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Pour into slow cooker. Add tomatoes, beans, broth, water, and Italian seasoning; stir. Cover with lid and cook on low for 6 hours (or high for 3 hours). Stir in uncooked macaroni (I added extra shells because David and I both love noodles); cook 10-15min or until macaroni is tender. Sprinkle with cheese just before serving and enjoy! Serves 4.

Gettysburg

2008-10-20T17:03:00.005-04:00

On Saturday David and I took a trip up to Gettysburg. We had so much fun on our adventure together and God blessed us with a beautiful fall day! I love spending time with my husband!!
Here is a shot of our beautiful fall drive...the sky was so pretty!
You have arrived at...
Love him more and more every day!
David trying to turn the page
The battle fields

David had a laugh at this saying

SO...after spending a couple hours at the battle fields, David said he would take me to the outlets!! Knowing that you get to go shopping after learning about history makes me want to go to Gettysburg all the time!

What a wonderful day with my love!

STATES!

2008-10-18T21:48:00.002-04:00

My Sister Shannon's volleyball team made states this weekend! I am so proud of you Shan!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! LOVE YOU!
Pictures from our Saturday in Gettysburg coming soon...

Love you like a sister lol

2008-10-13T14:16:00.005-04:00

I love my sisters so much! They are all growing up so fast. This is an email I got from my little sister Caitlin today (she is 11 years old)...it made me smile so much! I love you Catie!

hey you! how are you i have like not talked to you in forever:] so how are you and david??????????? well how is work do you like it? i hate school but i think you already new that... but you have to do it. volleyball just ended, i am really sad because that was like my life and dad said that school could be my life now but i am not happy about that. but yeah in volleyball thing we came 4 out of like 17 so we did pretty good but oh well. and i got my haircut it is pretty short. ok well i have to go do school:[ but love you so much! love you like a sister lol you are my sister! ok well love you.

Proof of ID Please?

2008-10-06T21:46:00.004-04:00

Well...after a long ordeal of going into the MVA 3 times and God using the process to sanctify me...I officially have proof of ID that I am now Hannah Rose DeVries!

Recipe of the week

2008-10-01T21:09:00.002-04:00

Thanks to my friend Megan P. I tried a new recipe called "White Chicken Chili". It was so yummy and so easy (the 2 most important things to me when I try a new recipe). Give it a try...

In a slow cooker mix and add:

1 cup copped onion

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 can (14oz) chicken broth

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 1/2 pounds skinless chicken breast or thighs

Cook for 4-5 hours on low. Once chicken is no longer pink, pull apart chicken into shreds.

Add to the slow cooker the following:

2 cans (15oz) great northern beans (rinsed and drained)

1 can (15oz) yellow corn (rinsed and drained)

3 tbs lime juice

Cook 15 min or until beans are hot. Serve with Corn Bread, Sour Cream and Cheese. ( for an extra touch sprinkle fresh cilantro on top of chili) Serves 4 people. ENJOY!

Hair Cut

2008-09-29T21:39:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend I got my hair cut. For the first time in 17 years I have bangs! At first David wasn't sure if he liked them but now day 3, he said he really likes them.

Be Glad...

2008-09-22T23:19:00.002-04:00

This passage in Morning and Evening encouraged my soul today...

Rejoice believer, but take care that your gladness has its spring in the Lord. You have much cause for gladness in God, for you can sing with David, "God my exceeding joy". Be glad that the Lord reigns, that Jehovah is King! Rejoice that He sits on the throne and rules all things! Every attribute of God should become a fresh ray in the sunlight of our gladness.

The fact that he is WISE should make us glad, knowing as we do our own foolishness.

That He is MIGHTY should cause us who tremble in our weakness to rejoice.

That He is EVERLASTING should always be a theme of joy when we know we wither like grass.

That He is UNCHANGING should provide a perpetual song, for we change every hour.

That He is FULL OF GRACE, that He is overflowing with it, and that His grace and covenant He has given to us, that it is ours to cleanse us, our to keep us, ours to sanctify us, ours to perfect us, ours to bring us to glory- ALL this should serve to make us glad in Him.

Silly Straws

2008-09-20T20:20:00.003-04:00

Janet and I were out shopping yesterday and saw these "silly straws" and thought that they would bless our husbands! :-) So this morning David enjoyed his with a cup of coffee and Seth with his morning juice! It was quite fun to watch them drink from these silly things!

How Things Change

2008-09-18T20:48:00.003-04:00

Life is full and wonderful! This past weekend David and I drove up to Cleveland to visit my family! It was SO great to see all of them. Even in such a short time that I have been gone so much seems to be changing! For example: my sister Caitlin is now sitting in the front seat, my mom is making pan cakes for breakfast (this never happened when I was at home ;-) ), Natalie is super busy with school, Shannon and I had such a fun time shopping together on Saturday (she use to hate shopping), my Dad put a Dallas Cowboys sign on his truck (Ok not really...he just has it on his truck for a week because he lost a bet with David when the Browns played the Cowboys!) and my dog shadow has allergies! It is amazing how quickly things change! But on a serious note...it was so wonderful to be with my family and being apart makes me appreciate and cherish all the times I do get to spend with them! Thanks Family for a wonderful weekend!

Dinner and Chess!

2008-09-06T22:15:00.002-04:00

Tonight I tried a new recipe and by God's grace it actually was really good! ;-) It was a skillet Pot Roast recipe! (which to me seemed a little odd in a skillet but it worked well).

Then during dinner David and I faced off in Chess...
My handsome husband and love of my life!
Well, it is official...I, Hannah Rose DeVries FINALLY beat David in Chess tonight! Yay! So now the tally is: David 17 and Hannah 1~ ( this picture has David's king in "Check Mate")
Here is the recipe! (it is really easy)

1 boneless beef chuck roast

1 tablespoon oil

1 lg. onion (chopped)

2 sliced carrots

2 celery ribs sliced

2 cans (141/2 oz) Italian stewed tomatoes

13/4 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 med. potatoes, peeled and cut into eighths

In skillet over med-high heat, brown roast on all sides in oil. Remove roast and add: onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, water salt, thyme, and pepper into the skillet. Bring to a boil. Return roast to skillet.

Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours. Add potatoes; cover and cook for 40 minutes longer or until meat and veggies are tender.

Lyme's Disease

2008-09-03T21:02:00.003-04:00

Since last Friday I have felt sick. But it seemed like I only felt sick when I got tired and then my whole body would ache and would feel like I had a fever. But the weekend went on and really didn't think much of it. But on Tuesday I had to leave work early because I was feeling really, really fatigued and achy. (then I ran to the store and bought a thermometer...no one ever tells you... you should register for one of those:-) ). And lone behold I had a fever. This morning I woke up feeling even worse so I called the doctor and they were able to see me this morning.

After the doctor examined me, asked several questions and did a couple tests; he concluded that he thought I had Lyme's Disease! Apparently, it is really common in Maryland or I could have even gotten it while we were on our honeymoon in VA as well. The doctor thought it was best for me begin taking medication prior to the blood results; just to be on the safe side! I am so grateful to God that we were able to catch it early and there was a diagnose for why I was feeling so sick.

I am also so grateful to have a husband who has been caring for me so well these past few days while I have been laying in bed the whole time. As soon as he gets home from work he is immediately serving me! I am so provoked by the way David selflessly serves me! Thank you Love, for your care and selfless heart towards me! I love you so much!

Weekend Update

2008-09-02T17:45:00.010-04:00

Wow, I can't believe it is September already and we have almost been married for a month! It is amazing how I was counting down the days till our wedding and each day seemed liked weeks until the wedding! But now being on the other side, the days are flying by like crazy!

This past weekend David and I went to see a play at the church on Acts, that was put on by the singles ministry! They did an outstanding job representing the gospel and glorifying God throughout the show. It was also, really entertaining and fun to watch. Saturday night, we met our Care Group for the first time and had a cookout with them. I am excited to see how God uses our group and how we will build together as couples. And then on Sunday we went over to David's parents for lunch/dinner and then Seth and Janet came down stairs to watch a movie and have smoothies and popcorn! The move was not all that great but the smoothies and popcorn hit the spot! And then yesterday, David had to work for most of the day so I did a little cleaning and went to the store to buy groceries. Then David came home and we spent the night just hanging out! (Oh how I love just spending time with him!!! Its the best!) We went for a walk, talked and played a game of Chess :-) I still have not beaten him yet, but I feel like I am getting closer because last night we had a "stale mate", which means we tied! I will keep you posted and let you know when I finally bet him! :-)

And today, David starts school! He is taking one class this semester but its a killer-Calculus! The class is 3 1/2 hours long on Tuesday nights! (I can't imagine) But I have total confidence he will do great! So that's pretty much the quick update on whats been going on in the life of David and Hannah over the past couple of day!

Home Sweet Home

2008-08-24T15:08:00.009-04:00

I apologize for lack of posting over the past couple of months but hopefully now that life is not consumed by wedding planning... I will be a little better at updating you on whats going on in the life of David and Hannah! Here is a summary of what we have been doing the past couple of weeks...

Our honeymoon was amazing! It was so nice to relax, sleep in and spend time with my HUSBAND. Our new favorite game to play together is Chess but I have to say for as many times as we played over our honeymoon, David won every single time! But being the wonderful husband that he is, he was quick to reassure me that I was getting better every game:-).

We got back home last Monday and David had to start work bright and early Tuesday morning. I went back to work on Wednesday. Wow let me tell you, reality and getting back into responsibility this week was quite a challenge after such a relating honeymoon but each day got better and better!

We were also busy this week hanging pictures and organizing the apartment! We had a fun time doing that. (Mom, these pictures are for you...)New pictures above the couch

Close up of side picture

David's corner office spaceComing down the stairs...hooks for our jackets

What a joy it is being married and setting up our new home together! But the bigger joy is living and experiencing life together!

WE FINALLY DID IT!!!

2008-08-11T11:45:00.003-04:00

I know I am on my honeymoon but I had to look at pictures of our wonderful day! Here is the link... http://kristenleighphotography.blogspot.com/2008/08/david-and-hannah.html .

Thank you all who made our day SOO special! We love you all!

David and Hannah DeVries (this is crazy to type :-) )

Cleveland

2008-07-25T13:03:00.004-04:00

We are headed back to Cleveland today to try and finalize most of the wedding details. It will be a jam packed weekend full of dress fittings, meeting with the caterer, running errands and enjoying hanging out with friends at our bachelor/bacheloret parties :-)

Please be praying that David and I would be able to rest in God's grace throughout the next two weeks and not rely on our own strength to get things done. And that in all the craziness and excitement of marriage that we would keep our eyes on glorifying God in all that we do.

Just in case anyone has lost count...I GET TO MARRY MY BEST FRIEND IN 15 DAYS!!!!

Blessed to have Sisters

2008-07-21T23:04:00.004-04:00

This past weekend, my sisters Nataile and Shannon came to visit as sorta a birthday present! I was so blessed that they came! We had fun, laughed and did just girly things! Friday night they were so sweet and cooked dinner for David and I when we got off work! Dinner was very yummy girls! Thanks!

After dinner we headed to the park to play volleyball but when we got to the court the sand was infested with bees...so we hit up the swing set:-)

This probably was the coolest playground I had ever played on! It had everything to keep the 4 of us entertained!...Hold on guys
This thing was fun. It was this spinning circle and you had to try and walk around on it without falling off!
Saturday we went down to DC to do a little site seeing
DAVID...HOLD ON!!! (Air and Space)
Natalie's new family
And of course the Capital
Sunday was a day of shopping! We spent all afternoon shopping and was able to find some pretty cool stuff. Then we all headed out for dinner and a walk around the lake!
I love you girls so much and so grateful to God that I am blessed with 3 wonderful sisters! Thanks so much for coming, love you!

Friends, Dinner and Paddle Boats

2008-07-16T22:27:00.003-04:00

Tonight David and I hung out with David and Casey! We started off the night with Casey and I getting off of work (we both work at the church), running to the grocery store and picking up food for dinner. We decided to make Chicken Parmesan for the guys ( both of their favorite meals)! After dinner we headed off to get ice cream and hit the paddle boats-we had such a great time!
David and Casey
Oh no! We left David hanging from the bridge! No worries though, we paddled back words to save him.
David and Casey we had such a great time hanging out with you guys! We will have to do it again sometime soon!
I can't believe I will be marring this man in 24 days and spend the rest of my life with my best friend! :-)

Baby Brady!

2008-07-14T14:30:00.002-04:00

My cousin had a little baby this morning! Brady Thomas was born at 4:57am weighing 8.3 ounces and 19.75 inches long. Brady and I are exactly 22 year and 60 seconds apart! Happy birthday Brady!

Photo Shoot

2008-07-10T23:12:00.004-04:00

Just having fun with the camera...

I Love Him!
Less than a month now until we are husband and wife...I am so EXCITED!!!
Peek-a-boo
I'm not really sure?

Tuesday night was date night...so David and I decided to breakout of our shell and try a new restaurant. Well, lets just say it was very interesting (the food that is) but over all, I had a wonderful night spending time with my love.

Tomorrow we are driving to PA for our friends Sarah and David's wedding. I am also in the wedding so that will be a lot of fun! I am so excited for them.

What what.... David knows how to use a computer??

2008-07-08T16:31:00.005-04:00

I know it has been very long in coming from my end of the two people. But alas I am here!! Did anyone miss me? ..... ha I have let my lovely wife to be communicate with the rest of the outside world while I sleep the days!! HA NOT!

I want to share with you a couple things that I so appreciate about Hannah. As she has moved down here more than a month ago now it seems but a week in the scheme of everything. I am so enjoying living life with her and getting to know her better each passing day. Its the mundane things of life that I so enjoy doing with her. We have been going to the gym together, hanging out together, working on the wedding and just going to pick up groceries or a present for someone. This has been such a great joy for me to be able to care for her, protect her and be there to laugh with her in all of the ups and downs of life.

I could not have asked for more of a blessing. The way that Hannah cares for me and points me to God is one of the things that she excels in. Every day she puts her interests down to serve me. This can seem like a self serving goal but this is just the fact of the matter. And I appreciate it so very much.

Hannah is also very humble. She is always seeking input and asking for correction in areas while seeking to grow in her walk with God. I cannot tell you how greatful I am! God has blessed me with a wonderful woman of God to be able to build with and love for the rest of my life!!!

DeVries Family Vacation

2008-06-22T22:32:00.003-04:00

David and I had such a relaxing weekend hanging at the beach! Friday was hot and sunny so we went to the ocean for most of the morning to mid-afternoon then went on the boat for awhile. Saturday it was pretty overcast and rainy for most of the day so we were able to lay around and relax with everyone. Also in between all the relaxing, we ate TONS of amazing food! David's grandma is quite an amazing cook, you will never walk away from the table hungry I guarantee it! :-) We also had a wonderful time spending time with all his extended family. They are quite a fun bunch to be around!

Happy B-day David

2008-06-20T22:47:00.003-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE!!!

Today my wonderful husband to be turns 22!

I love you more and more every day!

On the road again...

2008-06-18T21:23:00.006-04:00

David's family goes to the beach every summer to visit his grandparents in NC. This year we did not think we would be able to go with everything going on (ya know weddings stuff :-) ) but this past week David's parents were so generous to offer to help out with the costs for us to drive down there this weekend and meet up with the rest of his family (who has been down there all week)! God was so kind to allow time for David and I to get off and so we are hitting the road again for another weekend trip to North Carolina. I am so excited!

P.s My new job is going well at the church. The past few days I have been in a lot of orientation and have had great opportunities to get to know some of the girls in the office. God is so good!

Weekend Trip

2008-06-14T09:28:00.002-04:00

In Cleveland for the weekend with David and my family!

Refrigerator

2008-06-12T22:57:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, God provided a refrigerator! I have been looking on craigs list for the past week and there were a couple that I called on and said that I wanted to buy but had to wait until David got off work to come look at them, but once David got off work they were sold. At first this was very discouraging, but David encouraged me that God had something better for us and he wanted us to trust Him and he will faithfully provide for all our needs! And yesterday God blessed us with a beautiful fridge for dirt cheap! God is so faithful to provide and works all situations out for our good, yet so many times my heart is tempted towards unbelief and doubt when I can't see what God is doing. I am so grateful that we serve a God who in His perfect timing provides for my every need so that He gets all the glory!

Long Awaited Update!

2008-06-10T11:28:00.004-04:00

I am so sorry I have neglected this blog for almost a month! Life has been so busy, but it is official I am finally living in Maryland. This past weekend my whole family moved me down (which was such a blessing to have all of them down here with me) to our soon to be new home as Mr. and Mrs. David DeVries! :-)

2 weeks ago my dad and I can down for the weekend and David and my dad went to town remodeling the bathroom and closet as well as put in beautiful french doors! They worked so hard all weekend and they got it all done. I am so grateful that they both love working with their hands.

So here are a few pictures of the apartment...

60 more days until we are married! David and I are so excited to relearn what it looks like to live life together during the week. It has been 10 months since we have been able to spend time together on a Tuesday night!

Our Living room, check out the doors...they transformed the room.

Hallway to the bathroom, bedroom and closet

In the process of becoming our make shift kitchen. We are hopefully going to pick up a refrigerator and shelf unit tonight to go against the wall.

Bedroom (just in case you couldn't tell:-) )

Bathroom before....

Now after...David did such a great job putting in the new floor! And yes, we painted it pea green, but I am so happy with the color!

Another angle

Closet before....

And after! I think this is my favorite part of the apartment, what girl does not like a big closet!

Hopefully, now that life will be slowing down a little bit, I will not go for so long with out letting you know whats going on as David and I begin our life in Maryland!

Thanking My Love!

2008-05-14T22:31:00.000-04:00

I want to take a moment to honor and thank my future hubby! One of the MANY things I appreciate about David is his hard work ethic! David works so faithfully and diligently and desires to provide well for me and our future family together. He begins his morning usually around 4 am and works hard all day. Tonight after he got off of work he went straight over to our apartment and started painting. Then from there he went and served at the church all night. Yet even with the busyness of work he always takes time to either call or text me to let me know he was thinking about me and loves me. Whether its in the morning on his way to work, on his lunch break, as soon as he is off work and sometimes all of the above!

David thank you for working so hard, thank you for the way you press into God for strength and grace, thank you for the way you pursue me and thank you for the way that you lead, what a joy it is to follow you! I am reminded everyday how much I don't deserve God's grace given to me through the cross. Yet, in God's kindness He has richly blessed me and through His faithfulness I get to marry a man that I love and respect more and more everyday! I cannot wait to learn more and more about you as we begin our new life together. I love you so much David!

Here is a couple pictures from the apartment, more will be coming...

Thank you again Love for working so hard and getting the place painted and ready for me to come down! I Love you!

Road Trip to Maryland

2008-05-13T21:19:00.009-04:00

This past weekend Natalie and I took a road trip to Maryland! It was so much fun going on an adventure with her. We started out of our driveway on Friday morning about 9:30am but as soon as we got a block down the street we decided to hit some Garage Sales:-) I was able to find a T.V. stand for 10 bucks!!! I was so excited. But with that big purchase we had to go back home pick up the van, drop off the stand and get back into her car. By this time it is 10:30 am and we are ready to hit the road (or at least ready to leave our development;-) )

Saturday David became our tour guide and took us all around D.C. It was so wonderful hanging out with 2 of my most favorite people!

You can see the White House behind us, I was being a baby and didn't want to walk all the way over there so we decided a picture worked great!!

David and Natalie decided to make a deal in front of the White House.

The memorial was really well done and as I walked through it all I could do was think about my Grandpa who served in the war. I wish I had thanked him more serving our country!

The National Gallery of Art-David and Natalie

Hey look...I am actually the average height!

David eating this massive hot dog, Natalie and I watched in amazement!

We were all pretty tired by the end of the day. But we all had such a fun time hanging out together! Thanks Natalie for going on a road trip with me, I love you!

If anyone lost count...only 86 more days until the wedding!!! YAY I can't wait to

marry you Love, I love you so much

Bridal Shower

2008-05-05T17:29:00.005-04:00

I am so grateful to God for richly lavishing me with the dearest friends and family! I was blown away by the thoughtfulness and generosity of everyone! I am so grateful for my sister Natalie and friend Amanda who planned the shower, you guys did such a great job! It was nicer than I could have ever imagined!

My sisters Caitlin and Shannon on our way to the shower (are they not beautiful or what??). I love you girls.

This way...

Soap favors with our wedding date on them, how cute!

As you can see the food table, everything looked so good.

At each table there was a beautiful spring center piece.

These two girls worked so hard to make the day so special! I love them!

"Pucker Up"

Opening gifts, trying not to break many strings.

David's aunt Val and cousin Lauren came in for the shower. I was so blessed they were able to come! (there were several cameras all at once)

93 more days from today until I become Mrs. David DeVries! WooHoo

My sister and my 2 flower girls, Autumn and Jenna.

Me and the Moms

As always, I AM ONE BLESSED GIRL!

The end...

Shower!

2008-05-03T11:21:00.003-04:00

I can't believe I am having a wedding shower today! All of a sudden it actually feels REAL that I get to marry DAVID DEVRIES!!!! Thank you in advance to everyone who has helped to make today so special! I am one BLESSED GIRL:-)

Surprise Date

2008-04-29T01:15:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, David decided to surprise me with an afternoon date to the Inner Harbor in Baltimore! It was such a beautiful day and I had the most AMAZING time with my hubby to be:-) Thanks David for a wonderful day!

Adventures

2008-04-22T20:13:00.003-04:00

Looking through pictures brings back so many fun memories. Here are just a few of the many adventures David and I have had together...

In NC visiting his Grandparents

Oh Canada!

David striking a pose...me trying not to fall :-)

This one has some fun explaining to do. A tradition we as families always had was to celebrate New Years together. Well this particular year our parents decided to have a mid-Atlantic New Years and ring in the new year at 8:00pm. So the DeVries being the great sports that they are dressed all up in their beach gear to play the part:-) and surprised us as we opened the front door! What fun memories!!!

My first attempt at snow boarding...lets just say, sledding is more my winter sport :-)

Gotta love football games!

A costume party. Can you guess who we all are???

My best friend surprised me for my birthday and took me to Cedar Point! I love roller coasters!

I am sure this is just the very beginning of all the many adventures and memories we will have as we begin our lives together! Love, I can't wait to go on our next adventure!

Spending Time Together!

2008-04-12T23:53:00.004-04:00

Anyone who knows us or who has just been around David and I, knows that we can be pretty crazy together! And usually our crazy humor makes us laugh hysterically while everyone else wonders what on earth is so funny! But laughing with David is one of the things I love! Today was a day we decided not to talk, plan or do anything related to the wedding and just enjoy being with one another! It was so refreshing to just relax and spend time with my future hubby (only 116 more days, not that I am counting :-) ) One of the activities we did was a trip to Dave and Busters. I tried so hard to beat him in skeeball, basketball, race cars and even the horse race but David won every time!! But what a blast we had playing all those games together! Every day I am more and more aware of the grace of God in my life to allow me to marry such a wonderful man! I am one BLESSED GIRL!

Happy Birthday Natalie!

2008-04-04T00:41:00.000-04:00

My sister Natalie turns 20! WooHooo

What a joy it is to have sisters! Love you!

What we have been up to...

2008-04-03T23:23:00.007-04:00

I would like to give you an update of what the lives of David and Hannah have looked like over the past week and a half as well as how God continues to bless us every day! David has been working a lot with his job at Home Depot. He is usually up and out the door around 5:00 am (sometimes 4:30) and gets home around 4:00pm. And then he is grabbing a bit to eat and then either off to Care Group, Alpha, helping me with wedding details while in the process of working on homework and talking to me:-). I honestly don't know how he does it! God is gracious and kind to strengthen his body and give him the grace to keep going. I so appreciate the way David desires to provide and works so faithfully! I am truly one blessed girl!

I have been busy working on all the wedding details. Who knew there was so much to be done to have a wedding??? But God has truly blessed me with help from others. My friend Megan and my cousin Jenny have both recently gotten married and they have been a huge help! My sisters and friends have also helped so much. I am so grateful! With all the help and God's amazing grace, so far the wedding planning experience has been pretty stress free! And I have really been able to enjoy it. This week I am trying to line up a florist and begin working on the reception center pieces.

Over the weekend I went down to Maryland to see my wonderful husband to be! We had quite a full weekend but also lots of fun. Saturday we helped our friends Seth and Janet (we will be living in their basement) move into their new home and then we were off to register for the wedding. Any guy out there needs to give my man around of applause because he shopped for 6 hours with me and did such a great job! Sunday we went to Ikea with Seth and Janet...what a cool store! That was the first time David or I had been to an Ikea and we had so much fun imaging what kind of furniture we wanted in our basement apartment. Monday I had a second interview with Covenant Life for a secretary position. I really think I would love the job but trusting God for whatever door he opens or closes. On Monday I also changed my flight from leaving that night to leaving on Wednesday! 2 extra days spent with David...YAY!!

I am so grateful to God for all the many ways he is blessing us! There are so many blessing but here are just a few this past week...when I got home my dad had purchased a couch for David and I from his friend! It is the cutest comfy couch! David has been needing a car and a guy from church offered to sell it to him below market value. I was at World Market today and was looking at a kitchen table that was on sale. I asked the sales lady if she would go any lower and by God's kindness I was able to knock $50 a table that was already on clearance. David's aunt and uncle are giving us their bed room furniture set. Seth and Janet are allowing us to rent out their basement. God is poring out abundant grace in all the wedding plans. And my list could go on and on of all they ways God is blessing!

So that pretty much wraps up the past week or so in our lives! We are blessed!

The Answer is...

2008-03-25T19:09:00.003-04:00

Great job to all who said our middle names were David Aaron and Hannah Rose!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T15:57:00.001-04:00

"Behold the Lamb, carrying all our transgressions
He freely takes our place; endures the lash,
the mocking and the laughter of those he dies to save.
But look again, the cross stands empty now
And He is risen!"

"Jesus thank you for the cross
for the blood that sets us free
crimson stain of all our sin
washed away in Your mercy"

I am so grateful for songs that point us to the gospel and are filled with truth! What a glorious day it is to reflect back on what Jesus has done for us all. Christ lived a perfect sinless life, was mocked, beaten, and suffered extreme pain to the point of death and then raised to life and is now seated at the right hand of His father! Jesus bore the wrath and punishment that I so rightly deserve but because of God's great mercy and love for us He sent His son as the sacrificial lamb to take our place. What amazing grace, what amazing mercy, and what amazing love! I am so thankful for the cross because through the cross the gospel is revealed, through the cross we can be redeemed and through the cross we can have eternal life. What else can I do but sing songs of praise to our God for what He has done over two thousand years ago today!

The Answer is......

2008-03-17T16:04:00.003-04:00

For everyone that is holdong their breath please give me a drum roll. If you can't do both then just give me a drum roll! The answer to our multiple choice question was "Brian Regan Show". This is one of both of our favorite comedians. This would be the first official date that we went anywhere by ourselves to an event. We would always do events with our group of friends but this was the FIRST REAL OFFICIAL DATE! We also celebrated by buying a bottle of fake champaine (sparkling grape juice) to add remembrance and special significance to the date! So all that said THE BRIAN REGAN SHOW you win the prize! I don't know what that is but ill let you know! Don't call me, I'll call you! ha

Airport Troubles

2008-03-16T23:34:00.003-04:00

WELL....I had the most wonderful, amazing, incredible, glorious weekend with my fiance'!!! We tried not to talk about the wedding details and just enjoy being best friends (or as we like to say, BFOATs... Bestest Friends Of All Time) and enjoying being engaged this trip. It was so wonderful to reconnect with my love and live everyday normal life with him. Oh how I can't wait until these weekends turn into a life time!

So I dropped David off at the airport tonight at 6:30pm to catch his 7:35 flight. But after he checked his bag he called me and said his plane was delayed and was not supposed to leave until 8:20pm. I got really excited about this, so I parked my car and came inside so that I could spend every minute possible with him before he left! :-) As we were sitting there talking we continued to check the departure time on the screen (which continued to say 8:20 mind you). So we decided 7:45pm would be a good time to say our last goodbyes and all he would have to do is walk through security. As we began to say goodbye we hear his name over the intercom say "David DeVries please get to gate B10 for your departure flight."

So David proceeds to run through security and then to his gate just to realize he is a second to late! The plane had arrive much sooner than expected said the ticket lady but they never changed the screen. They were able to get him another flight to Maryland tonight, but first he had to fly to Chicago and then fly to Maryland. The poor guy will not get home until 2:00am!!!

Gratefulness

2008-03-13T22:49:00.005-04:00

I cannot put into words how grateful I am to have David in my life! David is a man who selflessly serves and cares for me. He is a man who leads, takes initiative and encourages my soul. David can always make me laugh and put a smile on my face! He is diligent, faithful and such a hard worker. He pursues God with his whole heart and provokes me with his passion for the gospel. David is a man who is very teachable and humble, always quick to ask for input. I am so grateful to God for putting David in my life. My love, respect and appreciation for him grows daily. I am so grateful for this man and blessed beyond words to be able to marry him! I love you David!

It is David's turn to come to Cleveland this weekend! I am so excited to see him! Woohooo!!!!

Snow and More Snow

2008-03-09T13:42:00.005-04:00

In Cleveland, Ohio you never know what the weather will be. It is always changing. We can have sun and 50 degrees and then the next day have 15 inches of snow. But after living in Cleveland my whole life and thinking about a more constant weather pattern in Maryland, as funny as it sounds I will miss the crazy weather here!

Friday night the snow started and by Saturday afternoon we were covered in a thick blanket of snow...

The path to our front door

Our neighbors car

The man post: posted by david

2008-03-08T14:45:00.004-05:00

Just to let you know this post has nothing to do with the wedding or preparations for the wedding but I just wanted to exert my manliness in a time of my life where flowers are the norm and color schemes are floating around my head. Dresses are flowy and little girl dreams are realized! Weddings are so wonderful but I fear that men can get lost! ha

I Cor. 16: 13-14 (speaking to men)
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Let all that you do be done in love.

In an honor of scripture I want to a man and be strong. So please excuse me as I talk about manly things for a minute. Football, now that is manly. It is muscle on muscle, Bron upon Bron. The bigger you are, the harder you fall. The sweat and twinging muscles makes men proud and brings untold chivalry to our hearts. Boxing is the same way. Pounding each other in competition brings out excitement in men .
The last part of the scripture is where manliness needs to be altered from the worlds perspective. It says let all that you do be done in love. So in being a man, enjoying competition we need to love our neighbors and and in my case I want to lead, encourage, love, and respect my fiance in all areas. Please keep me accountable for purity, leading and leading spiritually my soon to be wife! The scripture also says to stand firm in the faith. I want to be a rock and firm in the faith for my future wife. Now that is the picture of a man! Humble leadership, leading his family toward God and serving whenever possible! May God give me the grace in his strength to do this! But it still does not mean that we love some great football! ha

Engagement Pictures!

2008-03-03T14:06:00.003-05:00

Pictures taken by Kristen Synder

kristenleighphotography.blogspot.com

Maryland

2008-03-02T08:05:00.000-05:00

When David first moved to Maryland we tried to see each other once every 4-5 weeks (which to me seemed more like 4-5 years :-) ) But now since we are engaged we are trying to see each other every other weekend! This is absolutely AMAZING! I can't wait for the day when these 2 weeks shrink down to EVERY DAY!!! What a joy that will be!

This weekend it was my turn to visit. The weekend has been full and wonderful...wedding planning, engagement pictures:-) , celebrating with his family, hanging out with friends, looking at an apartment and of course spending time with the LOVE OF MY LIFE! Our dear friends are in the process of purchasing a house with a basement apartment. David and I had the opportunity to go look at the basement yesterday. It was really cute and I think it would serve us well. It is so exciting to think about and begin planning are life together. I love being engaged and have no doubt that I have the best fiance' ever!

Let the Celebration Begin

2008-02-28T17:19:00.000-05:00

Its finally official! I can now actually marry the woman of my dreams. This past Monday and Tuesday Hannah was very busy at work. She nailed down a church, recepti0n hall and bridesmaids dresses. So everyone mark your calenders, this happy union is going to commence on August 9th in the year of our lord 2008. I thought this would be an easy date to remember when I have Alzheimer's! All you have to do is think of two numbers. 8 and 9. so just go 8-9-8 and there you have the date! So this should prevent me from forgetting an anniversary down the road. Not that that would ever happen but I figure I will make it as easy on myself as possible! The church is Hope community. It is very accessible from the highway! Please keep me and Hannah in your prayers for grace and faith and to keep God at the center of all we do!

Thankful!

2008-02-24T20:45:00.000-05:00

Well it has been a week of lots of phone calls, dress shopping, visiting different churches and halls, searching online and a week revealing my heart. Last night I was talking to David on the phone and was feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions that needed to be made. As we continued to talk David was so kind and gracious to direct my heart back to truth. He reminded me that, yes we will need to make these decisions, but that our focus should be not on which church we use or where we have the reception but on bring glory to God! And that we get an opportunity in all these areas to trust Him and rely on this grace in this process!

I am so thankful to God that this engagement and soon to be marriage is not about me. It is about bringing glory to His name. It is about living a life completely dependent upon is grace. It is about rejoicing in the the finished work of the cross! It is about God carrying out His perfect plan. It is all about HIM!!

Not to us, but to your name alone

Be all the glory, the glory forever

For your faithfulness and steadfast love

Receive the glory, the glory

Belongs to you

The Details

2008-02-24T18:16:00.000-05:00

Now to fill in the details of all that are wondering what i really said during the elleged blank out by my now future wife. First I did not just say gibberish or talk about ligers bred for their skills and magic but if fact if I recount right I got the distint privilage to first bring out some of her finest qualities.

First her Servanthood is matched by none that I have met, serving me at a long distance, giving herself to the tireless and faithful service of the church and to serve her family so faithfully! but in all this I never once heard grumbling or complaining. Another quality that I so admire about my fiance is her humility and teachability. She always asks for my input into her life and responds to my correction by looking into her heart and examining her motives. Her laugh and smile brightens up even the darkest room and helps me laugh at myself. This all speaks of her love for God and her whole hearted commitment towards him in everything that she does!

As I bent down on one knee I asked her to give me the greatest privilage and honor that anyone could bestow upon me. This is where our stories coincide with her Leaping toward me saying YES YES YES!! The best words (besides your sins are forgiving) that this sinners ears have ever heard. She is the greatest gift that God has given me! (or soon to give me on August 9th!!!!)

our journey

2008-02-23T10:33:00.001-05:00

The Count Down Has Begun

2008-02-21T18:06:00.000-05:00

24 weeks, 2 days and counting....

Will You Marry Me?

2008-02-18T23:39:00.001-05:00

Out to lunch!

The beach in Cleveland

The RING!!!! David did such a great job! I love it!

Many adjectives of excitement!!!!!

This was the question David asked me Friday afternoon. The question left me speechless and shocked for several minutes...but here is what I can remember:

David arrived late Thursday night in Cleveland (Valentine's Day) and said that on Friday afternoon he would like to take me out to lunch for Valentine's Day. I was so excited to see him and knowing that I had the opportunity to spend the whole day with him would be an absolute joy!! So he took me to this extremely nice restaurant for lunch which overlooked the lake. It was such a beautiful day in Cleveland, the sun was shining and the weather was not to cold, although we still had snow on the ground. There we ate a wonderful lunch together and to top it all off, David ordered chocolate fondue. What a treat! After lunch we drove to a near by beach to walk around on the snow covered sand. Being in Cleveland in the winter we had the whole beach to ourselves. We then went to sit on a big rock to exchange our Valentine's Day cards. David opened my card and then he gave me his sweet card. After cards he gave me this box and said that it was a really silly gift and that I should not even try to guess what it is because there is no way I will. So as I unwrapped the gift I was surprised to find it to be a pop tart box. This was very exciting to me because I absolutely love poptarts! And I was thinking that this was a great gift...little did I know what the box really contained. David said, lets open up the box to have a poptart. As I opened the box there was a small box inside...I looked to him and said what is this? Then he proceeded to take the box out of my hands and began his proposal.

Now this is the point where I am completely taken off guard and have a loss of memory because I can't remember anything he said to me from here on out. All I can remember is him saying will you marry me? And I responded by saying, YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!!

At this moment I am overwhelmed by the kindness of God to allow me to have such a wonderful man in my life. I think to myself, what did I do to deserve him? And the answer is...I don't deserve him, but in God's mercy and kindness I am the most BLESSED girl in the world to be the future Mrs. David DeVries! I love him so much and cannot wait for the day when I can call him my husband!