Engagement

Five years ago Nels popped the big question. Here's my side of the story.

After school on Friday, Nels picked me up and we went to Salt Lake. It was probably about 6:30 or 7 p.m. when we got there. We were just window shopping and taking our time, but Nels was acting really weird. He wasn't talking very much and he seemed on edge. Nels had made reservations at the Melting Pot for 8 p.m. So after walking around a bit, we went to the restaurant. The waitress took us back to our booth table. On the table are three red roses in a vase. I looked at the other tables and they didn't have any roses. "Oh, thank you Nels for the flowers!" He just kind of smiles...he's still acting pretty weird. I try to start a conversation with him, and then suddenly he is down on one knee next to my seat. I don't remember everything he said, but I do remember this part, "Rebecca Daisy will you marry me..." he was about to say something else but I jumped in with "Yes!" Then he finished with something like "and be with me forever." Then I said yes again. Then he put the ring on my finger. The waitress came by and took our picture. After that Nels was normal and talked and talked. The dinner was amazing and truly a night to remember!

Here's the photo that we had taken. Don't we look so young and innocent?

Here's Nels' version of the evening:

I picked up the ring that afternoon. It came in a wooden box. I was really nervous and excited because I knew what I was going to do! We had gone ring shopping earlier in our relationship, so Becky knew that sooner or later I might propose. We had narrowed the ring choice down to three, but I knew the one I got was her favorite. She did not know about the diamond choice. I had to learn about diamonds, so that I could pick just the right one. I determined that she would have a really good 'cut' and 'clarity', so I got one that was cut to show 'hearts and arrows'. (I still think that the precision engineering shown on her diamond is amazing.)

Anyway, I had learned about the Melting Pot from Clark, who would soon be my best man. It was pretty late in the week to get an earlier time, so I figured we'd walk around Salt Lake City for a bit. However, I had that huge box in the pocket of my khaki pants; I wasn't wearing a jacket, so I just knew that Becky would notice it! When she'd walk on one side of me, I'd switch the box to the opposite pocket; luckily, she never caught me in the act! I just didn't want to hand her the ring all by itself when I asked her. (Hey, it's a cool looking box!)

I planned all day as to how to phrase what I was going to ask. I had it all worked out in my head, so I couldn't talk too much because I was sure I'd forget what I was going to say. It ends up that I could've phrased it, "Will you marry me?"; THAT would've been a LOT easier to remember....

I asked her, "Rebecca Daisy, will you marry me and be my best friend and lover accompanying me through life and eternity?" So, yeah, in hindsight, it's no wonder she'd forget my exact words because once a girl hears 'marry', she gets excited in either a really good or a really bad way. Well, I'm still thrilled that Becky said, "YES, YES, YES!" to me because she will always be my sweetheart.

Spring break was great! It was very, very nice to do something besides work! We went to Chicago and visted Nels' family in Valparaiso.

We drove up to Valpo on Saturday. We went with Nels' family to the Bass Pro Shop. I'm not really into the whole camping, fishing thing, but this store was pretty fun. Anna-Lisa (Nels' youngest sister) and I practiced our fancy shooting skills at the stores shooting gallery. It was a lot of fun and Anna-Lisa beat my score every time! We went to Red Robin afterwards. Although they are known for their burgers none of us ordered a burger like we usually do. I ordered a hawaiian chicken sandwich and Nels got Fish! But we did enjoy the bottomless fries.

Monday and Tuesday we went to Chicago and instead of driving we took the train back and forth. It was a lot less stressful than driving. On the train Nels and I read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. I love reading books with Nels and it helped the train ride to go by faster.

Our first stop in Chicago was the Field Museum. It was our lucky day too, because every second Monday, Target sponsors free admission to the museum. So we got in for FREE. Of course we saw Sue the world's largest, most complete and most famous T. rex. It's hard to miss since it's the first thing you see when you walk in. Other exhibits we went to were Ancient Egypt and Ancient Americas. An odd exhibit was all about soil. Throughout the whole exhibit I kept making a face and saying "ewwww!" Here's a couple of pictures:

Sue the dinosaur--the head alone weighed 600 lbs.! The whole thing weighed 5 tons!

We had fun walking, reading, and learning together. Inside the Field museum was a Corner Bakery. I love this place! They took our order and then about ten minutes later they came to our table with a chocolate cake and sugar cookie. They said that they were sorry, but our order was going to take about 5 minutes longer so they gave us these desserts for free. Who care's if it spoils the healthy lunch we paid for, we gobbled up the chocolate cake and it was GOOD.

Tuesday we spent the afternoon walking up and down Michigan Avenue in Chicago. This is where all of the shops are like Nordstrom, Levi's, GAP and hundreds more. It's fun to just window shop like at Tiffany & Co and Saks Fifth Avenue. Ha! We didn't even try to go into those places. Maybe someday and maybe not. For now we were content looking in the Apple Store and my other favorite stores below. Ghirardelli's and the Hershey Store are wonderful. Ghirardelli's always gives free samples and Hershey's was giving samples too. I just like looking at all that candy! We did end up buying these awesome ice cream bowls. Nels got the Reese's and mine is the Hershey's. We tried them out yesterday with a lot of ice cream and they worked great! I can finally say that I have eaten the Chicago Deep Dish pizza from the renowned Gino's East. We ordered a small supreme which was 4 slices and about 3 inches deep and we ate it all! So good! We forgot to bring white out or some other marker so that we could write on the walls. All we had was a pen. But we managed to find a very small white space to write our initials. Aw!So last but not least, we went and saw the musical Wicked! Wow! We both thoroughly enjoyed the music, the story, everything. They wouldn't let us take pictures before, during or after the play so the only one I got was the sign outside. The link above takes you to some photos. But we would highly recommend seeing it.

We are slowly returning to normal life and are greatly anticipating the spring with warmer weather!

Chapstick

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet the President of Purdue University. Faculty, staff and students were invited to attend a reception for President France Cordova (she recently became the President). I attended, mainly for the food. :) I happened to be at the right place at the right time. She came in and started meeting and greeting people. I was the fourth person she saw and so she extended her hand. After a brief introduction she moved on and Dean Cosier (he's Dean of the Business school) occupied her time. I was only a few feet away and overheard and saw this exchange. President Cordova was quickly looking through her purse. The Dean leans over and asks, "Is everything all right, are you looking for something?" The President says, "My chapstick. I know it's in here." Another minute goes by without any luck. (I'm thinking in my head, "I have chapstick, but it's used. I don't think it's appropriate to offer my used chapstick to the pres.) So finally, Pres. Cordova says, "Oh well, I'll just use my lipstick." Well, the Dean quietly calls over one of his assistants and asks them to go buy a chapstick for her. A few minutes later right before Pres. Cordova goes up to speak she is handed a brand new chapstick. A look of relief and gratitude sweeps across her face as she quickly puts it on and then steps up to the podium. Now after reflecting on this, I thought to myself, "Wow, I wish I were that important, that when I say, 'I can't find my chapstick!' a few minutes later a new one is magically given to me. " I'm sure the Dean scored a few brownie points with his exceptional customer service. Quick fact: President Cordova's salary is $425,000 a year. So, maybe when I'm making that much I'll receive chapstick privileges. :)

Charity Ball

--Friday Night--

Nels and I dressed up and went to a Charity Ball that the MBA program hosted. The highlight of the evening was a live auction. Dances were auctioned off. A girl or boy would stand up and then people would bid for a dance with them. The lowest was for $40 and the highest was $110. Funny thing: One of the girls was being auctioned off and the bid was up to $50. The auctioneer stuck his foot in his mouth and said, "$50 that's a good price for her." The audience gasped and then he realized what he said and quickly tried to dig himself out by saying, "Oh, I bid $55, going once, going twice, sold to me!" Everyone was laughing so hard. Another time a girl was up there and her boyfriend was in the audience. The bid was getting up to about $75 and the auctioneer looks over at the boyfriend and says, "Are you going to step in any time soon?" The boyfriend finally did and ended the bidding with $100.

I remember watching date auctions on TV Sitcom's and thought they were hilarious so I really enjoyed watching this live auction.

There was also dinner and dancing. The food wasn't all that great, unfortunately. Also, the music was the kind you couldn't dance to very well. We mainly just talked with people and ate the one good food--delicious cheesecake. Here's a couple pictures:

I liked the color of the tickets.

Me, my boss Mary, and Rho a graduate assistant

This is not one of my favorite pictures, but I do like how we match. Nels was glad he had a tie that matched my dress, which is one of the reasons I wore it.

--Saturday Night--
Thank you for choosing the right airline and flying with LDS airlines. So funny! We went to a "How to Host a Murder" dinner/play. We went last year and loved it. We loved it again this year. The theme was an Airline and a theft that took place (instead of a murder). When we arrived at the church, they had the lines set up similar to the airlines. They checked our tickets with photo ID. Then we had to go through security. We had to take our shoes off, metal stuff and put them in a bin. Then we were taken to the waiting room and they had snacks for us. The "characters" of the play included the following:
Rockstar-He had a little guitar and some wild hair
Elder Delbert-just returning home from his mission
Loren Buffett-Warren Buffet's cousin
Grandma
Susan DeBop-Southern Bride (she was wearing a wedding dress)
Shana Fontanah
I can't even describe all of the funny things that were said and done. It was just great and perfectly played out. Oh, but I will say this... the Bride was the one that robbed the bank of $250,000 and was trying to get away because she wanted the fairy tale lifestyle. Only one picture which is of the snack bar in the waiting room.

Conference, Temple and Car Show

The day after Valentine's Day I had my big conference that I had been working on for the past 2 months. I actually woke up before 5:30 a.m.! It was a crazy, busy day, but it was a success! Over 150 people attended and we had about 30 volunteers helping us. The case competition went very well, with Purdue winning 3rd place. My feet were dead tired after the event, but it was worth it. My boss was very pleased and told me this conference was a lot better than last year. She also surprised me with a gift certificate to a spa for a manicure and pedicure. I love those type of rewards. :) If you want to learn more about the conference here's the website: http://www.gscmi.org/

Caught---The photographer took this picture. It's kind of cute. When my boss saw it she said, "Aw, the happy couple." I'll take that as a compliment. :)

This is where the conference was held, the Purdue Memorial Union North and South Ballroom.

I won't bore you with other pictures. Sooooo....

The next day (Saturday), after sleeping in we headed to Chicago. We went to the temple and we found a way there that we didn't have to pay any tolls! It was very nice to be there. Afterwards we went to the Chicago Auto Show. Nels and I have been to a car show every year that we've been married. Last year I endured two car shows! One was in Indianapolis and the other was in Chicago. We had a good time and Nels loved showing me all the things he loves and doesn't like about each car. Here are some pictures:

SWEET WHEELS!!! Nels is always looking at wheels so I took a few pictures for him.

Here are some pictures of the new concept cars. The top is a new Honda, the second row is a new idea for Jeep, the third one is a new Hummer and the last one I don't remember but I thought the orange color was awesome.

Give me some Ice Cream and I'm good for a little bit longer.

These were pretty cool--Jeep strollers!Last, but not least, Nels in front of the Volvo wagon, one of his "most" favorite cars that day.

Whirlwind of a Week!

To start off-Happy Valentine's Day! I hope everyone had a fun and maybe even romantic day! This year Nels did not do his normal flower and ice cream tradition and I actually did something for him. I had this crazy idea the day before Valentines of setting up a scavenger/treasure/challenges hunt for him to do at school. I worked all day so I asked Erik Christensen if he would help me out and be Nels' "guide" during the hunt. I also wanted Nels to have a guide so that pictures could be taken for my enjoyment later. :) I asked Nels the night before Valentine's day if he would do anything for me and if he would be a good sport the next day. He said he would, otherwise I probably would have done something different. Nels knew something was up, but he didn't know what.

This is how it went. Nels and Erik got out of class at 1 pm. Erik explained that he wanted to show Nels something after class. Thankfully, Nels went along with it and followed after Erik. Then Erik gave Nels the first clue which was written on a paper heart. Nels was definitely surprised. He figured out the clue which was "Dance, Dance, Dance for the world to see." (Behind the clue. Last year Nels, tired of studying, got up on the window ledge in a study/break room and did a little dance.) So Nels went to a break room and Erik video taped him dancing and singing a country love song. (As I had kindly requested on the next heart.)

The next challenge was a puzzle that Nels had to put together. The puzzle pieces had little love notes on the back of them. It was only a 25 piece puzzle with candy hearts on it.

The second clue led him to where I used to work in the Development office. One of my friend/co-workers had the next clue and gift. Nels received a huge Hershey Kiss and had to take a picture with his lips puckered. The next clue led him to where he works in the undergraduate career service center. The secretary there is so funny and she had the next clue. Judy is her name, and she kind of embarrassed Nels. The challenge was to hold a rose that I had left there between his teeth.

And the last clue was to go to the top of the parking garage and there Nels professed his undying love for me. Then he received a gift card to Cold Stone. Here are some pictures and the video of his efforts. Aw, he really does love me! He was definitely a good sport and I think in the end he had a good time.

Nels surprised me as well. His was a lot nicer than mine. When I got home from work he had dinner all ready for me. He grilled out steaks that he bought and did a special seasoning rub on them. He also salted the baked potatoes like Outback Steakhouse. Everything was delicious! He also rented a chick-flick movie. Isn't he sweet!

We were thinking about our gifts to each other and realized that we gave each other what we really wanted. I gave Nels, chocolate, a rose and ice cream (which is what I want) and Nels gave me a steak dinner (which is what Nels loves.) Oh well, in the end we share everything anyway, does it really matter who gave it?

More about the week and weekend will be posted later. :)

1st Kiss and Meeting the Parents

Our first date was on a Saturday, so the next day after church Nels called me. He asked if I wanted to go to a fireside that night. Of course, I said yes. He picked me up and then I don't really remember what happened next. But, the fireside somehow got cancelled. So we ended up going back to Nels' apartment. We talked for a long time again and then I had to go because I had class the next morning at 8. Nels had this big, huge bean bag chair which was actually called a love sac. We were both sitting on it and then I went to get up and Nels reached over and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. It was so quick that I barely realized he had kissed me! So, I said innocently, "What was that?" Then, he gave me a better kiss; don't worry, he's a good kisser.

From the day we met, we saw each other pretty much everyday after that. Nels had class at 8 in the morning, too. So, he would come pick me up at my apartment and walk me to class. We studied together, ate together and tried to spend as much time as possible with each other.

We like to say that it was love at first sight. And I guess that's the best way to put it. We just kept loving each other more and more.

Around February 12th or so, I mentioned that I wanted to go home to Idaho sometime ( I can't remember if I already said this or not, but we were both attending BYU) . My house was about 4 and half hours away. I wasn't expecting Nels to take me, but he quickly offered his assistance. So we planned to drive up on February 14th and spend the weekend there. Since it had been such a short time that we had known each other I wasn't expecting anything for Valentine's Day. I even told my roommate that I didn't think Nels would get me anything. Boy was I wrong!

When he came to pick me up for our road trip he had a bouquet of red roses and huge lilies in a vase and Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream!!!! That's the best gift ever!!!

I think we'll always remember our first drive to Idaho. We had a great time just talking. We made up a story together. I would tell the story for a while and then Nels would pick up where I left off and so on. We were so involved in telling this story that I didn't notice the exit signs. I totally missed the exit to my house. We looked up and I said, "These city names don't sound familiar." "Uh, oh!" So we were lost. I called my parents and said, "We are somewhere near Hamer (but I pronounced it hammer) ." My dad gave us directions back to where we should have been. Even now Nels will say, "Becky doesn't know how to get to her own house!" or whenever we're lost he'll say, "I guess we're in Hammer." Aw, memories.

Well, the weekend went very well. My family loved Nels. Another thing that we will always remember is that Nels ate all new things for the meals. I was craving some of my favorites and apparently they weren't normal meals. The first one was hawaiian haystacks. The second meal was breakfast with pancakes, but my dad does his pancakes differently. I don't eat them like my dad, but I wanted to "test" Nels to see if he would eat them like that. My dad puts butter and then sugar on his pancake. Then, he covers it with syrup and then pours milk over it. Nels actually tried it and didn't even say how odd it was. He just tried it with a smile. The third meal was my grandpa's enchiladas. I don't think very many people have tried these kind of enchiladas, but they are delicious. You fry a corn tortilla, then put a red tomato sauce over it, then lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cheese. Then you put another tortilla on top and continue to layer with the other ingredients. On the very top you put a fried egg. Mmmm, good. Nels was a good sport and ate his. He even likes them, but doesn't crave them like I do. Okay, so last but not least was a pork roast. My mom was feeling bad for Nels and said, "Don't worry, tomorrow for Sunday dinner we will be having roast." So mom puts out the white pork roast. Before that, Nels had only had beef roast, (he was curious as to how the meat was white!) so that ended up being a new meal for him too!

If you are still with me I have one last important detail that happened on our trip. On February 15, Nels and were sitting on the couch and he said, "I love you!" I said, "I love you too!" And that's that!