SPACE Since Julie and I started dating she had been dropping not so subtle hints of what kind of engagement ring she would like. Soon into the search, I found one that I loved and knew she would love too. After an Eagles game the Sunday afternoon before Thanksgiving, I asked Brian to take a ride with me and when we got to the jewelery store they told us the bad news. The ring would have to be special ordered and it could take up to six weeks to get the ring in. The saleswoman, Randi, offered me a larger replacement ring with a size adjuster making it the right size for Julie’s finger.
SPACE After a long night of asking Fuzz, my sister and mother what they thought I should do, I made up my mind to take the replacement ring that way I could ask Julie the weekend following thanksgiving. On thanksgiving we had a great day with our families ending up at Julie’s brother Matt's house. We everyone was leaving I hung around to tell him my "plans” for the weekend, Matt and Melissa were ecstatic. I told them my plan about a light board and an idea about babysitting Emily (Julies Niece) sat night. The next day for about 6 or 7 hours we hung out and created a light board that read "Marry Me Julie?". Being at Matt's house my Cell phone doesn't get reception so when we were finished I had a few voice-mails from Julie, who was already home from work and wanting to hang out. That night I really wanted to ask Julies father for permission to marry his daughter. So while Julie was in the other room I rambled and jumbled into a conversation with her Father eventually, I got the words out and Mr. Wells with a big smile gave me a hug and said welcome to the family. With a big burden off my shoulders I sat back on the couch in relief while Mr. Wells walked into the kitchen. He pulled out 4 glasses and a bottle of champagne but my mind and mouth were still in relief mode. The champagne cork popped just as Julie and her mother walked in the kitchen. Since neither Julie nor her mother knew of my plans Mr. Wells and I were forced to come up with some excuse for the champagne, but I'm pretty sure the girls knew what was going on.
SPACE On Saturday we arrived at Matt and Melissa to babysit and they had everything set up. I tried to act like I always do on ordinary babysitting nights, while my nerves raced. Emily was great and just wanted to sit and read books instead of the usual run around crazy. I riled Emily up a little so I could get her to flick the light switch and turn on the light board in the backyard, which could be seen through the sliding glass doors. I picked Emily up so that she could flick the light switch as we had practiced. In trying to help Emily out and we knocked over a decoration on the wall. Julie came over to help pick up the decoration, just as Emily flipped the switch perfectly. Julie placed the decoration back on the wall and asked if the light switched did anything. I replied that it did I went to put Emily on the floor and get down on one knee. Julie proceeded to flip the light switch 6 or 7 times furiously before she looked outside and saw the sign.
SPACE When she looked back I was on one knee with the ring out and she was already starting to tear up. I told her I loved her very much and asked if she would be my wife. She said Yes and we hugged I told her I had a whole speech planned but that's all I could get to come out.
SPACE After enjoying the moment just the two of us Julie raced off to call everyone. Within minutes the house was full of our friends and family. It was so great having so many people there with us to celebrate! Julie and I are both looking forward to an amazing year!!! And I thank everyone for their help and support.

 

~ Justin