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September 21, 2007
It's Official!!
On September 19, 8 weeks after meeting me for the first time, Steve proposed! And I accepted :). Although we had talked about it, his actual proposal came as quite a surprise. Here's a picture of my beautiful ring, then I'll give you the details.
(Click to see a larger image.)
Wow! So, we went up to a place in Austin called Mount Bonnell (not BONNell, but BonnELL). It's a little park at the top of one of the hills where you can look out and see the city and the lake. I was totally unsuspecting when Steve said he wanted to go there before we went to meet his mom for dinner (I had met her over lunch the day before and she approved :). As we were walking up the path I noticed that it seemed like there were only couples at this place. (Later I found out that this is the number one spot for engagements in Austin.) Anyway, we got up to the top and were looking around and taking pictures. It was nice and I still had no idea what was about to happen. Then we went and sat down on a bench and were talking. Steve said that he had written a prayer that he wanted to pray for us. Believe it or not, even this didn't make me suspect anything! I knew I was leaving in a couple days and I just thought he wanted to pray because of that. So, he prayed a lovely prayer (I didn't peek at his paper!). Then, he said he had some things he wanted to tell me. About halfway through that part, he got down on one knee. Finally, I realized what was about to happen! He finished saying some more lovely things to me and asked me to be his wife. I said an enthusiastic yes and he brought out the ring. It is gorgeous, as you can see from the picture, and I'm still fascinated by how it looks on my finger :).
When I get back to Kiev in a couple of days, I'll be talking with my bosses there about my MTW obligations and based on those discussions, we'll set a wedding date. I'll be sure to keep you all posted on that!
I am the last person in the world I would have ever imagined to decide on marriage this quickly, but I think it's the right decision. It will still be probably 6-9 months before the wedding so that's not such a big rush. With all of our special circumstances, Steve really wanted to get engaged now instead of waiting until the next time we would see each other. I wasn't so sure when he was asking my opinion about it, but now that it's done, I agree that this was a good idea :).
Now my question for all of you is: Do you ever take off your engagement ring and if so, when/why?
Enjoying the sparkle on my finger,
Dawn
| By Dawn | 04:26 AM
Comments
Dear Dawn,
You have and will continue to change my life. Thank You for being you. Thank the Lord for making you the person you are today. I love you.
Steve
Posted by: Steve at September 21, 2007 06:11 AM
WOW!! Congratulations, you two! That's pretty exciting news!
Posted by: Megan at September 21, 2007 06:48 AM
I'm definitely NOT a blogger but just had to take this opportunity to tell you how happy we are for you. I can't tell you how many times I have prayed that God would bring you and 'Mr. Right' together and has He answered prayer or what? What a whirlwind romance ! Sounds to me that Steve is Mr. Right for sure... Hope to see you and meet Steve soon in Seattle. Congratulations !!
Pam and Bob
Posted by: Pam and Bob at September 21, 2007 07:48 AM
Dawn,
We are SOOO happy for you! Enjoy the attention you'll be getting! Congratulations, and we will continue to pray for you both!
As for the ring, you'll probably never take it off until you've been married for a while--that's when you'll realize you're old married folk like us, ha, ha!
Posted by: Dyan at September 21, 2007 03:26 PM
Hello, my dear friend.
All I can say is....WOW! You and Steve actually beat Brian and me regarding the time between meeting and the time between getting engaged. =) (Of course, I'm counting from the time we were "introduced" to each other, not when we actually met face to face for the first time. Otherwise, I think we might have you beat!) I'm so happy for you both and thank the Lord for His answers to many prayers on your behalf. Enjoy this time! Love you!
Posted by: Debbi at September 21, 2007 04:37 PM
congratulations! this is brynne from the slovakia team. i've loved reading about your budding (who am i kidding? it's full blown!) romance and i am so excited for you!
i look forward to hearing how your and steve's story will continue...
congrats again!
brynne
i only ever took off my engagement ring when we went to the beach, though my jeweler tells me i should take it off every time i shower and go to sleep.
Posted by: Brynne Lancaster at September 21, 2007 04:48 PM
Beautiful ring, by the way! Steve has good taste!
Posted by: Debbi at September 21, 2007 05:05 PM
it is nice to see a clear photo of the ring after seeing the blurry one from the other day. it truly is beautiful. i looked here last nite to see if this was entered and it wasn't, so tho't you wouldn't get it in until you were back in kiev. i'm glad it is up:)
i'm especially glad this day has come for you. we look forward to getting to know steve better. luv, mom
Posted by: martha10 at September 21, 2007 05:30 PM
Congratulations! I'm so excited for you! It's so wonderful to see how the Lord brought the two of you together. We'll continue to pray for you in the next phase of your relationship.
Steve, you did good! The ring is absolutely gorgeous!!!
Dawn, I take off my ring only on two occasions: when it needs cleaning and when I'm baking bread. I can't bear to dough stuck to it. :)
Posted by: Lori at September 21, 2007 05:48 PM
Congratulations! To believe it was only a few weeks ago that we dragged Steve (not quite kicking and screaming) over to the Ukraine. We had no idea how God could use a simple mission project to bring two people together. (And yes Steve, when you step outside your comfort level God will bless you in amazing ways!).
~ Soli Deo Gloria
Posted by: Stephen & Kim at September 21, 2007 11:16 PM
Dawn, I am THRILLED and so happy for you and Steve! God is so good! It sounds like Steve managed to surprise you pretty well--way to go, Steve :)!
The ring is gorgeous and looks wonderful on your finger :). The only time I take mine off is when I go skiing at the lake--which isn't very often--and to clean it--which sadly enough isn't very often either :).
I will be praying for you both in the coming weeks and months. Enjoy this fun, exciting time!
Rejoicing with you,
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie at September 21, 2007 11:57 PM
WOW!!! What a rock!!! Congratulations!!!
Steve not only has good taste in women, he
has good taste in rings!!
Keep us posted-we'll be there, and happy to help
out with big event!!
Posted by: Betsy at September 22, 2007 12:08 AM
I had to comment again. Such a beautiful ring. I remember when I got mine so, so long ago!! It wasn't big, but felt like the most dazzling thing I'd ever seen. Knowing someone had sought it out for me, to say to me I was unique in the world, meant a ton. Yours is a beautiful, beautiful ring and my respect for this guy has multiplied. I am especially thrilled for you, but also thanks for adding such excitement to our lives by this good news. I'm kidding, because I'm most especially happy that this good thing has happened to my hard-working, beautiful, fun, positive, patient niece. I do feel a little guilty now that I haven't worn my ring that much in the past few years. I only wear silver and my wedding band is gold. We hope to switch over, but haven't yet. Sounds very unromantic, but there you have it. Takes all kinds to make the world go round. Best, best wishes, km
Posted by: kathy at September 22, 2007 03:09 AM
Congratulations again! The ring is absolutely beautiful and looks exactly like your style. I can't wait to meet Steve and welcome him into the family.
Posted by: holly at September 22, 2007 03:44 AM
Way to Go! What a lucky guy Steve is ( I guess I should say blessed--that too!) I rejoice with you.
Loopy Patterson
Posted by: Loopy Patterson at September 22, 2007 04:03 AM
CONGRATULATIONS dear Dawn!
I have always prayed for you and I am so happy to hear that soon you will be getting married. Praise the Lord!
You're my special friend, thanks a lot for everything. Say hello to Steve from me and Aaron,
Nina
Posted by: Nina at September 23, 2007 03:31 PM
Dawn-
Congratulations again! We are so excited for you and Steve. He told me today that Max prayed specifically last week during worship at SPRC that you would get engaged. How's that for an answer to prayer! Very exciting. I'm sure that you are still floating... as is Steve.
Blessings-
whit (and Heather)
Posted by: Whit at September 23, 2007 09:40 PM
what a wonderful time for you guys! we're looking forward to meeting Steve and determining whether he can hang with the Brady girls. In the words of Lord Byron, "like the measles, love is most dangerous when it comes late in life." much love, Christy
Posted by: Christy & Bryan at September 23, 2007 10:57 PM
just had to comment again as I am so proud and
happy for steve and dawn it brings tears of joy
to my heart. it is so wonderful to see the sparkle
in steve's eyes. i know he is counting the days
to see dawn again. don't worry my son it will soon
be time and you will be together. a prayer for you.
the lord of heaven and earth bless you steve and dawn with love and happiness. amen...........
love,
mom
Posted by: Kathy at September 24, 2007 03:39 AM
wishing you all joy. ;>
LOVE,
kate
Posted by: kate at September 24, 2007 04:42 PM
What a very sweet future mother-in-law you have!
Posted by: Debbie at September 25, 2007 03:30 AM
Okay, I'm SOOO behind. I hadn't heard from Dawn in awhile and I just thought, Hmmm...ought to check the blog...Wasn't she going to Austin soon? Uh, yeah. Heather's a little out of it.
Way to go Steve. That ring is probably the first one I've seen since mine that I LOVE. It's gorgeous.
Okay, so where is the wedding going to be? Because I'm really rooting for Austin so I can come!!!
I love you Dawn! So very much! And I'm so happy! Yeah!
P.S. I never take my ring off. I did for awhile because I seemed to bang it into the wall in my sleep but once I got over that I didn't want to. Once I forgot to put it on to wear to church and I was horrified. I felt naked. Very very naked. Sometimes I take it off if I'm cooking or doing dishes that are nasty. Other than that...I don't.
Posted by: Heather at September 25, 2007 08:04 PM
Dawn!!
So happy for you all!! This is wonderful news!!!
Love the ring!!
James and I got engaged after 14 weeks, so we were not too far off on your 8 weeks. :)
God's rich blessings on your both!
Love, Debbie M. ( Your old roomie) :)
Posted by: debbie M. at September 25, 2007 09:04 PM
whew! now heather and debbie know! i wanted to at least give you guys a hint, but i tho't that pretty soon you would look and see what had happened:) all you former ukrainians are keeping pretty busy going to each others' weddings, aren't you? martha
Posted by: martha10 at September 26, 2007 03:57 AM
Friends!! and Future Mom In-Laws!
We are both very excited. We very much appreciate all the comments and excitement from everyone! Dawn is working hard on the date and some of the details we know everyone wants to know, including us! It all depends on when she can leave Kiev for Austin.
The Wedding will be in the US, and most likely Tyler but maybe Austin. We are leaning a bit more towards Tyler but we need to work on the date and then work on where. When we know more everyone will be sure to get notified.
Posted by: Steve at September 26, 2007 04:56 AM
Excellent! I'm coming! Hurrah! As long as it's in Texas I'll be there! WooHoo! I'm so excited!
Posted by: Heather at September 28, 2007 10:43 PM
I keep checking the site to see about the date. I thought it was great to see Steve's note running interference about how you are working on it, but it takes time. I'm sure it's a lot of wedding pressure and it's good to see (even though, do you need all of our opinions??) that steve is stepping in to explain. I can tell I'm going to like him (again, who needs this sort of opinion, but I'm always happy to give it - it's a grimm thing :>) Just looking forward to celebrating your connection. hope you are both doing well and the phone bills aren't too astronomical. :>) take care,KM
Posted by: kathy at September 30, 2007 01:06 AM
You can always elope, and have a big first anniversary party!! Just kidding!!
We're very flexible-so just do what works for you
all-it's not about anyone but the two of you!!
I'm sure everything will work out just great!!
Posted by: Betsy at September 30, 2007 09:48 PM
Kathy, you are always welcome to give opinions about how much you like Steve :).
Posted by: Dawn at October 2, 2007 11:08 AM
Congratulations Dawn and Steve!!!
I'm so excited for you. Ed and I have been following what's been happening on your blog and email. (We especially liked the "things I like about Steve" email.)
I think it's great. We look forward to actually meeting Steve someday soon. He sounds wonderful.
To weigh in on the "ring-taking-off" question.
I finally took my ring off after being married for 10 years, because Ed gave me a "replacement" for it - an anniversary band with ten little square diamonds.
But until then, I rarely took it off - except to go to work as an RN in the newborn nursery at the hospital. I safety pinned it inside my uniform pocket.
Your ring is really beautiful! There's a family joke in my family - when my great aunt got engaged, she would use any excuse to wave her hand in front of people to get them to notice her ring - including waving toward the pasture and saying, "Have you seen my father's cows?" So that phrase (in the McCampbell family) means "Hey, look at the ring on my finger! I'm engaged and really excited about it!!" (You have to say it in a rather hoity toity tone :)
Enjoy showing off "your father's cows"
:)
Love
Betsy
Posted by: BetsySund at October 3, 2007 06:13 AM
Congratulations! Such wonderful news! Looking forward to hearing more. Steve sounds like a great guy and it sounds like a wonderful proposal. So very happy for you!
Posted by: alli at October 3, 2007 05:52 PM
I am always happy to hear nice things about me, especially from people who love Dawn so much! I am thankful that I am one of the many that love her, It would have been nice to have started sooner, but God had some plans we both needed to complete before He was ready for us to meet. We are here now, Yea!!
Posted by: Steve at October 4, 2007 05:18 AM
Steve, you are a wise man. This coming from Dawn's friend Dawn who married at 34. I can testify that she is worth the wait! It's an added blessing to come into this marriage with maturity and grace. Though I always prayed contentment for Dawn, I rejoice with ya'll in God's provision for you in one another.
I'm so glad you'll be in Austin! It's close enough to come play with us anytime.
Posted by: Dawn Gorman at October 25, 2007 05:31 PM
What a beautiful ring! What an incredible couple! I can't wait to meet Steve. My mom and I are hoping to be able to come to your wedding, whether in Tyler or Austin--Florida is far from both :-) We are rejoicing with you. By the way, my kids know you as "your friend with the convertible that made you all act crazy." Yep, you made an impression. Love to you both!
I guess I'm on the practical side. I take my rings off every night to give my finger some time to breathe. Part of the problem is they fit a little more snug than they did 13 years ago--go figure :-)
Posted by: Melanie at October 25, 2007 09:07 PM
Hey Dawn! I'm so excited for you! Reading your story brings back such wonderful memories! I take my ring off when I shower, I'm afraid it will fall down the drain or something terrible like that. I also take it off when I knead bread dough. Sometimes I take it off to sleep, but not usually. Just wait till you get the wedding band to enhance the sparkle of your beautiful engagement ring!!!!
Lots of love!
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen at October 25, 2007 09:14 PM
I don't take my ring off except if:
1. I'm cleaning. Bleach and cleaners are so bad for gemstones and fine metals. Be careful.
2. I'm doing dishes or something gunky.
3. My hands are swelling up. I take the rings off preemptively so I don't have to run the risk of cutting them off.
Congratulations so much!
Posted by: Krista at November 1, 2007 03:28 PM
my fear of losing my ring overpowered my fear of damaging it. you can always wear rubber gloves when cleaning with really strong chemicals which are usually harder on your hands than they are on good metals and stones:) doing dishes often seemed to brighten the shine. i know ammonia cleans the diamond nicely on occasion. so far i haven't lost my ring (almost 40 yrs.) and i know i would have if i took it off for all the cleaning, goopy jobs (dirty diapers?), etc. i always tho't it was a metaphor of the marriage. if the ring couldn't take a little hardship, it wasn't worth being the great diamond (hard) and metal that it is. it isn't meant to be pampered but to be enjoyed on occasion i.e. not the focus of attention just as each individual isn't to be the focus. you can probably come up with more metaphorical statements. now i have the ring my mom wore. hers was bought at the end of WWII and it is still going strong:) (a little over 60 yrs. ago.) m
Posted by: martha10 at November 1, 2007 05:33 PM