Where do I even begin with this story!?! I wish we were all just hanging out in Yogurtland so I could tell you in person because I’ve got a whole lot to say—> grab a snack and your water bottle and let’s get started. PS I was thinking about it the other day and there sure have been a lot of huge life changes on my blog over the years, thanks for sticking around for them all. I am beyond excited for you to get know Andrew better because he is the best of the best.
First, I introduced Andrew on the blog when I knew that the proposal was getting closer. We both knew from ehhhhhh about the third date that this was it but I didn’t bring him on here until after we had already gone ring shopping. I showed him the general idea of what I loved and he designed this ring on his own. My forearms are actually sore from the fact that 90% of the day I am angling my hand up so that I can stare at my ring.
It’s still kind of crazy to me how easy this decision has been for me. Over the last year or so I always felt like Brooke and I were happy and a perfect little family together and the ONLY WAY I was going to ever get married again was if the person could add to our happiness and fit every item on my checklist (which he completely does plus a whole lot more). I wasn’t going to get married to get married, I had to find that perfect for me person if I was going to get married.
I always tell Andrew that my decision over which bag of candy to get at 7-11 is a heck of a lot harder of a decision than the decision to marry him. I can’t imagine going a day without him and the way he treats Brooke too… it is better than my wildest dreams. As you can all remember, there were some extreme lows after my divorce and I lost hope about 30 times over the years that there was never going to be someone like Andrew but he came at the perfect time. So, have hope. If you are going through hurt and loneliness, it truly gets so much better than you can ever imagine.
God’s plan is the best plan. Andrew was beyond worth the wait and every tear along the way until I met him. I’d do it all over again in a heart beat if I had to.
A few weeks ago I told Andrew that my dream proposal included just the two of us doing something that we loved to do together. He totally agreed and like everything pretty much… we were on the same page. So, I really don’t have a lot of pictures (ehhh… any from that night really) but I’ll tell you about it in words instead.
I really didn’t think it was going to happen this last weekend as we were driving down to St. George because he had a really good story about why the ring wasn’t ready yet and it was quite believable. We started Saturday off in Salt Lake City together with his parents and then drove straight down to St. George. We got to his brothers house and hung out with them for a bit and then Andrew asked whether or not I wanted to go out that night, just in case I was tired. Because he played it off like it wasn’t a big deal or not to go out, I really didn’t think it was going to happen that night but I told him I wanted to go out for sure. We hit up our favorite restaurant for loads of carbs and then he drove me about 30 minutes to a lake.
He had already purchased a little boat and we took it out on the lake. At this point it was like 10 pm and we went out on the boat to star gaze (that is our absolute favorite thing to do together) and talk about everything. We were out on the lake (there was no one else out there) for a while and we saw a bunch of shooting stars. The stars were crazy bright because we were pretty far from any other city.
After the boat ride we went on a little hike to explore around the hills for awhile. He then started to say ridiculously sweet things but I still wasn’t thinking he was going to propose because that is Andrew for you… he is so good at communicating with me how he feels about me. He did seem a little bit different but I couldn’t figure out what it was (I think he was a little bit nervous) and at one point I was turned facing the other way and when I turned back around he was down on one knee and I screamed I was so excited. It was perfect. I was freaking out, I was so happy and I said yes probably 50 times in a row:)
He went over and talked to my parents (to ask my dad for permission;) last Wednesday and ended up talking to them for over 1.5 hours and my parents could not be any more thrilled about him being a part of our family. I really wish you could meet him because he is something else.
Brooke gave her permission too:) She asks about him all day long while he is at work. She wants to know when he will be coming over that day. I say 500 prayers of gratitude a day that Brooke will have such an amazing step-dad.
So there ya have it. We are getting married on August 20th (when you know you know and I can’t wait any longer) and our reception will have donuts there so get ready to hear about all of this over the next few months (and for me to ask you a million questions because I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to wedding planning).
We will be staying in the same area that I live right now and I literally cannot wait to start our life together married.
And best of all… we will be a family of 5. Andrew has a little boy about a month younger than Brooke and they are the best of friends (and I absolutely love him). They play nonstop for hours together and we both feel like we get the biggest bonus ever having such an amazing little family already (the fifth member being the pup.. she came down to St. George too;) from the very beginning.
We’ve got a pretty incredible future up ahead.
And before I let you go today, let’s talk about our run yesterday.
We told ourselves we were going to start our run at 7 a.m. to beat the heat. We said we were going to do 10 miles and bring money to stop at gas stations along the way for water. Did we do any of those things? No.
We left at 9 a.m. It was 75 degrees plus. We didn’t get any water. We ran 7 miles instead but at least it was gorgeous out and I had my favorite running partner ever with me.
You know it is a hot run when you stop to put your hair in the sprinklers to try to cool off.
After our run we went swimming (I don’t hate that he is a a sour candy person too… and it made for the perfect post-run snack ha) before driving home to get our kiddos.
I hope you are having a fabulous Tuesday and we will talk again real soon!
—————————————————————
Share any proposal stories…. I LOVE reading these!!
Can someone plan everything for us? We just want to get married, I want an awesome dress and good food. Thanks:)
Hottest race you have ever done before? How does your body handle the heat while running? Would you rather run in the extreme cold or the extreme heat?
202 comments
Hollie
I’m so happy for you Janae and it sounds like you are making the complete right decision. I’m like you that I’m more of a low key type of person. We don’t have any photos from the proposal night either because it was so low key. You’ll make a beautiful bride. Asking Brooke was the cutest thing ever.
Laura
Such a lovely story. So happy for you x
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
Congrats to you!
Kathy
Ah, you are getting married on my daughter’s birthday!!! How cool is that? (Well, maybe for me but ehh? for you. ha!)
How fun that he gets a daughter and you gain a son in the deal too…sounds perfect.;-)
Bet h
Congratulations Janae! I am so happy you are able to find someone who makes you smile and more! Looking forward to hearing about the wedding. :)
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
What a cool proposal story! Congratulations to you guys!
Laura @ Live, Run, Sparkle
Congratulations, I’m so happy for you. I give you credit for planning a wedding in just 2.5 months, you can totally pull it off though. Will Brooke be a flower girl??
Sam @ See Sam Run
What a wonderful story! I’m so happy for you and Andrew! I can only imagine how wonderful the wedding is going to be :)
heather @Fitncookies
Soo adorable! I’m so happy for you guys! My proposal was out on the lake. We take a family vacation every year to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland and it’s my favorite week ever. We had gone with my cousins by boat to a restaurant and he said let’s just go out the two of us and watch the sunset (it was a beautiful pink). Didn’t think anything of it and then in the middle of the lake at sunset he proposed!
Cori @ She's Going the Distance
congrats janae! We are all so happy that YOU’RE HAPPY!!! And a runner on top of it! Lucky ;)
my husband proposed to me in the first spot we met in georgetown (DC) along this wall of graffiti that sits along the potomac river. I had NO idea he was going to propose that day–i was busy in the running store buying my first Brooks sports bra at the time. And we just went for a stroll and staring at the river, he went down on one knee. it was so surprising and perfect :)
Angela @ happy fit mama
Congrats!!! What a sweet proposal story. i think I screamed what?!?! 50 times when my hubs proposed. You know it’s coming but when they surprise you, it totally takes you off guard!
Kaelin
I am so thrilled for you!!! It is really amazing what He has in store for us. Andrew sounds like an incredible man, and a perfect fit to your family. Congrats!!!
Emina
So happy for you!!!
Rosie
Congratulations! Very happy for you!
Julia
tell us how you met!!!!!! i need all the details hahahaha
Pantsuitsmom
I second this!!! ???
Caitlyn
Congrats, Janae! I’m really happy for you! The little video of him and Brooke made me tear up. So sweet!
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
Love it! I always told my now husband that I just wanted it to be us when he proposed too. I didn’t want to be a show for other people in a restaurant or anything. I love that he asked your dad and that he and Brooke are so close! That’s so important! I agree – why wait? I was not a fan of wedding planning. Everyone was asking, have you done x? Um, no? Am I supposed to do that?! I just wanted good food, good cake and all the people I love together, I don’t care about what your’e supposed to do!
Kristina Running
Awwww what a sweet story, especially that he surprised you even though you knew it was coming! He definitely sounds like a keeper because he treats you and Brooke well and respects your parents, plus you guys have fun together. And how perfect is it that Brooke finally gets her doggy! BIG congrats!!
Gretchen
What an amazing story! I can complete relate to the fact that you knew right away that he was the one for you. I felt the same way with my husband and couldn’t be happier! Congratulations Janae :)
D
Beyond happy for you!!!!! Wishing you years and years of happiness!
Amy
Congrats! So happy for you all!
Molly
This is such a wonderful story! I’m so happy for you :-)
My husband proposed (just 2 months ago) right after Saturday-morning-brunch in our apartment. He wanted to do it just like you wanted – just the two of us doing something we loved (we love baking biscuits and eating brunch, of course, because who doesn’t). But I was totally surprised!! Earlier in the morning, he had showered (not typically a pre-brunch activity) and started getting dressed in a pair of jeans. I “caught” him, and I was like, “Why are you wearing jeans? It’s a Saturday morning…” so he had to put back on sweatpants. He was trying to be a little tiny bit fancy! But I was wearing my glasses and my apron, so it was only fair. We got married just three week later, in his parents’ living room. It was a perfect day!
Jessica C
Whohoo! So happy for you Janae! I’ve been reading for over five years so I feel like a friend just told me this happy news! So very excited for you both! Have a wonderful day!!
Christina
What a sweet story. It’s true when you know, you know. He’s adorable and I can’t get over how u look alike lol maybe it’s the sweetness in the smile?
Love planning wedding/parties. Can’t wait to hear about it.
Cheryl
Omg I cried reading this! I’m a sap but I sort of feel like I know you! :) I’m so happy for you & Brooke. Your love story gives me hope! Congratulations & much love & happiness always!!
Marcie
SO excited for you! My husband and I got engaged after 2 weeks because we both just knew. It’s a little embarrassing to tell people that because it sounds so crazy, but it was the easiest decision I ever made. It’s been 11 years so far and it just keeps getting better. ?
Meredith @ the cookie chrunicles
Eeeeeeehhhh I am so excited for you!!!! Love the story! Ugh so so so happy for you :). I got engaged many moons ago at the Pierre hotel in NYC. I kinda knew it would be that weekend yet when it happened, I was so surprised! Anyway, I’m in wedding planning so please please feel free to ask me any questions :) I am seriously more than happy to help or steer you in the right direction
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
Isn’t it amazing how life works out? So happy for you!
Flower
Congrats! Love the video with Brooke.
Karen
August 20 is a GREAT day to get married. It is the date that my husband and I were married. We will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this year!
Congratulations!
Natalie
This is so perfect! I’m absolutely thrilled for you–seriously. And your story gives me hope that love really can happen even when you aren’t expecting it. :)
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
What a sweet proposal story! Congrats! My husband convinced me also that he didn’t have a ring on the night he proposed – and then really surprised me!
Beth @ Paces and Places
Yay yay yay!!! So happy for you. My husband and I got married less than 3 months after getting engaged too. Once I knew he was the one, I wanted to start life with him NOW! A few people tried to tell me I couldn’t plan a wedding that quick, but we had a perfect day with everything we wanted. Congrats!
Alisha
Janae!!!! So excited for you!! And this story gives me a lot of hope for my own future! What about food trucks coming to your reception, including a donut truck?!!? Could be epic. SO FREAKIN HAPPY FOR YALL!!!!!!
Mel_OutRunCF
Such a sweet proposal! Couples who run together, stay together, right? Haha My favorite life and running partner and I will be celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary on August 22nd. We have grown so much over the years (we were pretty young when we got married) but our mutual love of running has always been there. With a little one, we can’t run together as much as we used to but when we do, it’s always special.
Victoria
Congratulations! May you have a long and happy life together.
My husband and I just got married in February and our top priority was yummy dessert so a donut table should be all you need.
Except maybe also a candy table.
And a cookie table.
And come to think of it, we had 4 kinds of cake.
But no party favors or photographer. PRIORITIES PEOPLE.
Lisa @ TechChick Adventures
Oh wow, congrats!! I haven’t read any blogs this weekend and then I see this! I’m so happy for you. Looks like a great fit and it will be such an exciting journey for all of you! And a dog. Perfect :)
Michelle
Congrats!! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to hear all about wedding planning etc.
Amy
I absolutely love the faith and hope expressed in this love story! Thank you for sharing! Sometimes in the middle of the hard it’s difficult to see that it’s worth the reward at the end. Obviously this isn’t the end of difficult things for you, something else always comes up, but to get such a huge reward makes life feel possible again and like you can face another hard thing in the future. Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!
Jen
CONGRATULATIONS!!! What a great story and well deserved happy ending :)
Steph @ loveandlunge
he just sounds like the sweetest guy! a million congrats to you and enjoy this time, you deserve it! you two are just too cute together.
Lindsay
I am so beyond happy for you! I hardly ever comment, but I have been following your blog for many years through all the ups and downs. I was just talking to my friend on Sunday telling him how I’m almost 29 and almost about to be kicked out of the singles ward ;) and I really have been feeling hopeless. So thank you for reminding me to have hope! It will all work out according to His will right?! Congratulations!!
nicole
We divorced about the same time. I think within the same month.
I’ve been reading your blog long before that….It’s crazy (good crazy) how many people’s lives you have affected through your blog.
I’m very, very happy to read about your new adventure and wish you all of the very best. I can’t wait to hear how the details unfold, see you as a beautiful bride, and watch your continued ups and downs but overall intense happiness. ♥
Loren
Congrats!! I love this story so much!!
Cara
EEEE congratulations!!! I am so so SO happy for you, Brooke, and your lovely new family. I can’t wait to get to know Andrew better on the blog (and read about all the wedding planning deets;))
Lauren
You really do know when you know :-D
My husband’s name is Andrew too…Andrews are the best!!!!
I’m so excited for you, seriously…he seems like the perfect addition to your family and you to his. <3
Jenny
Huge congrats! My husband proposed on the campus of MSU where we spent our college days after meeting in high school. It was a quiet night by the rose gardens, we were alone, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Jenny
So sweet. I love that he has a little guy for Brooke to have a sibling!
My husband purposes to me on my birthday. He teases me because I didn’t say yes (even though we both knew I would) I said “did you ask my dad?” And then I said yes. I do weird things when I’m flustered. We only had a 6 week engagement.
We’ve never met, but we live close. So seriously if you need any help with planning let me know.
Debbie @ Deb Runs
Congrats! I’m so happy for you and Brooke, and Andrew and his son!
Christine
Love that you’re not waiting to get married! And you ring is beautiful! Andrew did good! Once we were engaged we were married within that year, I just didn’t want to draw things out and have to wait for something we were so sure of!
My now husband use to do FAKE proposals all.the.time, he was so mean! The day he actually proposed, it was his birthday. It was raining but he said he was going golfing at a golf course that has some hi-tech drainage so you can golf in the rain (I believed this!) but he really was picking up the ring! When he got home he told me he had to show me something he bought himself, that it was really expensive and to close my eyes. When he told me to open them, he was down on his knee, proposing! Of course we both laughed and cried and it was the best day ever (aside from my son being born!)
I would LOVE to plan your wedding! I loved planning mine, I’m such a foodie! We had four different kinds of cupcakes! And as a snack while everyone was dancing their butts off, we had grilled cheeses made with amazing sourdough bread and farm fresh cheese! Overall I was super laid back with the wedding planning, we had a total of 80 guests. We got married at a barn so the venue itself was a decoration! I really just wanted to embrace the day and make sure that we all had an amazing time! I wish I could live that day a million times over!
Christine
Oh and we got married on a Thursday night! We got the venue of our dreams without breaking the budget! We saved so much money having a Thursday wedding (vendors were less expensive too) AND those who truly wanted to be there with us to celebrate came out to party on a Thursday!
Emily
Congratulations, Janae!! Reading this story made me tear up a little I am so happy for you and Brooke!! You deserve to be with someone who makes you truly happy and it sounds like Andrew goes above and beyond that:) Cannot wait to read about wedding planning and your lives together!
Emily @ My Healthyish Life
This made me so happy to read! Your love and excitement is so evident, and I’m feeling it all for you. Congrats to you and your new family!
Nicole
wow wow wow congratulations!!!
HilJo
I love this!! So happy for you guys :) and that’s the coolest–you are getting a son and a dog too!!! Also August weddings are great! :) it’ll be 6 years for me and my hubby this August!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie
SO happy for you Janae!!
Linda
Janae, I am beyond having the words to tell you how happy I am for you. Andrew seems like the perfect fit for you. I hope many blessings on your lives together. All five of you.
Sara @ Oats & Rows
Congrats, Janae! So happy for you and your family!
Mollie
I literally got teary eyed when I read that he has a little boy! This is such a sweet, beautiful story. And, I totally agree. When you know, you know. Why drag it out? Wishing the best engagement and EASY wedding planning!
Nikki
Congratulations!! I am so happy you found someone so perfect for you and Brooke!
Erica
Chris and my engagement was 3.5 months. Secretaries at work thought I was pregnant. Ha. Even funnier that I did not get pregnant for 10 years after that.
Next time we are in Utah, you 5 need to come to Jackson and hike around with us.
Also, start working on selling him on the Chicago Marathon, so we can meet up.
Savor this blissful time. xoxo
Jane@50statecancuk
OMG OMG OMG OMG. I just love this so much!!!!
Victoria @ Minus Thirty Three
I’m SO happy for you and your little family :) You deserve this!
I hope you write a blog post telling us how you guys met :) I bet that’s a story in itself also!!
Brittani
Oh my gosh I am SO happy for y’all! I legit squealed when I saw this… I read your blog all the time so feel like you’re a close friend haha. This gives me hope one day I’ll find my person too. :) CONGRATS!
RunEatRepeat
I had a huge bite of chocolate cake in my mouth and had to pretend I was crying so I could spit it out. Classic Monican :)
Ashley
I’m so super stoked for you guys!!!!
BriAnne
Janae!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This makes me so so happy! He sounds amazing and Brooke’s face in that video is priceless. So happy and it looks like she really loves Andrew! Can’t wait to hear all the wedding planning!! I’m a sucker for all that stuff! You will just be such a gorgeous bride!! Congrats, girl!! Love you!!
Anonymous
I’ve been reading your blog for years and just adore you! I’m thrilled that you found such an amazing guy. And, I truly appreciate your honesty. I’m going through a divorce and it does seem like I’ll always be alone now. You give me great hope. Thank you! :)
Trina
I am literally dying over here. I shouldn’t have read this while I was at work because I have tears of joy ruining my mascara. Thanks a lot, Janae!! LOL!! Seriously, that video of Brooke giggling with Andrew started it all… and then to learn that Andrew has a son and you will be a step-mom. It’s. Just. So. Perfect. You are right, God has a plan. We may not know what it is, but God has a plan. I’m so glad that you are getting married so soon. Why wait!!! Best!!
Monica
So very happy for you and your new family! Congratulations!!
Kaye L
Congratulations to both of you! I’m getting married August 20th also! It’s my first and I’m OVER 50!!!, so yes….God has a plan! I really enjoy your blog, even though you are so much younger than me….and our lives are a bit different as I have no children. You are a true delight, Brooke is beautiful, your running inspires me! All the best to you!
lisa
This brought tears to my eyes. I am so beyond happy for you!
Congratulations a million times over!!!
Ashley
Ahh CONGRATULATIONS!!! Andrew sounds like an amazing guy and you two seem perfect for each other! So excited for all the future has in store for your family :) I’m getting married on September 2nd and we’re having donuts too! And froyo machines which totally seems right up your alley ;) Best wishes with all the wedding planning, what a fun summer this will be!
Jan J
Janae! Congratulations! I figured that if you introduced him things must be serious. I’m so happy for you! ???????
Can’t wait to hear more about him.
Katrina
This is so exciting, we were engaged in July of 2013 and married December 2013 so I understand once you know you can’t wait any longer. Our proposal was over a few days actually, my husband did a sort of scavenger hunt with each word, the first being Will and ending at you? on this rocky beach we loved in NH. Best of luck planning, we opted for a small (under 50 guests) wedding and it was perfect for us!
Also, I’d rather run in extreme heat. We had a 5 miler that we did in 2015 and it was negative 5 degree windchill and it was miserable even with multiple layers.
Kaytlin
I just got teary eyed…congrats!!!
Taylor
Congrats girl!! So happy for you!! What a fun time in your life!! My husband proposed to me in front of the Washington Monument and I was shocked!!! He made up a story on why we needed to go look at rings again and I totally fell for it!
Christina
Congrats! Being a child of divorce, it’s so important that the step parent is truly marrying the family and loves your child as their own… and it’s so obvious that is what you found! I’m so happy for all of you!
Holley
OH MY GOODNESS. congratulations a million times!!! You and Brooke deserve the world, and I’m so happy you found someone who fits that job! Adorable proposal, beautiful ring… So excited for you! ??
Kaci @ Kaci K. RD2Be
How sweet! Congratulations!
My husband proposed when we were visiting my parents and friend in my hometown. I had a suspicion because I was supposed to do a 10 mile training run when we were there but he suggested we hike the Monument instead. He never volunteers to hike. He asked me at the very top! It was perfect because it was in a special spot and I got to tell my parents in my person.
We got engaged in March 2015 and married in September 2015. I totally agree with when you know, you just want forever to begin as soon as possible. Plus I had to wait an extra month and a half because he had the ring (which I didn’t know) but couldn’t figure out how he wanted to ask. My advice for planning a wedding in a short amount of time is to be decisive. If you like something, go for it. Don’t overthink it. Can’t wait to hear about your wedding plans!
Jennifer Kyle
I am just so so happy for you! You are getting married on my birthday haha!! I know my BF is a very good good guy, but we are pretty young – I’m 27, so I’m kind of waiting for him to realize it too. I think you are so right about not forcing anything, but just knowing it will come when it is supposed to. Sending you a big hug!
Sarah
Congrats!!!! I’m so happy for you! Our proposal story is pretty funny. Earlier that day I had gone to Artscape in Baltimore with my bestie. It was a long day and I was exhausted because it was in July (HOT!!!), I’d been there all day, AND I had braved the Baltimore bus system. Which, just in case you were wondering, is death-defying. However, I had promised my then-boyfriend that I would go see him afterwards. He lived an 1.5 hours from Baltimore so by the time I got there I was SUPER grumpy, sunburnt, and hungry. We ended up chilling on the couch together and I was leaning my back against his shoulder trying to take a nap. All of the sudden, out of nowhere, he nudged me and asked me to do him a favor. I said absolutely NOT! I was exhausted. (Now, at this point in time, I thought he was asking me to make him dinner because neither of us had eaten yet.) He asked again with a pretty please. I got ticked and I told him that he had two hands and two feet….if he wanted dinner he could get his butt up and make it himself. He nudged me again and I turned to yell at him and there he was…holding a ring. I burst out into tears and felt like a complete jerk. Hahaha! But of course I said yes and here we are 5.5 years later, still blissfully married.
P.S. I’m so excited to throw opinions out there to “help” you plan. I’m a freelance floral designer for weddings so this is totally right up my alley. Enjoy the planning! It goes by so fast!
Angela @ Witty Aspirations
Congratulations!!!
We have no pictures from our proposal night either. All I remember is he was really nervous and acting strange. And it wasn’t till we heard people clapping all around us that I realized what he was saying. LOL!
Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian
I am so happy for you! What a romantic story. I recently wrote up my proposal story on my blog if you’re interested in reading :) It happened in Tokyo and it was a complete and utter surprise:
http://www.lisathevegetarian.com/2016/02/10/tokyo-engagement-story/
Beverly
So happy for you! Congrats!! What a sweet story!!
Julie
Congratulations!!! I loved reading this story and look forward to reading about the excitement in the months to come. My husband proposed in Colonial Williamsburg in the English garden behind the Governor’s mansion. It was just the two of us and it was amazing. Even though I knew a proposal was coming it was a complete surprise at the time. We have been happily married for 4 years now. Love stories are the best stories.
Love stories that come with a bonus family are extra sweet!! Congratulations to all of you!
Amanda
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you, and love that you already feel like a family. I have a good friend who I’ve watched struggle for years longing for a relationship – to be a wife, and hopefully someday, a mom. Your story is a great reminder that she needs to remain hopeful – it CAN happen, when you least expect it. Also, I am so excited to “watch” you plan your wedding – love your ring and I can’t wait to see your dress, flowers, etc. Your story put a smile on my face this Tuesday-after-a-long-weekend morning. :)
Cassie
So exciting!!! Congratulations!!!
My husband proposed to me by going to get our son (who was 7 months old at the time) up from his crib and he came back in (with Cam in his arms) and said “Oh, look what Cameron found!” It was a little box. When I was opening it, he got down on one knee and popped the question! THen I got breakfast in bed! ;)
Becky
Such a cute story! I’m so so so happy for you. He seems absolutely perfect for you and Brooke. I have a million questions I want to ask about dating and when you introduced Brooke to him and if you told Brooke’s dad early on, etc. I met someone but I have no family so I have my son most of the time and it’s really hard to go out on dates, but I don’t know if I should just invite him over after my son goes to bed. Did you ever do that early on? Dating as a single parent is tricky!!
Grace
SO happy for you! Congrats!!
Brynn
Amazing, sending you two (five!) all the best today, tomorrow and in the years to come!
Michelle P.
Congratulations! So happy for the both of you. Compatibility and mutual respect are the strong base for a successful marriage–and it looks like you two have it spades. Focus on each other and your sweet family and the wedding details will take care of themselves. 21+ years later, I mostly remember the two of us…everything else sort of fades. Good luck and best wishes!
Shirley
I am so excited for you!!! This gives me hope for my son who is presently going through a very difficult divorce right now!! August is a perfect month to get married. Our anniversary is on the 16th and we will have been married 31 years. The hottest race I have ever done is the St. George marathon. I guess most of my races are during the cooler months. I think I would rather run in the cold.
Jessica C
Cutest thing ever! so happy for you and your new adventures. He seems like a winner!
Tara Williams
Congrats Janae!! So so soo happy for you and Brooke!!
Sam
Congratulations! I wish you miles of happiness together.
My husband proposed in our living room while I was icing my knee after a soccer game. Not very romantic, but still a good story!
Amanda
I just had to comment after I read this! I am also getting married on August 20th to a wonderful man who came into my life after I had gone through a painful divorce. Im also a mom (of two). I have read your blog for years and find you to be so inspiring and positive. You are so deserving! I will say a prayer on my wedding day and think of you as you are taking the same step! It really is darkest before the dawn right?
Sarah Kron
Literally so so happy for you!!!!!!!!
That’s all :)
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West
So excited for you! Congratulations!!!! :)
Jaime H
What a wonderful story! My hubby and I also did ring shopping prior to the proposal, but he was sneaky. He took me “one last time” to look at rings, even though I thought we were done. He did this a few days before he proposed to throw me off. The proposal happened on the back side of Catalina Island, after he rented out the entire jeep, for our back country tour. It was perfect.
Kristin
Awww!!! So sweet!
I did a race at the end of july once, it was 97 out and the race started at 5pm. Luckily it was a 5k but it also ran by a sewage dump…. it was AWFUL! What made it worse is the only water they served on the course turned out to be gatorade and it was warm.
Polly
Congrats! That is so exciting! I have been following your blog for over a couple years and I’m happy to see you happy!
Bailey
GOOSEBUMPS CENTRAL!!! gosh i am so happy for you both
Stobby
That’s awesome Janae. Really happy for you! :)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ahhh so sweet (that video is adorable too!) Congratulations again!!
Alexis
I was smiling ear to ear reading this! Sooo happy for you! He seems incredible and so great for you and Brooke! Congrats!!! Xo
Elyse D
I could not be happier for you and Brooke! Congratulations!!
My husband threw me off the trail too! The night he proposed he asked if I wanted to grab fast food and veg at home or go out to take photos of stars with his new camera (he had a proposal planned for both! My parents got engaged in a drive through line with an onion ring, he was going. To recreate it if I chose so!) I picked the stars, so he drove us out to the beach where we had one of our first dates and popped the question! It was the best!
Amanda
This makes me squeal like a girl in excitement for you and your new family! God’s plan is truly the very best plan. It’s amazing to see His work unfold. Congrats again to you and yours during this fun time. I wish you a lifetime of happiness and sugar. :)
Paula
Congrats! He’s a cutie. :-)
Hillary
EEEEEE!!! Congrats!!! When did you guys first meet/how long have you been together? I’m dating now post-divorce and am so afraid of rushing into things since I “picked wrong” the first time. So thankful you share your life with all of us!
Amy W
Congratulations!!! I’ve been reading your blog for years and could not be more happy for you. Isn’t it funny how things end up working out better than you ever could have imagined? So so excited for you and your fam :)
Julia @ Drops of Jules
“I always tell Andrew that my decision over which bag of candy to get at 7-11 is a heck of a lot harder of a decision than the decision to marry him.” My heart is melting. That’s how you know it’s true. When the decision is effortless as this was. Janae, I’m beyond happy for you, and I cannot wait to watch you thrive in this new journey! Congratulations to all of you!
Have you given thought to what kind of dress?!?
Casey @ Ready.Set.Stay
That’s so exciting. Great story, I’m so happy for you. I hate running in the heat but I’d probably rather run in extreme heat that extreme cold. I’m more of a winter person than summer but when it comes to running in the cold, I’m a wimp.
Megan
My heart could burst with happiness. Ahh!!! I just love you so much, & I am so excited for you two! (insert all the happiest emojis!!!)
Marissa
Congratulations! I’m crying at work while reading your story. My husband’s name is Andrew too :)
Amanda @ Exploring Life & Things
Congratulations! That video of Brooke is adorable:) So happy for all of you!
Anna
This made me so happy!! what a perfect proposal story :)
Kathy
Oh how i love proposal stories! Congratulations!! Is he the same guy you’ve been dating the past year? So excited to hear about your new adventures with your new family. And now Brooke gets to grow up with a brother!
I was surprised when my husband proposed to me. I knew it would be coming eventually, but didn’t want to be the type of person who thought it would be next moment. Our first official date was at the zoo and one of our yearly traditions is to see Wild lights at the zoo during the holidays. So I thought nothing of it when we went. He asked my dad right before and my dad’s response was it’s about time! He found a small trail near the lake where it was quiet. (He was starting to get nervous that he wouldn’t find a quiet place!). I was walking in front and he tapped me on the shoulder and was down on one knee. My first thought was that he was tying his shoe, but then he started saying the sweetest words. Of course I said yes! We got married 9 months later. My husband always says that he knew he wanted to marry me when we became friends 9 years ago, but I was always dating someone else and thought he was a great friend. I finally wised up a few years ago and we’ve been together ever since.
Caroline
What a memorable moment!!! Congrats, Janae! It is so heartwarming to see you happy and know everyone in your life loves him as much as you do!
Wishing you so much love and happiness together!!!
Valerie
I can’t imagine a more romantic proposal than on a boat under shooting stars<3<3 Congratulations Janae! I wish you and Andrew a lifetime of joy.
T.O.
Yay! Can’t wait to meet your future step son on the blog! What an unexpected surprise to your proposal story! I think that’s great that he is Brooke’s age and I’m pretty sure you’ve mentioned you wanted siblings for Brooke :) I just think that’s so great. I also love that you’re getting married in August and turning it back into a happy month! I got married in August, too, so I think it’s pretty perfect. Thanks for sharing your story and more about Andrew! He sounds wonderful!
Jill @ RunEatSnap
CONGRATS!!! Thanks for sharing the story. Very sweet. I am still in the heartbroken, will never get better, phase so it is exciting to read that there is happiness (and love!) again after a breakup.
Stephanie
CONGRATS! Great story, great proposal, and he sounds like a great guy. Glad it is working out so well for you and Brooke, and for Andrew and his little one, too!
Katie
SO, SO, SO happy for you two and your little family! Congratulations! :)
I am currently in the middle of planning my own wedding, so if you need help/advice/someone to vent to, I’d be happy to help! August will be here before you know it!
My advice: Although it is more expensive, it’s totally worth it to choose a venue that does everything (or most everything) for you. My venue was pricey, but everything except food and photography are included (the DJ is even included… crazy!). This was a great option for me because I’m crazy busy and SUPER indecisive. HA!
Amy
Wow, I just got engaged after 8 years. Getting engaged after a month and a half is amazing.
Ashley C
Your ring is beyond gorgeous! I’m so happy for you, God’s plan is usually the best plan, no matter how long we have to wait. I just loved that video! Brooke’s face says everything! Congrats to all of you!
Natalie
So so happy for you! I almost teared up reading this at work. All the best to you! Can’t wait to read about the wedding planning :-)
Becky
What a great story! I’m so very happy for you and wish you both a lifetime of happiness and joy!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
SUCH a testament to God’s plan! Although so difficult, you learned so much from your first marriage and, most importantly, got BROOKE! And now you found the man that will be around for the long haul. I am SO CRAZY HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!! And I wouldn’t wait either! Three months is already a long time! HAha #impatient
Stephanie
Congratulations!! You deserve all the happiness in the world. What an amazing proposal!!!
Alyssa
BEYOND happy for you!!! This really all seems so, so perfectly put into place. God is good and seeing His hand manifest in the lives of those around me increases my hope and faith as well. You are wonderful and deserve all this happiness, my friend. Can’t wait to see where life takes all of you! xoxoxoxoxo
Kaitlyn
What a beautiful story and a wonderful reminder that everything happens for a reason. So glad that you have found love and happiness, sending you and your new family all the best!!!
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
I love this post so much!! And such a sweet story!
I knew the hubs was going to propose as well but it was the same “the ring isn’t done yet” story :) and he surprised me while camping with family on the beach.
I love love love planning stuff :) Pinterest will be your best friend!
I haven’t done any races in the extreme heat but I coach x-country so we run all summer (in the am) and in August we run at 3pm and it is pretty freaking miserable! Practice gets called if it’s over 100 (then we workout in the weightroom) and it got canceled 5-6 times last year. Most days we push 95+ in August and it doesn’t really cool down until the end of October. We’ll suffice it to say there is a lot of throwing up in the beginning :(
Bridee
Sooo happy for you!!!
Rachel @ Simply Rachel Nicole
Best story ever! I love that you both make each other so happy and that he is so good with Brooke. :) I have followed your blog for a LONG time and seeing you happy makes me so happy. :)
Kelli Bonin
Janae, congratulations! I’m so happy for you. I just had to comment because our stories are so similar. My husband’s name is also Andrew (similarity #1) he also came up with a convincing story that the ring wasn’t ready (similarity #2) and we got married August 20th (similarity #3)!! Crazy! I’m so excited for your future together!
Kate @ SoCal Runner Gal
I have chills and I’m all teary eyed because it is obvious he makes you SO incredibly happy. And Brooke! This is just so amazing. CONGRATULATIONS to you and your family of five!! :)
Courteney
Congrat’s to you, Andrew, and Brookers! I would like to hear how you two met… :-)
Regina
My husband and I got engaged after 4 months and married a month later. Sounds crazy but 5+ years later we’re even more madly in love and have 3 gorgeous little boys. Our oldest was actually due the same day as brooke, but born August 19.
Regina
And our middle sons name is andrew :)
MaryM
Congratulations Janae and Andrew! I am so happy for you. I prefer things to be simple so I loved the proposal story. There is nothing better than being on the water under the stars with no one else around. It is the second marriage for both my husband and I. We made everything small and simple for our wedding. We got married in a very small pine chapel with stained glass windows in the mountains. It seated 40 people max and we kept everything extremely simple. We made our own food for the reception afterwards and ordered a cake. We have had zero regrets nine years later. The simpler wedding was so much better than the over the top versions of the first marriage.
Brooke is priceless in that video! I love her childlike sense of humor. I also love that Andrew has a little boy around the same age and of course his dog. I also love that you are not waiting, getting married in August. When you know you know. :)
Sara
OMG, I am so happy for you! Congratulations!!! You deserve all the happiness in the world!
Lindsey
Congratulations to you both (and your beautiful family!) What a GORGEOUS ring. Sounds like Andrew did it perfectly :)
Tiffany
So absolutely thrilled for your growing family. What an adventure you are starting.
Um….so let’s talk about your gigantic ring please! A-MAZING ;)
Seriously, you can not go wrong with a dress. You could pull off anything….but you would look sooooo great in a form fitted lace dress…just saying. (You could always just have your mom pick it out because you know she would nail it!)
And donuts at the wedding, yes please….we had a candy bar 9 years ago and people are still talking about it. We did not cheap out. $400 on candy and we had enough left over to last the honeymoon!
So happy for you! Enjoy every second!
Fiona
Congratulations!!!! I love that he asked Brooke, so so sweet. You guys are going to be the cutest family.
My husband proposed pretty much out of nowhere at the pizza shop we met in a few years earlier. My response was to stare and cry. He thought I was going to say no!
We had a small, simple wedding in a state park on Lake Champlain in Vermont (half way between our families). There was a lot of thrifty Pinterest projects. We bought Izze sodas in glass bottles at Costco for the reception and used brown craft paper (and left markers and crayons for drawing) instead of table clothes. My favorite was a Mad Libs wedding advice guest book we made.
Emily
Janae! I have never commented but have been reading forever. I have a little girl almost 3, and I also raised her alone for a year and a half after things fell apart with her dad. I have been following your story through it all and I am so happy for you! We also now have a beautiful little blended family and a baby on the way :) ! CONGRATS!
Molly
Cute Proposal story :)
My propsal :)
I’ve been married for 11.5 years. we knew after our 3rd date that this was it. we went ring shopping, then I left on a class trip. he came and picked me up at the airport and proposed there. took guts! I used to plan a lot of weddings back in the day and I ended up making a lot of my stuff ( flowers, butonierres, decor) etc
Genevieve
Congratulations! So happy for you, you are all shining with happiness!
Clark
Long story follows, you are forewarned. I was introduced to my wife by my landlord. The moment I opened my door, in 1994, to meet her we both knew. But I was in the Army in Germany and she had to finish her senior year in college and live life. It was over two years later when I got a chance to leave Bosnia on R&R (rest and recuperation leave). My unit was getting ready to leave Bosnia soon and return to Germany and the only reason my commander was willing to let me go was because I told him I was going to get engaged.
I flew to CA, where I had never been, to her post-college town, where I had never been. She knew I was coming to visit, but I told her I was coming 2 or 3 days later than I did. I landed, rented a convertible, went shopping, and bought a ring and new set of clothes (the clothes I had was a wrinkled mess). I drove to her apartment, where I had never been.
I was going to spend the night in a hotel and then try and coordinate a lunch date with her boss to surprise her. I’m glad I didn’t. Instead I knocked on her door at about 9 pm.
It was dark, she didn’t know who I was, and wasn’t expecting guests. She couldn’t see me really through the peephole and said “Who is it?” I said “It’s a friend.” She said who is it? I said “It’s a friend; someone you are going to be really mad at!” She recognized my voice and opened the door.
We greeted each other with hugs and kisses. Me in shirt, tie and khakis; her in sweat pants and her ex-bfs rugby shirt (yes really). While we were hugging I had a note and the ring behind her back. Then she told me she had a surprise for me. I said “What? I’m here three days early and you have a surprise for me?” She says yes come over to the kitchen and the answering machine (this was 1996 after all).
The message on the machine is from my old unit commander who found out I was going on leave and called my leave phone number – my gfs # – to tell me I had been selected for promotion to Captain and congratulations. When she first heard a senior officer calling from Bosnia she was scared s^&*less because she thought it was an emergency. But it turned out great. (That guy was a great commander btw).
Then we went back into the living room and she still doesn’t realize I have this note and ring behind my back. I asked her if she was ready for her ‘real’ surprise. I think it started to dawn on her then, like ‘uh-oh.’ She says “Yes?” And I give her this note. Which is hilarious because she now thinks she’s getting a ring, and I give her a piece of paper and she’s like “huh?”
But the note says something like “In 1994, I gave you a promise ring in front of the Eiffel Tower (yes really). Now I’ve travelled over oceans and mountains to ask you this question.” (There’s more but I’ll spare you the details.) The note had rose petals from Bosnia taped on it (probably some sort of agriculture violation there). It also had the wrong date, August 1, 1996, because, like I said, I thought it was going to be the next day before I saw her. (We still have the note in a frame, the petals still look pretty decent too).
I got down on one knee, produced the ring and said some sweet, mushy stuff and asked her to marry me and she of course said yes. Then she actually felt faint and plopped down in the middle of the room. More hugging and kissing. I spent about 10-14 days there, part of the time we went to Tahoe and part of the time to Sacramento.
What was really funny was. She told me that her family members were saying “If he doesn’t ask you during this trip you should move on.” I met the primary culprit in Sacramento, and she was very pleased to meet me.
We got married here
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/05/Interior_of_West_Point_Cadet_Chapel.JPG
about 9 months later. That was 19 years and 3 kids ago – although they are only 10, 2, and almost 1.
Damarys
Congratulations!! So happy for you! They always say everything happens for a reason, it’s all in God’s plans.
Brittany
How exciting and such a lovely proposal story! Life is pretty great and has a way of working out doesn’t it?! I can’t wait to learn more about Andrew and your sweet new family – and of course wedding planning!
My fiance proposed this past Christmas Eve, with my immediate family there. Being German, we celebrate on Christmas Eve, and the ring was the last present under the tree, except it was in a big box so I had no idea it was ring until I found the smaller box inside and he got down on one knee. It was perfect, on my favourite day of the year, with just the people I love most. We’re getting married October 15th.
Happy wedding planning! :)
Priscilla Long
I am so happy for you all!! God is so good!
My proposal story -the short version- St. Simons Island, Ga…one knee in a gazebo and I never saw it coming! Been married 10 years and our baby will be 8 Thursday. God is so good! Congratulations!
Amy
Congrats!! I also got engaged in May (05) and married in August (05). Everyone thought we were crazy for planning a wedding that quickly, but it was the best! No time to stress, just make a decision and move to the next thing on the list! Good luck with the planning, so glad we get to follow along.