We Are Engaged!!!!!!!

Hello everyone!!

Well, I can say unequivocally that this is the most exciting update yet because WE ARE ENGAGED!!!!

For those of you that may not know, Shannon and I met over Memorial Day Weekend in 2010. We often reflect on the fact that the chances of us meeting were slim to none and yet destiny beautifully intervened on our behalf and here we are! This anniversary was particularly special for us because it was the first one we have gotten to spend together i.e. in the same country, at the same time! Needless to say, the events that unfolded this weekend made it more than an anniversary for us; it also marked the next major phase of our lives together. Without any further adieu, I give you our engagement story!!

The long weekend started like any other. We came home, relaxed and made a plan for the weekend festivities. We decided that we were going to go talk to our jeweler about my engagement ring, go to the Memorial Day Parade and the fireworks on Saturday for sure and play the rest of the weekend by ear. (What most people do not know is Shannon and I had started looking at rings together and sought out a local Chicago jeweler.) We hadn’t been back in a few weeks and the fact that he said we should meet with her and hammer out some of the details of the ring, I never once thought that Shannon would ask me to be his wife this weekend! Boy was I wrong haha!

Shannon and I had a meeting with our jeweler followed by the parade! The weather was beautiful and it was a wonderful way to start the weekend. We went to lunch and walked around the city before coming back for a little nap and pizza for dinner before the fireworks at 10:15. Shannon and I strolled through Chicago on an especially beautiful night. He was so calm so everything seemed normal. We found a spot that perfectly overlooked Navy Pier and was very quiet. We took some pictures and settled in for the fireworks. As the fireworks began, Shannon stood behind me and wrapped his arms around me. All day I kept talking about how perfect everything was and he began to reiterate that to me and how much he loved me but there was one thing that would make it even more perfect for him, if I would be his wife. Now, I have to say, Shannon and I have been talking about being married for a long time and I thought it was just a comment like that, about how us being together and married will be perfect! So, I wasn’t thinking that he actually was asking me to marry him. He gently turned me around and got down on one knee and said “Katie Czajka, I love you, will you marry me?” and pulled out my temporary engagement ring from his bag! (He totally threw me off with going to see our jeweler that day!) I asked him if he was serious and when I realized he was, all I could do is say “Yes!!!!!!” and give him the biggest hug and kiss!!

I was shaking and we called my parents immediately! What I didn’t know is my parents and his mom knew it was happening that weekend! Shannon called my parents to get their permission (which I love that he did)! We called his mom too and then celebrated the rest of the weekend.

For me and for us, it was the perfect proposal. Simple and beautiful, the way that we like things! I have waited my entire life for Shannon and now we get to start this next chapter together. I love him more each day and nothing in this world makes me happier than knowing I am going to be Mrs. Shannon Joseph Crawford.

Best Always,

Soon To Be Mrs. S.J. Crawford

PS-Here are some pictures from the greatest night yet!!!!

At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet.

Hi everyone!

My apologies for being MIA lately. Life at the Czajka-Crawford’s has been intense to say the least. Shannon and I have been challenged on so many levels lately. Shannon’s wonderful Nan passed away a few weeks ago and we couldn’t be more sadden by the loss. Shannon has recounted amazing stories of one of the most integral women in his life outside of his mom. I am so thankful that he has had strong women in his life who have made him who he is today. Dealing with the loss of such an amazing person is always hard and I am just trying to be the support Shannon needs.

I had an interview and demo lesson for a local school but didn’t get the job. I am excited that I had the opportunity to demo and the lesson went so well but my credentials are just not what they need. This is the other side of having such an awesome but very specific degree … having an Ed. Theatre/Social Studies degree is not the best certification during a recession lol! Shannon has been great and had some reservations anyway!  So, I am trying to think positively and I guess it just wasn’t meant to be. I must say though, my position as an After School Teacher is my bright spot. The kids are amazing and make me feel so complete. The teachers and school are great too which just gives me something to look forward to each day and I haven’t been able to say that in a while with regard to a job haha. I am starting to explore some options ... we shall see.

On a selfish side not but still sad, Shannon and I can’t get a puppy. We live in a pet friendly building but our landlords said they can’t add it on to our current lease but if we choose to stay here again they might consider it. We are just very ready for an addition … a little dog of our very own. Like everything else it will come in time but I could have really used that now, not down the road lol! When we get the little guy/gal, he/she will be perfect. In reality it has worked out for the best because we may be going to Australia for Christmas! The pup will be the best belated Christmas gift/great way to start 2013!

These are just a few of the updates on our lives. There have been some bumps and bruises over the last few weeks but there is no one else I would want by my side, getting through it all. I think that is the telltale sign of love, real love. When the hard times hit and you have the partner to help you, be with you and see it through. As random as it is, Shannon and I went to see The Five Year Engagement and there is a scene that we just loved. Jason Segel is upset and says he needs some alone time but when Emily Blunt gets up to give him space, he tells her to stay. That he needs and wants her there, even when he is seeking that alone time. Shannon and I have needed our own versions of alone time but always with the other right there … it is just what we need. Sappy I know, but truthful.

I cannot express how happy I am that May is here! It is one of my favorite months and this Memorial Day Weekend will mark the 2 year anniversary of me and Shannon meeting. If you would have told me 2 years ago that I would be in Chicago with an amazing Australian man, I would have told you that you were crazy. Yet, here we are, living our version of Happily Ever After (the real edition). It only makes me wonder where our lives will take us 2 year from now?! Who knows but I couldn’t be more excited to continue this journey with Shannon!

Best Always,

Kate

PS-This weekend is Mother's Day! I know I am blessed with the most amazing MommyLou ... I don't know what I would do without her!! Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there! And a special shout-out to Sue (Shannon's mom) & my mom!! WE LOVE YOU GUYS!