The Plan - Leave a diverting trail for the element of surprise.
Dave - On Saturday May 21st. Leave a single rose on the hood of Kim's car with a box of chocolates inside. Why? To allow Kim to think about seeing the box to think that it could be a possible proposal for engagement.
Kim - Just finished auditioning for a show. Come out to my car and see a beautiful flower on the hood and think to myself... "Let the fun begin!" Was this going to be the first step on a wild goose chase for an engagement that evening? Nope. Not yet.
Dave - On Sunday May 22nd. Gave Kim the book "The Gift of Nothing" again as a possible diversion.
Kim - Dave is by far the sweetest and most thoughtful man I know. He needs and wants nothing, but is willing to give everything. What more could a girl ask for? If you haven't read this little child's tale, do so. You won't regret it. Here's a link to the books website if you're interested. http://www.giftofnothing.com/
Dave - On Monday May 23rd. Gave Kim sheet music "Stay here a Little While" and "Pirates of the Caribbean"
Kim - One of my personal mottos. "Sing and I swoon. So what does Dave do, he gets me music for us to sing together, and some of my favorite film tunes to play on the piano. Mr. Mendenhall sure knows the way to my heart. He's definitely playing all the right notes.
Dave - On Thursday May 26th. Gave Kim's mom Annette a box wrapped in ribbon with a note stating Kim could not open until instructed to do so on Saturday May 28th. Asked Kim out on a date for Friday night and made sure to specify that Saturday was extra special and to keep it open in the morning/afternoon.
Kim - Dave never lets the little things like date night slip by even though we're dating seriously. For many the assumption that "we have plans" is fine and dandy but I'm grateful Dave puts forth the effort to ask and to continue asking "me out" on dates. With four kids between the two of us, this simple question can be something easily over looked. What a wonderful man to pay attention to the details. Friday and Saturday booked by the man I love. Exciting yes, something fishy afoot.... maybe?
Dave & Kim - On Friday May 27th. Dropped of a bag of chocolate covered cinnamon bears with a note to Ms. Baum saying "To a Beary Good Teacher" attached to a dozen white balloons with one red balloon with notes inside. Again as a diversion to allow Kim the opportunity to assume a proposal for Saturday per her red balloon note. The red balloon note said there was a box at home for me with special instructions. Inside each white balloon was a reason Dave loved me. I love you because...
Dropped off a dozen red roses to the Desert Star, and confirmed the plan for the evening per conversation with Laura. She was very helpful in addressing all concerns and showing me how things would pan out.
Came to Kim's house. Schooled Kim in a few games of basketball HORSE. Left to go to the Desert Star. p.s. Dave has the upper hand in basketball by about two inches. Just sayin.
The Proposal - At the second intermission, Dave excused himself from the table. I was thinking that he had to use the facilities. However unbeknownst to me, he met the Desert Star staff at the backstage door. They brought the dozen red roses to him which he dropped off earlier that day and then he proceeded to pull a ring out of his pocket. "I then walked backstage which seemed like eternity. Reviewing over and over in my head what I wanted to stay. And then finally, walking out on stage and completely forgetting everything I had planned."
While Dave was gone, I was sitting at the table enjoying the after show festivities such as singing happy birthday, recognizing anniversaries and baptisms, and such. Well to my surprise they ask me to come up on stage because there was a "special prize" that night. At this point I'm standing and walking kind of in my own little world because I had a major suspicion that something was going on. As I was walking up the steps to the stage, Dave came out from behind the curtain holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. At that point I fell. Not physically, but even further in love with a man I hold in the highest regard. The following words were pure poetry:
"Kim - When we first met I knew right away that my life would never and could never be the same. You have such a passion for life. You have a quiet confidence of strength. I love the fact that there is no one in the world like you, and no one comes close. I consider myself extremely fortunate and blessed that we found each other. You inspire me. You bring me such joy and happiness every day that I can't imagine a life without you. I promise to always honor, respect, and cherish you and to show and tell you every day how much I love you. Kim, will you please do me the honor of marrying me."
"Absolutely - YES!"
You deserve everyone clapping and cheering for you. Everyone then sang "Let me call you sweetheart" while we danced. It was so "Kim!" Perfect for you. I will always do the little things for you to show you how much I really do love you. I know. I know you will. Honestly Kim I wish I was more eloquent so as to express to you how much you mean to me, and how excited I am. It's like a new chapter starting tonight.
You know what I'm looking forward to? 40 years from now you telling others this story still.
Kim's face was perfectly priceless. According to the waiter, it was the best proposal they've ever seen at Desert Star.
Other audience members lovingly gave us $100.42...they didn't have to say anything yet still said something.
