Gettin' married

Happy 2009! I got a really great gift for Christmas. Not a new car, not a toy gadget, not a new outfit, but something that can hardly be contained. The invitation of my lifetime in fact -- to be Mrs. Chris Nadolski. Here's how it went:

What's your favorite engagement story? I'm sure it has elements of love, spontaneity, a ring, maybe a dash of humor, some shed tears of joy and most importantly the promise of a lifetime commitment to one another.

Well, in any case, here's our engagement story and I hope you enjoy it.

A couple nights ago, Chris came over to pick me up so that we could go to our friends' house for dinner. Before we left, he mentioned his website that houses his portfolio and his resume for prospective clients. Could you please review the cover letter, he asked. No problem, I said.

I pulled up www.burningcottage.com. As soon as the hearts started appearing on the screen, I thought to myself, "Hm, either he's getting really amorous with his medical clientele or he's proposing." An 8-bit Atari version of us appeared (and I know it was us because the pixel man is wearing orange and the pixel girl is wearing turquoise. Also the height difference sort of gave it away. Also, who else would he go through the trouble of pixelating, anyway?). The scene was reminiscent of a time in real life when we were sitting together during a sunset, and Chris said, "We fit together like a puzzle!" A simple and perfect message appeared and along with that a pixel art engagement ring. I just let myself enjoy the surprise. When I turned around, Chris was on both his knees, he asked, "Will you marry me?" And better than a pixel art ring, he produced a real one.

No surprise what the answer was (its yes, by the way). We immediately started praying and just thanked God for the last four years of learning, loving, and growing together.

Pastor Rick Warren once said that marriage is like two rocks hitting against each other in the ocean tide. Though the process can be very challenging, over time, you smooth out each other's rough edges, and on that surface you see your real self, a mirror of who you are. Also over time, the two pieces fit together more and more. How true! It is an awesome miracle of God.

So there it is, folks. We have no date set for the nuptials, but wanted to let you know that its in the making.

Happy New Year ;)!

Love,
Chris and Michelle