Ok, so proud Papa Bill went and told the world (or part of the world at least) before I could get the chance (we found out late on a Sat. night and by early Sun. morning it was out), but I figure I'd better go ahead and put my 2 cents in too... maybe there's someone here he missed. ;o)
Johnny and the lovely Miss Tamra Krohe have determined that God would have them joined in holy matrimony at some point in the not too distant future. Aside from pouting over losing my baby, I must say, I'm thrilled!! Tamra is a wonderful young lady who seems to be fully grounded in Christ. She's kind and compassionate, strong and smart, yet tender and fun. She has the kids' 100% vote, that's for sure... and that was before she agreed to watch HSM with them!! She pulls out the best in Johnny and he's totally smitten.
Her family lives in Baltimore and we're having Easter dinner with them on Sunday, to celebrate Christ's Resurrection, God's plans, and family. I suppose getting to know one another will be in there too, tho I feel like I'm already getting know Tamra's Mom Cindy. We'll certainly miss Johnny at this occasion, but at least it won't be at Famous Dave's, so maybe he won't be too jealous. PS, I'm also thrilled that since Tamra's family lives in Baltimore, then no matter where Johnny's USAF career takes him, holidays will likely still be spent in MD!!!
So, he was home for a week for spring break and spent most of the week working up the nerve to ask Tamra's Dad for permission. In the meantime, he was also working on the ring... and her Mom must have been somehow in cahoots, because she gave him the diamond from her Grandmother's wedding ring to have set in the ring that he bought (how romantic... and as did Bill:). He spent some time at Tamra's house during that week, but never did get "a chance" to speak with her Dad. On his last day home, we all went to a family birthday party at my brother's house, got home around 6ish, and after a bit, Johnny and Tamra "went out for coffee". I think he finally just called her Dad before they left - it was a tough call to make - can't imagine the guts it takes to ask a guy if you can have one of his most valued treasures. When they got home, he still hadn't asked her, but evidently did so under the moonlight/starry skies before they came inside. They came in all glowing and giggling and whatnot. We hugged and giggled some more, then he woke the girls up (yeah, as if they'd actually been asleep) to give them the piggy back rides he promised them before he left while Tamra called her family and friends (and I quietly cried and smiled all at the same time). Six hours later, we woke up and Tamra and I took Johnny off to the airport for his last few weeks of school!! (Tamra graduates this spring too, but finished up her classes in Dec.) Pictures are from 6:30 am at the airport and I didn't think to tell anyone that it was my intention to take them, so they're kinda ad hoc, but beautiful to this Momma's heart.
Plans are getting underway and all the fun that ensues (no exact date yet - Fall??). I love weddings, but honestly never thought of myself sitting in the mother-of-the-groom's seat... you'll likely be able to hear me blubbering in California. That's alright, in between blubbers, I'm sure I'll be trying to get Alex to sit still - whodathunk I'd have a son getting married and a son not yet in preschool!?!?... much less, a son "on the way"!?!!?!?! God, You are AMAZING!!!
Happy Easter!!!
Let's Roll!!!
