Holly's engaged!!!

Check out what Holly got for Christmas this year!

 

That's right -- Nelson popped the question while celebrating Christmas at my mom's house this morning, and she said "yes"!

I was kind of wondering {and very much hoping!} that this would be the big day since Nelson's parents and sister Leanne came from Houston to celebrate Christmas with us this year, so when Holly opened up a scrapbook that Nelson had made for her, all I could think was "this is it".

The cover of the scrapbook said "Our Adventure Book" and looked exactly like the one in "Up", which is the movie that Holly and Nelson saw on their first date.

Holly read each page of their "adventure" aloud -- although I'll be honest, I didn't hear any of it.  All I could think was "this is it, this is it, this is it...", which I should point out is the exact same thought that was running through my mind when Ben proposed to me and the reason that I didn't hear anything of the sweet things that he said either.  I also kept thinking about the fact that I didn't have my camera on me, but thankfully, Ben had his cell phone, so I was able to snap a few pictures as she read to all of us.

"Nelson Chang grew up in Houston as the shy kid that was very 'cool' in his own special way.  Being so shy, it was no surprise that Nelson was no ladies man even though he was obviously such a 'cool' kid.  His parents eventually began to fear that he would never meet the right girl."

"Growing up in Austin, Holly Armstrong was the most adorable kid that even she has ever seen.  It was no wonder that she drew the attention of so many.  Luckily, she still hadn't met the 'right one' by the time she graduate from Texas A&M in May of 2009."

"Then one Sunday morning, on May 24, 2009 at 2 A.M., the shy boy from Houston did the boldest thing he had ever done in his life.  He approached the adorable blonde girl from Austin that was seen flexing her arms and legs in the middle of a bar in downtown Austin.  He even went so far as to ask for her phone number in hopes that he would get to see her again."

"The summer that followed was full of several dates in Austin.  Even though Nelson believed he blew it on the first few dates due to his shyness, Holly and Nelson continued to get to know each other on running and movie-watching dates.  It wasn't too long after that Nelson knew that he wanted to pursue Holly as more than just a friend, and on August 10, 2009, Holly agreed to be his girlfriend."

"As Nelson got to know Holly more, he couldn't help but to fall in love with her.  He began to realize how he loves the fact that he can be himself around her, as she is always willing to humor him even during times when he thinks he's much funnier than he really is."

"He loves her adventurous nature, and that being with her makes him want to try and explore new things."

"He also loves Holly's child-like spirit.  How she sees the good in people and the fun in every situation.  He loves the compassion that she shows for others, and wishes he could be as quickly-forgiving as she is, for life is too short to be upset with anyone."

"Nelson also loves how he never has to be ashamed of the amount of food he eats as Holly is always up for the 'Ultimate Feast'."

"Nelson loves how he will never be able to have a big head around Holly because she will always keep him grounded.  He loves how she is not easily impressed and is not afraid to remind him that even though he rode a bike to Alaska, she can still beat him in a bike ride on the trail around a resort."

"He's also learned and loves how important family is to Holly.  He knows that she will always be supportive and be the first to lend a helping hand.  He loves how even though Holly and him are from different cultures, she is as open and excited to learn the Chinese language and culture as anyone could be."

"But most importantly, he loves how she has filled a part of him that has never been filled before.  Since the morning of May 24, 2009, Nelson has had the privilege to get to know Holly and has come to realize that he can't imagine a future without her in it..."

The last page said...

And then he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

After grinning ear to ear like a little kid {see above picture}, she said "yes" and sealed it with a kiss.

After a few tears and hugs all around, they then proceeded to update the world on their big news.

Congrats again, Holly and Nelson!

I am so, so, so excited for y'all...

And your ring is absolutely gorgeous.