Brooke & Brad got ENGAGED!!!

I have very exciting news to share with all my family and friends about a new development in my life…as of Wednesday night! It’s official: Brooke and Brad got ENGAGED!!! We both couldn’t be happier with the commitment that we have made together. I’m still in shock because everything feels so surreal but there definitely isn’t any complaints here.

The evening began with Brad and I going to dinner at Rocco’s. There was a wait so we decided to pass the time away at the bar. We started into one of our deep conversations about our relationship, followed with humor and laughter. We were eventually seated in what the server claimed was “the most romantic table in the restaurant.” The cute, round table in the corner! Keep in mind, this wasn’t planned at all because Brad had intentions of proposing on Monday on the pontoon boat with Harley and Tex at my dad’s Elks property and pond, but it didn’t work out because we wouldn’t have gotten out there until almost dark. (Of all days, I needed to got work out!) After that, Brad was shooting to propose this weekend but he just couldn’t keep it a secret any longer and was too excited to wait. Plus, Wednesday evening just presented itself to be the best opportunity!

After dinner, we went to Brad’s house to pick up Tex. And as I turned around, Brad reached for my left hand and said, “Miss Holly Brooke Elswick will you do me the honor of marrying me.” My immediate reaction was, “You’ve got to be shitting me,” plus I felt like I was in dream because he completely caught me off guard, but I realized I wasn’t so I immediately started hugging him and then Brad’s next statement was, Um, Brooke… you haven’t answered me yet?” I shouted back, “Oh, shoot…I do, I will…whatever you’re supposed to say!” Then, the fabulous ring went on! We had to go see my parents immediately to share the good news! No plans, no dates yet but Brad's response was "Can we think about that tomorrow?” Needless to say, it was a long night but one I will always remember!

Since the big night, I have started to ask about all of the “behind the scenes” details because I’m a woman and that’s what I do. And this is what I have discovered: Brad called Pollock’s Thursday morning to make sure Clayton Hill was working and off to Pollock’s he went. Brad received the “Diamonds for Dummies” course (as Brad calls it) for an hour or so in Clayton’s office. (Just an FYI, Clayton played soccer with Brad in high school and became Brad's assistant coach after graduation. He was also mine when our coach was out of town).They went through the different stages of selecting the perfect ring and it was sent off and Brad picked it up Monday morning. The picture above shows what he selected. It’s exactly what I wanted: one stone, simple, and platinum! Way to go, Brad and all by himself!

Here’s a funny story I would like to share about my Aunt Hana (my mom’s sister) when I told her the good news. I first said, “Would it be alright if I added a nephew to the family?” Her quick response was, “You got another dog!" I said, "No!” She said, "You're pregnant!" I said, "No!" Finally she says, “Oh, shit, you got an engagement ring!” Oh, Hana…you crack me up but gotta love you though!

Doggie Beaching or Bust!

Last week was very busy and stressful for Brad and I-just with our full-time jobs, second jobs (his house rental business and my jewelry and gift business), etc. By the weekend, we are just worn out. However, we did finalize dates to travel to the great state of Florida to visit my parents (during the time they spent at their condo for the fall) and let Harley and Tex experience the Doggie Beach!!! I have dreamt of this trip for two years now and it’s finally coming true. Every time I fly down to visit my parents, we always go out on our boat in the back bay and anchor down for at least an hour, watching the dogs (big and small) frolic on their designated island/beach. It truly is a wonderful experience for any dog lover. Brad and I realized that we weren’t getting any younger and neither are Harley and Tex so we just going for it.

We plan to set out on our adventure, November 1^st and return on November 10^th. The downside though, it’s a 16 hour trip to Naples, Fl. Luckily, Brad’s sister, Julie lives outside of Atlanta, which is an excellent half-way point for us to stay overnight and unwind and let the dogs run their little hearts out for being stuck in a car for so long. Then, onto Nana and Poppy’s place for some much needed relaxation! Tex has been practicing some new moves in the pool with Harley as the coach! Watch out, Floridian mutts, us, four-legged Kentuckian friends know how to kick some "tail" in the H2O! Stay tuned for the pictures to follow in November…