I get dressed, get in the car, and call Jess saying I was on my way to work.  I was really on my way to buy 24 red roses and one white rose.  I find the roses and meet Holly, friend of mine who is a photographer… at the Sunflower Parking lot.  We sat there for a few minutes and then we decided it is time.  I called Kristen, Jessica’s friend and coworker, to let her know we were on the way.

We get to the school and Kristen sends a student to let us in.  I am shaking like crazy but walking tall at the same time.  We get in the room and set up how it is going to happen…this is what I have been waiting for………

Each of Kristen’s students held a red rose and Kristen had one as well.  They all stood in a group and I was knelt down behind them with the white rose.  We practiced it a few times, but it just didn’t work out right.  I still wanted to go ahead with the plan anyway.  Kristen called Jess to say she needed her in her room as soon as possible.  Jess made the walk to her classroom and I sent her a text saying, “I love you.”  Jess walked in the room and all the kids yelled out, “WE LOVE YOU MS. STOUT!!!”  I heard her say awww…and then the kids parted down the middle making an aisle and I said, “But, I love you more!!!”  The look on her face is something I will never forget.  I don’t remember her walking towards me, but I remember her hugging me while I was still on one knee.  I remember asking her to marry me, her saying yes, and I was shaking uncontrollably.  I put the ring on her finger and it was like the entire room went white and we were the only two in the room.  I heard nothing and saw nothing.  I had a million emotions running thru my body.

Everything after that was a blur.  I don’t really remember much about us leaving the school, but I do remember us sitting in the parking lot of Walgreens calling our family.  We were starving but decided to surprise her mom by heading to her school. The drive there was a blur as well.  I remember pulling up in the parking lot, us walking in, and surprising her mom.  I had not shook anymore or my nerves were not shot anymore until I saw her mom.  Her mom was excited to see us.  We spent the rest of the day with her mom in her classroom singing Christmas music with the 2^nd grade classes she was teaching.  It was very fun."

So..........that's it.............in Matt's words.