Day 12-15

Hello everyone.  Thank you for those of you have given feedback.

First off I forgot to tell everyone that we have decided to have Pastor Connie do the ceremony and to do the premarital counseling.  We are excited to get things rolling and become one.  God has gifted us in so many ways it is incredible.  This weekend we went to go watch the University of Michigan kick Minnesota 58-0 at the Big House.  This was Tanya's first big college game and it was great.  The weather was a little chilly to start but we had stopped by the M Den (a tradition in our family) and had picked up a Michigan sweatshirt so Tanya could stay warm.  Tanya got to meet Dean and Kathy Bergy, long time friends of the family.  Dean is Dad's best friend from high school.  It was great to have her meet them and to watch the boys in blue.  Her response to the game "I could really become a Michigan fan!"  Words that just warm my heart.  After the game we left went to Colby and Sarah Keefer's home 8 miles away.  Colby and Sarah work for AIA (Athletes in Action) at the UofM and had prepared a meal for us so that we could catch up.  Colby headed up AIA at the University of Dayton when I attended and Sarah was Tanya's mentor when she went to the University of Dayton.  It was great to see what God has been doing in their lives and to be able to wrestle with their kids.  Yes I said wrestle and no I did not start it... I just finished it.  No it was great though as we got to just sit and chat in between wrestling about life and where God was leading them.  From The Keefer's house we left to go see/meet Grandma Ghysels in GR (Grand Rapids).  They have Art Prize going on in GR and she was helping to run a venue at The Womens Club off of Fulton. 

After meeting with her we dropped Aunt K off and had dinner at Grandma's house.  We sat up and talked for a little but I was a little tired and called it a night.  At 9:00 am prompt Grandma called down in the basement and woke me up and we got to chat a little.  Well Tanya and Grandma chatted about medical stuff while I took a shower and then we headed out to Arnie's.  If you have never been there, put it on your bucket list.  If you want the address or info please just let me know and I would be happy to give it to you.  We had a wonderful meal there and then headed to the Womens Club.  Grandma had to work so she showed us the displays at the Club and then we walked around town for a little checking out a few venues before our trip home.  Art Prize was wonderful.  We began our long journey home and we have been going through a book called "100 questions to ask before you say I do"  Great book bringing up a lot of topics that a couple should go through before they walk down the isle.  We had wonderful conversation about family, each other, how to better serve each other, and many other topics.  We arrived back in Ohio and I have to say that my buckets are overflowing.  Tanya you have filled my buckets up so much this weekend I cannot thank you enough.  I look forward to serving you and walking with you every day. 

Wedding stuff.  I know you guys are wondering what plans we have been working on and I am sorry for rambling on but it was just such a great weekend I had to share.  We are working on Bridal Showers as there are many people wanting to support us (Tanya especially as she will need lots of support since she will be stuck with me ... :-D)  We do not have anything set in stone other than we know we want to meet with everyone before the wedding.  Sorry guys.  If you have any ideas or would like to have any input please let us know.  We want everyone to be apart of this wedding where we have come up with a theme for.  The theme is... Well I think I should hold off on telling you that for at least another couple days.  We are having engagement photos done on October 15th if I have forgotten to tell you so I should have those uploaded shortly after. 

I may have missed something but I am trying not to repeat myself.  We would like to thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers as we continue to follow Christ in His great plan.  We welcome any thoughts or ideas. 

Love
Dave and Tanya