Recep Prep

(Kyle)

It's been a while since we've blogged--wedding planning in no joke! Today, we went to "To Your Taste" Catering in Alexandria, VA so we could sample/finalize our menu for our big day. The crew there has been hard at work creating gourmet masterpieces for our celebration.

Chef Shana Steele is a bundle full of energy and she is so excited to bring our friends and family tastes from our worlds. She has designed a menu highlighting bites that speak to Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina, DC/Maryland/Virginia, and even Guam!

This is just a small preview of what is to come on our big day. We have so much to do, but can't wait to have loved ones celebrate with us. hope everyone enjoys the food that represents the places we have lived and love.

The final menu looks something like this:

Southern Mashed Potato Bar

sweet potatoes or white potatoes with many toppings

North Carolina BBQ Sliders

miniatrure rolls topped with Carolina pulled pork, coleslaw, crispy onions, or jalapeno-pineapple relish

Tennessee Whiskey Glazed Chicken Lollipops

Marinated chicken drumsticks, glazed with Jack Daniels and black pepper

Guam's Houli Houli Spam Musubi

Spam, rice, jicama, seaweed, and wasabi, served with Houli Houli drizzle

Chesapeake-Pacific Polpettes

fried balls of shredded coconut and lump crab meat served with cilantro-lime sauce

Missouri Garden Crudité

fresh vegetables served with bleu cheese and casserole dip

DC Cupcakes

selections from Georgetown's television-famous bakery

Red, White, and Blue Candy Bar

M&Ms, Jelly Belly, Swedish Fish, and Twizzlers

The Perfect Storm

signature cocktail of Sailor Jerry Spiced Navy Rum, ginger geer, and lime

Full Service Bar

Coke and Cheerwine sodas, juices, assorted Missouri wines, Boulevard and Budweiser beers, cocktails

Do You Believe in Little Signs?

(Kyle)

Tonight we were in the mall. I know, so cool of us on a Friday night, right?! While walking around, thinking hard about spending money, I took a detour to hopefully introduce Lance to Ingrid, the jeweler who set me up with our beautiful set of rings from Germany.

As we approached her shop, I already knew--poof, she had vanished. No Ingrid, no shop, no rings for sale. (Before anyone gets too Negative Nancy, yes--the rings are still insured through the maker in Germany). Fairytale? Fairy Godmother? Doesn't matter--just one of the many cool stories that make our relationship so magical. :)

A Formal Dinner with Cake and Spam

(Lance)

I am fully convinced that we are some of the busiest human beings on the planet. This weekend, we attended the American Military Partner Association 2014 Gala (our first military ball!). This was huge dining-in that I helped plan with the organization for which I volunteer. It was an incredible night, and I am super honored to have met my fAMPAily (minus my closest fellow communications assistant who lives in San Diego, of course).

Prior to the event, I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to wear... However, I somehow convinced myself that I had a suit somewhere in my closet. HA! So, in typical Buchandermann fashion, we had to go purchase a suit the day of the big event. How does Kyle put up with me?

 Kyle and I almost forgot our selfie at the Gala

Kyle, Myself, and Stephen (President of AMPA)

The following day, we dragged ourselves out of bed to get to church on time. We have been busy with traveling, so we have barely gotten the chance to attend church this month. The officiant of our future wedding is actually the assistant pastor of our church in DC, so we hoped to chit-chat with her for a while... However, God had his own plans and she wasn't attending church that morning. Ha!

Once the church service was over, we hustled to a wedding cake tasting and open house in Maryland. One word: Over. Whelming. We are still waiting on several of our wedding plans to fall into place, so we decided we better get started on this wedding cake adventure. After tasting everything from pistachio to red velvet, we decided we wanted to do something a little more special at our wedding... Get excited! (No, no hints yet).

Confused. Worried. Overwhelmed. Full.

Once we got home, Kyle wanted to do a "CVS dinner." This is when we go to drug store under our apartment and just get cheap, random junk food to somehow make into a glorious gourmet dinner (we live a hard life, I know). Last night, we made a REAL Hawaiian pizza (or Chamorro in our case). This pizza might be a little bit different from what us mainlanders are use to seeing. No Canadian bacon here... only SPAM! (courtesy of my mom for Kyle's graduation gift--a whole cooler full of things for the island, including eight flavors of the stuff!) The pizza, well... it wasn't terrible.

Guam is the world's largest consumer of SPAM

Plan The Wedding? You Mean We Can't Just Show Up?!

(Lance) 

Now that things are starting to fall into place for our wedding, I cannot help but feel overwhelmed. However, I have never felt like this before.  Normally when one is overwhelmed, it is in a negative manner.  I am overwhelmed with love and opportunity.  We have been busy; we are attempting to get a couple of ideas in place for the big event.  I do not know how much I wish to uncover, but I just know everything is going to work out! Only 149* days until our wedding! 

*Results may vary... math isn't my strong point! 

On a different note, one of my favorite things about being a Navy family has to be the opportunity to travel the world! (Join the Navy.. see the world!) We purchased this little knickknack a while ago, but it is a new project of ours! Hopefully we run out of room to hang it up! 

The Beginning of the Beginning...

(Kyle)

We've returned from Tennessee to the D-M-V. Let the wedding planning commence! 

...

That's it, I'm already overwhelmed.

Pinterest. The Knot. Registries? Colors. Music. Reception. Guests. Food? Saber arch. Dress whites? Photographer. Oh boy...

But we have a date! 

11 OCT 2014

Soon to be the happiest day of my life, to date.

I can't wait! <3

Some Things Warrant a Composed Response

(Kyle)

Lance and I are humbled and encouraged by the outpouring of love and support this past weekend. Thank you to everyone who took part, however directly or indirectly. We appreciate having you in our lives! I can't, however, hastily conclude that we've "arrived" at a time where hatred is just a fringe stance. One look at the comments on the photo that went viral on AMPA, the organization with which Lance volunteers, shows that we still have a long way to go. 

While I wasn't ignorant that there would be some push-back from a select few, it's difficult to continue to read vehement opinions about your relationship, especially from those who profess to be of the same faith, creed, and national allegiance. While it's easy to say we should "ignore the haters," I can't help but feel these are the type of stances with which many people, even those very close to us, continue to associate. While it would be very short-sighted for us to take these comments personally, we do take them to heart as a call to reconcile faith, even with all its misguidedness, with the lives of God-fearing, country-serving, loving people such as ourselves. Still, those beliefs don't cause us to question the validity of our own faith, our relationship, our impending marriage, or our love for one second. 

So, to those who support us fully--thank you. We love you and, pray for your continued blessings, and hope truth continues to reveal itself to you. To those who do not--the exact same goes for you.

Speaking of Little Signs...

(Lance) 

In the middle of cleaning up our home, look what we just found under the sofa! This was the Cracker-Jack-like ring Kyle used to steal my ring size! (See post from 16 MAR)

Another Little Sign

Proposal Recap

So... here are the details from our big day yesterday!

(Kyle)

The rings FINALLY came in from Germany... just four weeks late. Ingrid (the jeweler) called me on Monday and said she they had been shipped from the artisan and she would track them daily. She was certain they would be here by the end of the week. I took this as a sign that it's "go time" and made plans for everyone involved. 

I told Lance that my coworker, another Navy LT at Walter Reed, was getting engaged to his girlfriend and asked Lance to take photos of the proposal.

(Lance)

Looking back, I cannot believe I did not catch on.  At this point of the journey, I was super  excited to take engagement pictures! (Which I'm still wanting to take... *hint-hint*) I immediately wanted to know details, but Kyle said this was a surprise photo shoot, so there wasn't much to plan.

(Kyle)

The only plan was to meet up near the Capitol Building. The cover story was that this is where Joseph was going to propose because... he's into government stuff? I don't know... But the real story for us was that this is one of the first places we took a picture on our first visit to DC when I was interviewing with the Navy at Walter Reed. Also, in designing our Christmas Card for 2013, Lance and I couldn't decide between a greeting of "Barack-in' Around the Christmas Tree" (which was ultimately the decision) and "Happy Holidays with a 'Capitol' H!" Not being one who can let go of anything... I decided this was an opportunity to say, "I love you with a 'Capitol' L!" :)

January 2013

I told all my colleagues at work, friends in DC, and Lance's friends/coworkers from Starbucks about the location and meet-up time. I asked them all to be there to support us, and document our day like a scrapbook via social media, with the hashtag #Buchandermanns (a portmanteau of our last names; also, portmanteau is one of the Navy psychologists' favorite words...).

The majority of the events happened Friday evening into Saturday. Lance had to work all day on Saturday, so I made final arrangements for "Joseph's proposal photo shoot" and then told Lance that everyone was gathering at our place after the event to celebrate. Somehow, I had to explain the mass amounts of food, drinks, and ESPECIALLY the Georgetown Cupcakes.

(Lance)

Okay, I know what you're thinking... REALLY?! How could I have possibly not known?! Kyle told me that the celebration was going to be held at our apartment, and that people brought food while I was away at work. I would never question cupcakes...

(Kyle)

Saturday morning was really a blur. I forced myself into working out and yoga to cool the nerves, then ran errands all over town to get things set. It was really hard not to eat the cupcakes when I picked them up... but I resisted! Lance finally got off work at 17:00.

(Lance)

After fighting off an abundance of entitled middle schoolers for "Frappuccino Happy Hour," I was ready to get home so that I could get ready for the surprise photo shoot! I normally call my parents when I'm driving home, so that I can keep them updated on how everything is going. However, since I was running late, covered in an array of Starbuck's syrups, and hitting every red light imaginable, I did not call them. (Lucky me. My mom CANNOT keep a secret!) 

(Kyle)

While Lance was finishing his hair (looking that good barely takes any time... but it's still an art!), I stowed away a small Bluetooth speaker in his camera bag and hid his phone (making him think he lost it... again) so he couldn't follow the barrage of social media events that would have spoiled the surprise. The speaker was so I could play our song, "A Thousand Years," as we started to approach our group of friends and hopefully he started understanding that Joseph's proposal pictures were actually Lance's proposal pictures.

Sneaky, sneaky!

(Kyle)

Finally, we were packed up and headed toward the Capitol building. As the official proposal events was set into motion, a series of small, yet hilarious, mishaps unfolded. First, right when we left the apartment, the speaker started to play our song! I was so nervous he was going to start connecting the dots. When I talked to Lance's mom to tell her that I was planning on asking him to marry me, she said I had better be careful with secrets. Lance could always shake a Christmas present and throw it down, saying, "It's a shirt. With a necklace." Needless to say, I thought my surprise was ruined.

As he seemingly knew nothing, we started heading for the Metro train to take us into the city. If you've never ridden the DC subway system, just know that it's great and fairly efficient... during the week. On the weekends, trains run about every 15 minutes and there are often outages to repair the tracks. As we approached the station, a train pulled in. We would likely just miss it. Not wanting to be late, Lance and I sprinted and just made it in the doors! Right behind us were three people who got caught in the doors and never made it on the the train. Those three people... Lance's coworkers from Starbucks who were supposed to be at the Capitol waiting for us! I freaked, thinking FOR SURE the surprise was ruined.

When we finally got off the train, the third and final, but probably funniest mishap occurred. Kim, the ever-so-important holder-of-the-rings, had been texting me trying to figure out what train we were on because she figured she had boarded the same one and didn't want to run into us, which might have given away the surprise. Sure enough, as soon as Lance and I hopped off the train, there was Kim, Sarah, and her husband, 10 feet in front of us. Both groups did swift about-faces. Lance and I headed for the escalator. Kim and the other two headed for... a dead end. Oh well, I would leave that for them to figure out. I looked at Lance for an expression to tell me he had put it all together, but nope! Nothing. He didn't even see them. Thank God for blindness!

(Lance)

In the words of one of my coworkers, my big eyes are useless! I STILL didn't piece it all together, I thought my coworkers were just hanging out and enjoying a festival that was happening in the Rockville Town Square.

When we finally got off the ever-so-lovely metro, it was pouring rain! No umbrella, no hat for my hair, and we both were wearing white! (We've all been in that situation before, ha!) Luckily, the rain quickly passed and the weather instantly became perfect! The haze from the city was gone, the light was almost golden, and even a rainbow made an appearance at the location of the proposal! The "camera crew" was thoroughly surprised by the rainbow. We, on the other hand, chalked it up to just one of the many "signs" we have seen in the past years that we believe have been God revealing to us His will for us to be together.

Yay for Little Signs :)

Since our friends apparently got on the same train as us, Kyle stalled by taking a quick detour through the city. I kept telling him, "let's hurry and go to the meet-up spot so that I can scout out the location!" (Accompanied by me telling Kyle how perfect the lighting was for photos for about the 1000th time!)

(Kyle)

FINALLY, Kim-Sarah-and-crew texted me and told me everyone was ready and waiting at the Capitol. The weather was beautiful, Lance was excited to practice his art, and I was excited to get engaged. It was time!

As Lance made eye contact with my coworkers... and then his coworkers... I think it began to sink in. I started playing the music from his backpack, and grabbed his hand, and we walked up to the monument. I started to tear up, and it's all I could do to turn and hug the man I love, who I look to for strength and security.

(Lance)

When approaching the capital building, I thought that I saw a couple Navy folk, but since Kyle assured me that everyone was going to wear their whites, I did not make the connection. Then, I noticed Kyle had turned on a speaker that he hid in my photography bag.  This was the "Ah-ha!" moment that made me realize what was really happening to me and I wouldn't be taking anyone's pictures! (But seriously, if anyone wants some engagement photos done...)

I was so shocked, the only thing I could keep saying was "Aww. You little snake!" Over. And over. And over...

FINALLY the deed was being done, and I couldn't even move. Despite the barrage of flashes, it seemed like the world had stopped turning and it was just Kyle and me. Teary eyes locked, smiling from ear to ear, WE WERE ENGAGED! 

 

(Kyle)

Afterwards, we gathered back at our apartment in Rockville to celebrate. Food from our two favorite places on our square, Lebanese Taverna and Bonchon Korean Chicken (we're really multicultural!) fed our hunger, and North Carolina moonshine, Tennessee whiskey, and sailor rum gladdened our hearts. We had a great time with all of our friends, and couldn't imagine being more blessed.

Thank you, everyone, for the love and support. We feel so encouraged.

I love you this much!

Proposal Day

(Kyle)

Today is the day! 

Soon, you can finally start hearing from someone other than me. Who am I kidding? This blog is locked tiiiiight so that Lance can't see it. BUT, soon, he'll be joining me documenting our adventures to Guam and beyond.

I'm thrilled this day is here. Excited. Anxious. But unreserved. I can't wait to share this excitement with the man God has placed in my life as my forever friend, partner, and soon-to-be fiancé. 

To life! To love! To Lance! 

     ...I hope he says "yes."

Cheers :)

D-Minus One

(Kyle)

Tomorrow is the proposal date!!! I don't think I've ever been so nervous. But also, never so excited.

I recall my mother telling me when I was young that when I knew I had found The One, I would just know; that would be enough.

I just know--and the mystery of it all is the biggest miracle.

For a thousand years, and a thousand more...

The Beginning of the Beginning

(Kyle)

Our family is at its very beginnings. So why not do what normal people do--start a blog to document our adventures!

I say 'the beginning,' but things have been in motion for quite some time. Here's a little recap:

We met and began "casually dating" in September 2012 as Kyle was a doctoral student at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville (East Tennessee) and Lance was a security guard at a Tennessee Valley Authority Dam in Western North Carolina. Skype dates were the best! In January 2013, as Kyle interviewed at Clinical Psychology Internship sites, Lance accompanied him on a weekend visit to one of the sites Kyle was unlikely to select for his internship and residency--Walter Reed National Military Medical Center--Bethesda, near Washington, D.C. Little did either of them know that this visit would be so impressive to both Kyle's career and their relationship together. Kyle selected this site as his number one preferred internship and, in February 2013, was selected to commission as a Lieutenant in the US Navy Medical Service Corps, move to the DC area, and become a Clinical Psychology Resident at Walter Reed-Bethesda. In June, Kyle wrapped up his studies at UT and prepared for Navy life. In August, he attended "doctor boot camp" (US Navy Officer Development School) in Newport, Rhode Island while Lance readied their things to be shipped to the DC area. While Kyle was busy doing push-ups, folding 45 degree corners in his bed sheets, and reciting the sailor's creed, Lance worked with the Department of Defense moving crew to ship and unpack our belongings in our apartment that would be our home for the next year in Rockville, Maryland. Lance quickly got a job at Starbucks, which he enjoys greatly, and has been busy serving up coffee and working as an independent photographer on the side. Kyle began his work at Walter Reed-Bethesda and has learned so much about the military and putting to work his training as a psychologist. Several weeks ago, we submitted our list of preferences for Kyle's next duty station. We could be sent anywhere in the world and we are anxiously awaiting to hear what Naval Station and hospital we are going to be sent to next!

This leads us to today. For the past year, God has been working in my life personally and our relationship together. We have committed ourselves to one another and, as we begin to consider where we will be sent next and what that will mean for our relationship--it's time to make things public. Today, I bought the rings and am planning the proposal! Man, I hope Lance doesn't find this...

I am hoping to propose to Lance soon after finding out about our next duty station. I decided several weeks ago to go ring shopping when Lance was at work. We've both talked about what we each like and I have been working out in my head how to get his ring size and pick out the metals. This week, Lance ordered a necklace on Etsy and, when it was shipped to us, it came with a Cracker Jack-like bonus ring that could be pinched on and off. I used it to playfully measure both of our fingers and took this as a sign to get off my butt and get the rings ordered already!

I felt spiritually led to shop at the mall (how often does one get to say that?) and even a particular corner of the mall. What I found when I arrived there at Montgomery County Westfield Shopping Center was a new jewelry store owned by Ingrid Robinson. She was a very sweet and outgoing German lady and, with my family's German heritage and both Lance's and my love for German culture and language, I knew this was another sign as soon as I heard her accent. Not only that, but the store dealt exclusively in custom made German-designed rings that were exactly what I was looking for. Ingrid said she knew when she saw me walk in the kind of thing that I was looking for. She was right!

I brought in two rings of mine that I wanted included as part of the new designs: my True Love Waits ring from 1998 (throwback!) and a ring given to me by a very dear friend of mine. The story contains some confidential patient information, so I can't go past that. Sorry, psychologists have to protect information sometimes! Suffice it to say, the ring means a great deal to me and my work with people. While I couldn't wear the ring in its original form, I wanted to have a piece of it--and the blessing I have of being trusted with people's lives--with me on a daily basis. Ingrid will have the gold from the two rings melted out and included in the new rings. I was so thrilled with the outcome of the design and with Ingrid's encouragement, that I came home and started a blog about it!

I truly am blessed beyond words to have Lance in my life and to be beginning this journey into forever with him. I am just as blessed to have friends and family for support and, if you'd like to continue reading as the days/months/years roll on, we'd love to have you on board with us. Now, to the future!