dearfriendsblog-blog - Tumblr blog

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Thanks, @influenster for these @maybelline #VividMatte Liquid Lipsticks!! Can't wait to review these #ontheblog very soon! (at CVS)

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I'm SOOO EXCITED to announce that I am officially a magazine contributor for @allthingstrend!! These girls are so lovely to work with and I can't wait to see how the next issue turns out. It's going to be so wonderful! I will keep you all updated, Instagram!!!

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I've relaunched my blog! Check out www.dearfriendsblog.com for my review of these face wipes! #simplemakeupwipes #targetbeautybox (at Target)

[dearfriendsblog-blog]

I got a sample of the @BioreUS Baking Soda Pore Cleanser ($1) in my latest Walmart Beauty Box ($5) and within two days of using this product, I knew I wanted to purchase the full size ($6) when my skin was already looking clearer. I went ahead and purchased the full size bottle so that I wouldn't run out. I also purchase the charcoal cleanser as well. I've tried both - I prefer using the baking soda cleanser more. I definitely recommend this product for anyone who is wanting to try it. I don't think you will be disappointed. I give this cleanser 5/5 stars. . . . #biorecleanser #charcoalcleanser #biorebakingsodacleanser #biorebakingsoda #biore #skincare #freeyourpores #biorebygirlsneed #bakingsoda #biorescrub #beautyblogger #walmartbeautybox #productreview #makeupjunkie #beautyblog #mysubscriptionaddiction #springbeautybox #beautyreview #wakeupandmakeup #subscriptionservice #beautysamples #beautyproducts #subscriptionbox #monthlysubscriptionbox #wearwalmart #beautybox #walmart #subscriptionaddiction #beautysamples #dearfriendsblog (at Wal-Mart)

[dearfriendsblog-blog]

I received the @andersonlilley Beach Butter Hand Cream ($24) in my April BoxyCharm and...I'm in love! As I said in my unboxing post, I wasn't initially excited about this product because I don't typically use lotions and hand creams on a daily basis. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I actually love it! This product has a wonderful scent to it. It's not overpowering, but noticeable. The texture of this hand cream is pretty light. I do notice this product lingering on my hands a little bit after I've rubbed it in, but it's not so much to the point where it gets annoying and I have to rub it off of my hands with a towel! I've had to do that with a lot of hand creams in the past - they tend to feel so heavy and greasy on the hands and this product does not feel that way at all. I do highly recommend this brand if you are looking for a new hand cream. I give it 4/5 stars only because this is not something I will be using on a daily basis. But, if my hands are feeling a little dry, I will definitely be reaching for this hand cream. . . . #boxycharm #andersonlilley #BOXYmail #BoxyChanceofCharms #subscriptionbox #subscriptionaddiction #AndersonLilleyCHARMS #BOXYspringvibes #boxycharmapril #boxycharmunboxing

[dearfriendsblog-blog]

I got a FULL SIZE @CoverGirl Colorlicious Lipstick ($5.99) my April Target Beauty Box ($7) in the color "Spellbound" which is a beautiful hot pink color. I have loved the #covergirl lipsticks since the @taylorswift "Red" album. I remember when that cd first came out, I was in college and I went to #target after my classes and got the cd and my first CoverGirl lipstick in "Hot Passion" - the color #TaylorSwift supposedly wears. These lipsticks are a great formula, they are comfortable on the lips, and have great lasting power. The only reason I am going to give this lipstick 4/5 stars is because I'm probably not going to wear this color regularly. However, I think this is a great product and would have totally given it 5/5 stars if this was an everyday shade. . . . #drugstoremakeup #affordablemakeup #hotpinklipstick #hotpinklips #covergirl #makeupaddict #beautyblogger #redlips #college #collegelife #taylorswiftred #redtour #drugstore #beautyblogger #productreview #makeupjunkie #beautyblog #mysubscriptionaddiction #beautyreview #wakeupandmakeup #subscriptionservice #beautysamples #beautyproducts #subscriptionbox #monthlysubscriptionbox #subscriptionaddiction #TargetStyle #targetbeautybox #targetbeautyboxspring #dearfriendsblog (at Target)

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I received a FULL SIZE @OFRACosmetics Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in the color "Pasadena" ($19.90) in my April #BoxyCharm! I was already a HUGE fan of these liquid lipsticks - they're 100% some of my favorites on the market - and this shade did not disappoint me. I love how light it feels on the lips, the product itself is almost a whipped consistency. It does not feel annoying to wear and it does not dry out as the day wears on. Like a true #liquidlipstick, this is a very long lasting product. But, if you are looking for something that is completely kiss-proof, this is not the product for you. This product will come off if you eat or drink something, but the shade eventually wears off in a very even layer. Eating and drinking does speed up the "long-lasting" process. However, I don't mind because this product is gold. Also, I am in love with "Pasadena" - the PERFECT nude, everyday, wearable shade. I've been wearing this shade a TON on a day-to-day basis and I will absolutely continue to wear it. I give it a 5/5 stars. . . . #ofracosmetics #BOXYmail #BoxyChanceofCharms #subscriptionbox #subscriptionaddiction #BOXYspringvibes #OFRAcharms #boxycharmapril #boxycharmunboxing #nudelipstick #nudelips #makeupoftheday #beautyblogger #ofraliquidlipstick #miamifever #mannyxofra #kathleenlights #oframannymua #ofralipstick #wakeupandmakeup #dearfriendsblog

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I received the @JohnFriedaUS Brilliant Brunette Shampoo ($2) in my latest Walmart Beauty Box ($5) and loved every single bit of it! Since receiving the box, I have used up the whole sample and I was so bummed when I ran out. I actually noticed a huge difference in the shiny-ness and overall color of my hair in the first week. Actually - the first day after I used this shampoo, a friend of mine actually asked me if I had done something different to my hair - that alone confirmed it for me. I am currently trying to use up a product I had already bought before I repurchase this one in full size ($9), but I am totally going to when I run out of the product I am currently using. I give this shampoo 5/5 stars. . . . #johnfrieda #beautyblogger #walmartbeautybox #johnfriedashampoo #johnfriedabrilliantbrunette #brilliantbrunette #productreview #makeupjunkie #beautyblog #mysubscriptionaddiction #springbeautybox #beautyreview #wakeupandmakeup #subscriptionservice #beautysamples #beautyproducts #subscriptionbox #monthlysubscriptionbox #wearwalmart #beautybox #walmart #toothpaste #subscriptionaddiction #beautysamples #walmartbeautyboxspring #hairdye #haircolor #haircut #highlights #dearfriendsblog (at Walmart)

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WHAT'S INSIDE my April 2016 @Boxycharm ($21): @YourMinerals Mineral Eyeshadow in the color "Brown Hypnotic" ($21), @andersonlilley Beach Butter Hand Cream ($24), @purlisse Daily Lip Nourisher with Mango and Shea Butter ($16), @blincinc Black Lash Primer ($26), and @OFRACosmetics Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in the color "Pasadena" ($19.90). HOW I FEEL: I love just about everything that came in this month's #boxycharm! Initially, I didn't think that I was going to love the #yourminerals eyeshadow. But after swatching it, I realized just how beautiful this taupe shade with gold, pink, and green reflects actually is. I'm pleasantly surprised with how much I liked this product. I'll admit that I didn't think I was going to love the #andersonlilley hand cream as much as I do. I'm not usually someone who likes getting lotions and hand creams in boxes - I just don't use lotions enough. But, I love the scent of this one and it feels really nice on the hands. I am a huge fan of the #purlisse products that we have received in past subscription boxes. So, I'm pretty excited to try this one out. I have high hopes for this product. As far as the #blinccosmetics lash primer...I didn't really care for the mascara we received last time - only because I'm not a fan of tubing mascaras. So, I'm not overly excited to try this product out - but I am interested to pair the mascara with the lash primer to see if it makes a difference. Last but not least, the #ofracosmetics liquid lipstick. I'm a HUGE fan of these liquid lipsticks - they're some of my favorites on the market. I love how light they feel on the lips and they are most definitely long lasting. Also, I am in love with "Pasadena" - the PERFECT nude, everyday, wearable shade. Overall, I give this box 3.5/5 stars. What shade of OFRA Liquid Lipstick did you get in your April BoxyCharm? Let me know in the comments below! . . . #BOXYmail #BoxyChanceofCharms #subscriptionbox #subscriptionaddiction #AndersonLilleyCHARMS #BOXYspringvibes #OFRAcharms #BlincCHARMS #CHARMyourMinerals #PurlisseCHARMS #boxycharmapril #boxycharmunboxing #liquidlipstick

[dearfriendsblog-blog]

I received the Colgate @OpticWhite Toothpaste ($1.20) in my latest Walmart Beauty Box and I am absolutely IN LOVEEE! I have since used almost all of the sample and I truly think that this toothpaste has made a difference in how white my teeth are. I will most definitely be repurchasing the full-size ($2.99) when I run out of the toothpaste I already have because I truly feel that it is worth every penny. I totally agree with the claim that this toothpaste will give you a #DesignerSmile within one week - I noticed a difference within the first couple of days! I can't recommend this product enough and I give it 5/5 stars. . . . #colgatesmile #luxurysmile #whiteteeth #greatsmile #pearlywhites #smileeveryday #healthyteeth #whitesmile #teethwhitening #whiteteeth #colgate #oralb #teethwhiteningkit #greatsmile #colgatetotalhealth #beautyproducts #wakeupandmakeup #subscriptionbox #mysubscriptionaddiction #monthlysubscriptionbox #walmartbeautybox #beautyblogger #wearwalmart #beautybox #walmart #toothpaste #subscriptionaddiction #beautysamples #walmartbeautyboxspring #dearfriendsblog (at Walmart Lafayette - Ambassador Caffery Pkwy)

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UNBOXING my April 2016 #targetbeautybox - only $7! WHAT'S INSIDE: @Laneige_us Water Bank Soothing Mask, @Pantene AIRspray Hair Spray, @Covergirl Colorlicious Lipstick in Spellbound, @HawaiianTropic Island Sport SPF 30 Lotion, @Marlowe.Skin No. 22 Body Butter, @SimpleSkincare Cleansing Facial Wipes, @CeraVeSkin Healing Ointment, and a @Maybelline Dream Velvet Foundation foil packet with a $2/off Coupon. HOW I FEEL: Overall, I'm pretty happy with everything that came in the Spring 2016 Target Beauty Box! Like my #walmartbeautybox, all of the products in the box were practical items I can use on a daily basis. I'm pretty excited to try out the #laneige water mask. I have tried a few of the products from Laneige from previous @target beauty boxes and I loved them! I'm always in need of hairspray. I usually don't do much to my hair on a daily basis, so it's not often I need to go buy a big can of hair spray. These travel sized bottles always come in handy, and I love trying out the different kinds of hair spray currently on the market. I love the CoverGirl lipsticks and use them often! Plus, this is the perfect color for the #springtime weather. SPF is always useful in the summer months! Body butters and lotions are not something that I usually run low on. Similar to hair spray, I don't use them on a daily basis. So, it's always nice to receive them in these boxes for when I do use them! I love using the #simplewipes to take of my makeup before cleansing my face. These are great and they don't break me out. We received the CeraVe Healing Ointment in the #walmartbeautybox, so it was interesting to see that this product had made it's way into the #targetbox as well! As far as the #maybellinenewyork foundation - I'm not usually one for foil packets, but I'm really interested to test out this foundation and see how I like it! What did you guys get in your Target Beauty Box? Did you receive the same shade of CoverGirl lipstick I did? . . . #TargetStyle #BeautyBox #skincare #lovingLANEIGE #target @target #samples #cerave #simpleskincare #glowingskin #spring #beauty #subscriptionbox #subscriptionaddiction #beautysamples #targetbeautyboxspring #healingointment #reviewblog (at Target)

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I received the @MisturaBeauty Retractable Brush ($15) in my March 2016 #boxycharmsweettreats box. While the brush has beautiful packaging and I love how it is travel-friendly, I've seen this brush in #boxycharm boxes before. I believe this was a leftover from another box. I saw a lot of people received a brush from either #luxiebeauty or #vasanti, so I'm a little dissappointed. I just find that this brush is an awkward shape for my face, in particular. It's too small for my face and a little bit too fluffy for precise contouring. I would say that this brush is probably best for a light application of blush or bronzer, but I would need to use it a little bit more. Overall, my first impression is 2/5 stars. . . . #makeupaddict #instamakeup #makeupbrushes #misturabeautysolutions #beautyproducts #wakeupandmakeup #makeuplover #motd #march2016 #beautylover #subscriptionbox #makeup #beauty #instaglam #boxysweettreats #mysubscriptionaddiction #monthlysubscriptionbox #cosmetics #beautyblogger #dearfriendsblog

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I purchased this @TarteCosmetics Contour Palette (normally $45 - purchased for $30) at @BeautyCon Dallas this past March and you guys...I'm in loveeee!!! These shades are absolutely perfect for my super pale skin tone. The shades are so smooth and apply on the skin beautifully. Also, the pans are magnetic, so you could totally depot the palette (but the packaging is so pretty?!) and put the shades in your #zpallette! I can't recommend this palette highly enough - I give it 5/5 stars! . . . #tarteistcontour #makeupaddict #sculpt #highlight #contour #zpallete #tarteist #instamakeup #tarte #tartecosmetics #beautyproducts #wakeupandmakeup #makeuplover #motd #march2016 #beautylover #beautycon #makeup #beauty #instaglam #beautycondallas #cosmetics #beautyblogger #dearfriendsblog (at SEPHORA)

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In my March 2016 @boxycharm, I received the #CatherineMalandrino Style De Paris Perfume ($20) and I've really been loving it! The description said that the notes were red grapefruit, pear, with blends of orange blossom and gardenia. I wouldn't say that this perfume is for everyone. But I do really enjoy the scent, myself. I give it 4/5 stars. . . . #makeupaddict #instamakeup #perfume #catherinemalandrino #luxurylife #styledeparis #beautyproducts #luxyfashion #yorkavenue #dolitaparis #wakeupandmakeup #makeuplover #motd #march2016 #beautylover #subscriptionbox #makeup #beauty #instaglam #boxysweettreats #mysubscriptionaddiction #monthlysubscriptionbox #cosmetics #beautyblogger #dearfriendsblog (at Nordstrom Rack)

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Riley did an interview with Birdhouse Books! It’s such a sweet interview, go check it out!

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December 18th, 2015

In my last blogpost, I hinted about a very beautiful early Christmas present I received from Kaleb. I think most of you guys probably guessed what that wonderful present was. Here's what happened.

December 18th, 2015

So, the morning of December 18th was filled with lots of travelling back and forth. It was a little bit stressful - not gonna lie. I was graduating from college, done with school forever at 4pm. I had to attend a commencement ceremony at 10am, which I was late for (by my own standards). There was this very long gap in between my commencement ceremony and my graduation. During that time, I was hoping to help my mom decorate my party venue. Needless to say, that didn't happen.

After my mom and I attended the commencement ceremony in full graduation regalia, we had to pick up my cake from the bakery. The traffic was absolutely terrible because of all of the graduations that were going on throughout the day. The drive that would normally take 15 minutes, took over an hour. It was making me so anxious. That long gap in between my commencement ceremony and my graduation suddenly didn't seem so long. Luckily, the decor got taken care of without us.

By the time I made it home, I had just enough time to hug my grandparents that came into town, click "Place Order" on Amazon for my Christmas presents, and take a small bite of cake - pretty much the only food I ate the entire day.

Then, it was time to hit the road again. Kaleb joined me this time.

We made it to my graduation at the correct time, again with a long period of wait time before the actual ceremony began. By this time, the stresses of the day were over and I was a little more relieved. Now, all that was left was to graduate.

Kaleb, however, had a lot more planned.

I used this time of waiting for the graduation to start to take a lot of pictures. Most of which, you have probably seen already if you follow me on Instagram.

The rest of graduation went by super smoothly. I did not trip. My name was said correctly by the man handing out diplomas. TIME TO PARTY!

After graduation, we got back in the car for the long trek to the venue. Of course, the key I was given did not open the door. Suddenly, all of the stresses of the morning came rushing back. "Where was I going to have my party? Is all of the food and decor already in there? I can't fit that many people at my apartment..."

Luckily, I knew the girl in the office and called her to come open the door for us. Shout out to Becka, she's awesome. [P.S. you should totally check out her Etsy store here.]

Finally, all of the stresses of the day were over. We were in the venue and everyone made it safe and sound.

So, I'm mingling around the party and my dad pulls me aside. He tells me that we were going to pray over the food and then he wanted to say a few words and thank everyone for coming. As soon as he says that...Kaleb got everyone's attention and said he was going to pray over the food.

I'm thinking. "This doesn't line up with what dad just said...what's going on? Is he about to propose?"

I never realized that I would actually be right.

You see, there were little things that hadn't lined up like that for the past couple of days. Going back in time to the night before, Kaleb and my dad "went to go look at Christmas lights" for a crazy amount of time knowing that my mom and I were cooking dinner. I wondered if he was asking my dad for my hand in marriage. Hindsight, I was right.

Sidenote: I have this app that I've been using where you take 1 second of video footage everyday for a certain period of time. When you're ready, you compile it all into a video and you have one second of everyday of your life. It's almost like a video diary, I love it. And one day when the footage is long enough, I want to post the video on this blog!

So, after dinner, all four of us decided to go look at Christmas lights. Yes, again.

At some point during the drive, I told Kaleb that I wanted my footage for the day of my graduation to be of my diploma. He said "well, wait 'til the end of the night so that we can stage it with the Christmas lights." For a one second clip? Okay...

Fast forward to me and Kaleb in the car after my graduation on the way to my venue - I did a little bit of an experiment to see if I could pull any information out of Kaleb. I told him "I'm tired of wearing heels! I think when I get there, I'm going to put some pjs on and get comfy." He responded "No, leave your dressy clothes on. People may want to take pictures with you and stuff." Little stinker. That's a completely valid excuse. "Okay," I told him. Needless to say when Kaleb got everyone's attention at my graduation party, that was weird as well.

So, did I know it was coming? I had a feeling. I hoped it would happen. But, no, I never at any point knew for sure that it was actually going to happen.

Once he got everyone's attention, Kaleb prayed over the food and began a little speech he had prepared about me. It was very sweet. Not too long after that, he was down on one knee in front of me with a beautiful ring in his hand that I gladly accepted. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. It was beautiful and everything I could have ever asked for.

Although December 18, 2015 began as a stressful day, it ended in the most perfect way. A day that was better than I could have ever dreamed of. I wouldn't have changed it. Okay, maybe I would have changed how stressed out I was. But, overall, it was a rollercoaster of emotions and the day ended on an extreme high note.

I can't believe I'm actually engaged. The future Mrs. Ardoin. Am I old enough to be planning a wedding?! I got my wedding planner in the mail the other day. I look through it in awe that the time has actually come for me to plan a wedding. This is something that every little girl dreams about. And I'm so blessed that I will get to spend the rest of my life with the man of my dreams.

I am so excited for what 2016 holds. I know it's going to be a long year. I know there will be stressful times, but I also know there will be amazing times filled with lots of laughter and happy moments.

So bring it on, 2016. It's going to be a great year.

[dearfriendsblog-blog]

Our Love Story

August 2012

I had just starting going to school at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) in August 2012. I knew that I wanted to join the Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM), but I wanted to wait until I got used to the new life of living on my own and living in the dorms on campus. Not forgetting to mention that the whole world of "college" was a completely new idea to me - way different than high school. So, I didn't start any extra collegiate activities until a month after I moved to Lafayette. I had been to the BCM at Southeastern Louisiana University, so I knew I wanted to start going there when the new life was a little bit less hectic.

September 2012

Finally. I'm ready to start attending the BCM on Tuesday nights. This oughta be fun, right? Yes. My first Tuesday night at the BCM was filled with getting to know new people. I met Charlie and Hillary (boyfriend and girlfriend at the time, now husband and wife) as well as Charlie's brother, BJ. Charlie was also studying Film Production at ULL, so we became fast friends.

It was such a fun night. One of the other girls at the BCM invited me to have Free Lunch the next day and being a college student, I gladly took her up on the offer. Fast forward to Wednesday lunch, my shy self sat at the table with Charlie and Hillary - the only people I really knew. I wore my favorite bright red pants. All was well. The guy sitting across from me told me "Hi" and unfortunately...I don't really remember anything else about that lunch. Apparently that guy and Charlie were best friends. His name was Kaleb.

After a few weeks of getting to know Charlie and Kaleb, they invited me to start helping with the filming the video announcements that played each Tuesday night at the services and Wednesday at the Free Lunches. I was really into editing videos, so it helped the boys out a great deal since they really enjoyed doing the camerawork. We all became really great friends. And I started to really fall for Kaleb.

October 2012

I never had a boyfriend in high school. In fact, I'd never had a boyfriend ever. I watched relationships from afar and learned what to do and what not to do. So, I was used to the feeling of liking people and then shutting those feelings down later on when God proved they weren't for me. So, I did the same for Kaleb.

Actually, I gave him an ultimatum. In my head.

For my birthday (October 7th), I got tickets to go see Needtobreathe in concert from my parents (only the greatest band ever). I wore those same bright red pants (told you they were my favorite) and a sparkly floral tank top that I had gotten for my birthday. I went with my dad and my best friends, Emily and Brittany. They knew all about Kaleb. And I told them, "If he's there, then I will continue to have feelings for him. If he's not there, then I know it's not meant to be."

After the concert, we were huddled together in the foyer while my dad went to buy me a shirt as a souvenir. I saw the people from the BCM that I had become friends with, so I went up and talked to them. I introduced Emily and Brittany to everyone and we talked for a little while. There was one person missing. Kaleb.

Then, my dad came back with my shirt.

We decided that we 3 girls were going to go take pictures before we left. I knew it was time to suppress my feelings for him and move on. I really thought we were good together. He liked me, didn't he? I was a little sad, but I was going to enjoy the rest of my night with my two best friends.

Whilst going through all of these emotions in my head and taking pictures with my best friends, a certain boy walked up to the group of BCM people.

In a room filled with people, I said "Kaleb!" really loudly when I saw him. I didn't mean for him to hear me. But he did. It was awkward. Needtobreathe themselves could probably hear me all the way from their tour bus. Now, I had to go up and introduce him to my friends. Because I liked that boy.

November 2012

Kaleb invited me to a film festival to watch a film he had submitted with one of his other good film buddies. I wore a bright screen scarf that Kaleb jokingly called my "green screen scarf". It really did look like a green screen.

His movie was awesome. I was so proud that I was invited to see it with him. This means he likes me, right? Right.

December 2012

Come December, we started hanging out more and more. A friend of ours had just gotten engaged at the BCM Christmas party - Charlie and Kaleb filmed the whole thing. And after the party, they asked me to edit it.

I finished editing the proposal video a week or so later when I was back home and text Kaleb. "Hey. Just finished filming the proposal video. Are you going to the Christmas Concert at UL tomorrow night? I'm going. I can give it to you then."

It was just a ploy to get him to hangout with me.

"Yes, I'm going!"

Liar. He specifically took off work last minute that night to come. Teehee.

After that night, we started texting pretty much on a daily basis. He invited me to "go see a live reindeer" at the Festival of Lights a few weeks later. We walked around looking at all of the lights and going into little shops around town. One lady even gave us what she called a $35 print that someone painted of Jesus. We had no idea what to do with it, but were thankful for it.

On December 21st, 2012, Kaleb needed to go to the Apple Store to get his laptop fixed. I was in Amite at the time and because Baton Rouge was close to Amite (not really, it's an hour away) Kaleb wanted to come pick me up and hang out with me that day.

Sure enough, we went to the Apple Store and got his computer fixed. He asked me if I wanted to hang out in Baton Rouge for a little while after and I did. So, we walked around the mall. After eating some Chinese food, we decided to go to the movies. We were standing outside in line at the theater and Kaleb offered his jacket to me. It was cold outside. An hour early, we decided we would go see The Hobbit. I really didn't want to see it, but Kaleb did. That's all that mattered to me.

Hindsight, he probably should have chosen a different movie because 169 minutes and an hour's worth of a car drive is a long time to wait the day you want to ask a girl to be your girlfriend.

Kaleb was the best Christmas gift I have ever received. And nearly 3 years later on December 18th, 2015, I got another surprise Christmas gift. A very very beautiful Christmas gift.