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June 22, 2009
The Best Birthday Surprise Trip Ever!
Chad had been planning a surprise birthday trip for me for the last month but would not even give me a clue. We are major outdoor folk, so I assumed it would be something in that range. I finally got a clue last week when he said that I just needed to pack shorts because we would be inside all day. Huh? We are NEVAH inside!
He picked me up after work on Friday and I see my two spinning wheels (Ashford Traveller and Louet S10) lovingly seat belted into the back seat of his truck with my spinning basket and a weird assortment of fiber. What the hay? We drove five hours, stopping for the night near Kansas City (we are from the very Southern tip of Illinois). ?what, is there a fiber festival I didn’t know about? Is there a workshop I didn’t know about? Is there a major yarn shop that mustn’t be missed? WHAT?
While we were driving, I had to laugh and finally told Chad, “I need to know the rationale for the fiber you chose to bring so I can see how your brain works”. He said, he didn’t know what I would need so he just brought a little bit of everything. He had three skeins of finished yarn, what I was currently spinning, and some yucky fiber that I had gotten from the woman I just bought the Louet S10 from two weeks ago - the S10 that he hurriedly oiled, polished the chrome, balanced the wheel and changed the flyer hooks on THE NIGHT BEFORE WE LEFT.
The next morning, we eat breakfast and mosey on out around 9:40am...
To a rural neighborhood in the middle of farmland…
We pull up to a big brick house…
Knocked on the door…
And met JACEY BOGGS!!!
She actually introduced herself to me as I stood there stammering. (Chad later asked me if I knew who she was, LOL – are you kidding? How could you NOT know? She is a rock star!). I had ordered her DVD several months ago to learn how to make art yarn and fell in love. Chad watched the video with me twice! About a month ago, he asked me where the video was and to my horror, I couldn’t find it. I should have known something was up then.
Apparently Chad made an email presentation to Jacey to convince her that she should give me a PRIVATE workshop. Yes, you read that right. My birthday present was a private, seven hour long, workshop. He showed me the emails back and forth after we left her house and oh, they make me want to cry with all the planning that went on!
We met her very sweet husband and awesomely beautiful son and heartbreakingly adorable daughter before they went off to a skateboard contest for the day. Chad parked himself on the couch in front of us, took pictures and chatted while Jacey walked me through her entire two day workshop. I had immediately felt nervous upon meeting her about my spinning skills because I am mostly self taught. She put me at ease and as easy as she makes it look on the video is how easy a teacher she is. I was able to pick up on most of the techniques (beehives still kick my butt). She is truly as nice and funny in real life as she is online and on her video!
The three of us kept a running conversation about everything under the sun. Jacey even fed us a really yummy lunch (we need to know what the salad dressing was) that was almost all grown in her fabulous garden.
Toward the end of the day, I realized that I had become spun out. What an awesome day! We called it a day but not before we got a tour of her “square foot” garden (who knew a pumpkin plant could grow 5 feet tall?!) I also got a fast and very helpful discussion on how Jacey dyes her fiber (she felt sorry for me after I explained what happened with my first hand paint a few months ago).
More pictures of the day in the gallery, click on this sentence!
Before we had left for the trip, Chad told me that half of his plans had fallen through but he would not tell me what they were. After we left Jacey’s, I asked him what it was. He showed me the emails between Jacey and him. Then he gave me a handwritten letter.
Debbie,
No Hallmark card in the world could express how much you mean to me. So, I have to put it in my own words the best I can.
On our first trip, I fell in love with you and over the years my love has grown deeper. I tell you “I love you” at least 100 times a day, so much so that you hear it in your sleep : )! We have been through so much and work tirelessly for our relationship, because we know it is worth the work and fight. We know what we have is forever by the way we work through our problems.
I wanted to make this as special as I could for your birthday. You work so hard and support me in everything I do. I just wanted to show you that I am here to support you as well. This trip to meet Jacey Boggs is just the start!
(private part removed but it deals with him not knowing what kind of engagement ring to get for me)
So as a token of my love and appreciation for your support and hard work in our relationship, I bought you something you would enjoy the rest of your life. A Lendrum DT! (hopefully it will wear out before your love for me does)
Deborah Lynn Codding, I Love You! Will you marry me?
He told me that he had to write me a letter because he would never be able to say what he wanted to say without crying. Too bad. We both ended up crying. Saturday was the most awesome day ever. It wasn’t until the next day that I realized I didn’t even answer him. (I said yes, of course) As for the plans that fell through, he had ordered the Lendrum (my dream spinning wheel) from The Woolery and had hoped to have it for me to spin on at Jacey’s but it is on back order for a few weeks.
I cannot wait to marry this man. He is truly my soul mate and I love him with all my heart!
Posted by DebP at June 22, 2009 4:27 PM
Comments
OK, that was quite possibly one of the coolest birthday presents ever. I really can't wait to meet this guy now. Looking forward to hanging out with everyone in August. This Jacey chick is pretty awesome also, as is her family and life it seems. Reading her blog is a blast. Congratulations on the engagement! (will there be an open bar?)
Posted by: The Mule at June 23, 2009 4:59 AM
I love this story. Seriously. I had so much fun but it was because you both are so sweet and awesome. I just loved meeting you and spinning with you and having Chad watch and talk. So sweet.
I'm serious when I say that my best spinning story belongs to someone else!
Posted by: jacey at June 23, 2009 8:42 AM
that is such a wonderful story! you are so lucky to have such an amazing partner!! omg... i need a kleenex!
Posted by: dani at June 23, 2009 9:33 AM
OMG!!!!! I read the title of this & thought...DEB GOT ENGAGED!! Imagine my disappointment when I started reading the spinning story...and being taught by a rock star who isn't Ozzie or a member of KISS? WTF? (and NO offense to Jacey, I'm just not familiar with the world of spinning). Then I'm expecting for you to find a ring in all that weird yarn Chad bought...nope! Okay, so the best birthday surprise ever...I guess I just don't get it. Happy Birthday Deb, "I guess you're getting old if spinning lessons are the best birthday present ever...." Then I read on...now I get it! Wow! That was the best birthday present ever!!!! Now you & I have something else in common besides 3 boys...I got the same birthday present one year (NOT the spinning lessons, as I'm sure you guessed). CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU!!! And though I've never met Chad, any guy that would do all that work, then sit for 7 hours to watch you spin, buy you the dream wheel of your life (mine would have 4 wheels & be named after a cat), & STILL get you a ring...well, he's obviously a keeper! Oh yeah, & he has really pretty teeth too! I second the vote for an open bar!
Posted by: Karena at June 23, 2009 9:48 AM
Ummmm...does Chad have any single brothers, by any chance? ;-)
What an amazing, wonderful, perfect engagement story! Happy birthday, and congratulations!
Posted by: yarnpiggy at June 23, 2009 10:06 AM
Wow - just wow. Congrats! =)
Posted by: April at June 23, 2009 10:12 AM
What a beautiful story! Best spinning story ever, indeed :) I'd wish you two all the joy and happiness in the world... but it sounds like you've found that together already!
Posted by: Christa Giles at June 23, 2009 10:32 AM
Wonderful story! Congratulations to you both!
Posted by: Jennifer at June 23, 2009 10:36 AM
*sniff* what a sweet story! Happy belated birthday, and CONGRATULATIONS!
Posted by: Stephanie at June 23, 2009 12:28 PM
He definitely wins the "What a Guy!" Award! Happy belated birthday, and big congratulations to you both.
Posted by: Anna at June 23, 2009 12:56 PM
What an unbelievably cool story! Deb Codding, it sounds like you've totally met your match. Happy belated birthday, congratulations and thousands of blessings on your upcoming marriage! Chris & I are thrilled for you!
Posted by: Gretchen at June 23, 2009 3:32 PM
what a fab and touching story!! even made me cry when I read the letter he wrote!! Very happy for you !(oh and did I mention jealous too for meeting and getting to spin with Jacey AND a Lendrum too!!) too fun! I am very lucky to have the best man as well for 15 years now and he must love me if you could see my fiber stash and 4 wheels well let's say I am a bit obsessed with my fiber and him! Always be happy and congrats he's a definite keeper!! hugs to you both! Linda
Posted by: Linda at June 23, 2009 7:34 PM
Hope my other post got in!!? but I realized I forgot to say Happy Belated Birthday too!! thrilled for you!! hugs Linda
Posted by: Linda at June 23, 2009 8:01 PM
What an amazing story! You are a lucky girl :)
Jacey is the best teacher ever!
Posted by: Jody at June 23, 2009 8:59 PM
I saw the story on Jacey's blog. What a great guy you have! I got a little misty reading the story. Then I looked at the pictures. You guys are wearing the aprons I made for Jacey for a swap we arranged. So double cool! It's nice to know there are such nice people out there. I wish the two of you all the happiness in your life together.
Posted by: Barbara Souza at June 25, 2009 2:48 PM
That man is a keeper. What a gift!!!
Posted by: bets at June 27, 2009 4:05 AM
Now that's what my mother would call "a GOOD man."
Happy belated birthday, congratulations, and all the best to you both!
Posted by: sahara at June 28, 2009 10:59 PM
I have tears rolling down my cheeks. wow. I am so happy for you both...and I am thrilled that you got to have the awesomest birthday gift ever!
Posted by: col at June 29, 2009 5:16 AM
This entry nearly made me cry... I wish you both luck and neverending love!
Greetings from Germany
Garnprinzessin
Posted by: Garnprinzessin at June 29, 2009 1:22 PM
Wow! As the song goes.."A Good Man these days is hard to find"...but looks like you really beat the odds! Welcome to the family Chad! Delightful birthday surprise!
Posted by: Belva at July 5, 2009 12:58 PM
It's hard to see the keyboard clearly with the tears streaming down my face, but I have to say this is probably the most wonderful, romantic, endearing, and caring stories I think I've ever heard. Congrats on an opportunity to learn from one of our rock stars but more so for finding an amazing man who so obviously loves and adores you. Take care of each other and remember that it's the life in your days that count not the days in your life. Godspeed. Ciao.
Posted by: shawn at July 11, 2009 7:59 PM
Wow. That's the best story I've heard in a long time. Totally awesome.
Posted by: livnletlrn at July 12, 2009 4:41 PM
I have to repeat everything everyone else said here. I am in tears reading your story. What a sweetheart of a man. May you life together be long and loving.
Luna
Posted by: LUNA at July 12, 2009 6:30 PM
Best story ever! and the best to you both!
Posted by: mary Jane at July 18, 2009 12:16 PM