I remember the first time I met Eastlyn, her and her family came over, along with some other friends, so the Moms could talk about "homeschooling". We spent the day together, had lunch and hung out on the swing sets in the backyard (yep, we were cool like that, and very young lol). At the time Eastlyn and I didn't really hit it off-- we didn't really "click". The day came to an end and the Moms said good-bye, us girls said good-bye, and that was that. We really didn't see or talk to them much for the next couple years, not because we didn't want too our paths of life were just different. It wasn't until about 4 years when we were invited to a "homeschool" volleyball event (I really do have a lot of gratitude toward homeschooling lol). So we went, and we saw many familiar faces. People we knew, but didn't REALLY know. I saw Eastlyn, she saw me. We said "Hi"..and that was about it. We hadn't seen each other in 4 years, and we were just kids back then. There was still no click between us. We starting coming more and more to the volleyball events that were held on Friday nights. It wasn't until the 4 or 5 week of us coming that something clicked between us. I remember Eastlyn and her sister, Michaela came up to me after volleyball and just started talking to me. I'm not sure what it was about our conversation, but we just realllllyy hit it off well. THat conversation is really what started our {awesome} friendship. As our lives had bumps and curves we were always there for each other. You know how the teen years go, that's when you really need a best friend the most. She helped me with SO much. She talked me through SO much! We've pretty much talked everyday after that. Whether it be email, text, you name it. We had built such a strong friendship. (She also had a HUGE part in setting me up with Reed, my husband.)
I know you are anxious to hear how Eastlyn + Josh began as a couple...well just wait, it's coming.
Even though we were awesome friends it wasn't until her graduation party that I learned who she was head of heels for. Her party was coming to an end and we were sitting by the fire, just her and I. I finally just asked her who she liked (she was very secretive about it). She was hesitant to tell me at first, but she told me. She was in love with Josh Tolle. The boy she had/has known since she was 10 years old. NO one else knew! She was so giddy and happy when she told me. She hadn't shared it with anyone else and I know she felt awesome to be able to share that with someone, and I'm so happy it was me. ;)
Like I said, she has known Josh since she was 10 years old. It wasn't love at first sight, but it was a growing love from year to year. They were friends first (SO important).
What Eastlyn didn't know was that Josh too, had the same feelings toward her, if not stronger, but there was one problem-- they were both very shy and reserved toward each other. I watched them flirt in their "shy" manor and pass little hints toward each other of their feelings, but the timing wasn't right. Josh didn't make any moves toward a "relationship" with her. God still had work to do in their hearts to prepare them. It left Eastlyn guessing of his feelings (you know how us girls are). They both went with a big group on a mission trip to Mexico. Eastlyn sent me letters telling me about everything that was happening. She thought for sure he liked her, but when they came back things just went back to normal. She was confused!!! I was confused lol. As her best friend I didn't really know what to tell her. What we didn't know was God still wasn't finished with preparing Josh and Eastlyn's heart for each other. Patients is really the only thing I could tell her and that God would work it out. Sometime passed and I could tell Josh was opening up a lot more with Eastlyn. They were talking more, things just seemed SO right. IT WAS FINALLY TIME. Their hearts were ready. Josh asked her Dad if he could court Eastlyn. He was more then overjoyed. I remember very clearly Eastlyn calling me on the phone telling me that Josh had asked if he could court her. This was the happiest I've ever seen. Her voice was full of not only happiness, but joy.
They were both full of joy. Seeing them together for the first time was so perfect.
He was finally able to be with the one his heart loved.
They quickly became best friends.
It was easy to see that this love was becoming more and more serious with each day, with each phone call, with each sweet text message, with every sunset...
They are truly a match made in Heaven. They have so many character traits that compliment each other. It's hard to explain it. It was just RIGHT!
When you know you just know. That's how it was with Josh + Eastlyn. Within a few months of courting they knew they were mean't to be together forever. Everyone around them knew it too. Josh went out and found the perfect ring for Eastlyn, after asking her Dad if he could have Eastlyn's heart by marrying her. Her Dad gave approval without hesitation. He asked Eastlyn if she would marry him and make him the happiest man in the world. Her dreams were coming true. She said "YES"!!!
Josh proposed to Eastlyn while Reed and I were still on our honeymoon. As soon as we pulled into port my phone went off and I found a picture from Eastlyn and it was a picture of a ring with a text saying Josh proposed to her. I WAS ESTATIC! I was little mad at Josh for doing it while I wasn't even in the country though lol. Reed and I couldn't have been happier. Their wedding planning began immediately.
They picked a date!!!!!!!! The date to start life as "One" would be Septemeber 1st, 2012. I still can't believe it! It seems like yesterday when we met at my house as little girls. In just 10 days you'll be getting married to your Josh.
I'm so honored you asked me to be a bridesmaid and stand by your side when you say "I do" and become Mrs.Tolle. I can't tell you how excited and happy I am :)
10 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you Eastlyn.
