Sept. 21, 2008

September 21st was a very special day on Holland Hill. Ryan was home for a few days after having graduated from Marine Boot Camp in California. We had a special Sunday Dinner for him and gathered together some VIP's to share the meal. After the meal, Stephen paid a very caring tribute to Ryan for having chosen to serve our country by enlisting in the Marines. It was good to see Ryan as we had not seen him for 2 months. He looked very handsome in his uniform and he seemed very happy. I will post more pictures of him a little later.

Courtney, thank you for the comment you made recently. That was the 3rd---or maybe the 4th---comment I have had in only 15 months!!!! I had wanted to tell the world about Stephen's proposal and YOUR accepting but I felt your Mom would want to do it and I did not want to take the opportunity to announce your engagement from her. Seems I have given her ample time so-------- it is with MUCH pleasure that I tell the 'world' that September 21st was a very special day for you as well as for Ryan. After Stephen congratulated Ryan, he walked around to the other side of the table and told us he had something he wanted to say to Courtney. It was a very sincere and touching proposal and as I have said many times before, you two are a very handsome couple and I deeply admire you for your commitment to serve God and also your commitment to each other. Marriage can be--and should be-- a beautiful thing. God ordained marriage and I believe He is pleased that the two of you have chosen, first to serve Him, and then that you have chosen each other. My blessings and my prayers will follow you and I wish for you a wonderful life together. I am thankful I have had the opportunity to watch you grow from a sweet baby girl to a very, very sweet young lady. Even though I have only known Stephen for a few months, I have admired his kind spirit and I appreciate the way he cares for you. I wish you the very best and a very happy life together.

I love you,
Grandmother Holland