We met in March of 2023 when Josh came to Salem Lutheran School (Tomball, TX) for an accreditation visit. He was less than thrilled to be assigned to the 1st and 2nd grade classrooms, that is, until he walked into mine! (; From then on, things just started to fall into place... like it was a part of God's Great Master Plan! Josh and I both ended up being assigned to the same "accreditation teacher interview group" that day and that's when Monica Cutrer noticed Josh and his wedding ring-less hand!

Her first impression: Okay, hear me out... this was my first EVER accreditation as a teacher... it was a stressful time... so my first reaction to Josh coming into my classroom was pure PANIC! I had just finished reading a story and sent my kids to do desk work while I got some emails answered... not a good look to someone who is judging how great of a school Salem is! If not for the stress, I totally would've talked to him!

His first impression: I was NOT expecting much, personally, out of Salem's accreditation visit. So, I was taken by surprise when I walked into Hanah's first grade classroom on Monday, March 27 and saw the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. Hanah was not only stunningly beautiful but she seemed to command the classroom well and "get it" as a teacher. I was sold, though, during the teacher group interview that afternoon. Hanah was a positive leader, spoke incredibly well, and proved there was way more to her than what meets the eye.

From Josh's Perspective:

Hanah was ready to be engaged and she was excited for that to happen as soon as Thanksgiving 2023 came around! She wasn't getting any info out of me, though. Little did she know that I had been working with her mom and Rachel behind the scenes to surprise her in Chicago over Christmas break that year. The two of them planned a full day of birthday adventure for Hanah that included an escape room, lunch, and secret "easter eggs" to clue her in on the fact I may be showing up despite the parents' "No boyfriend" rule for Christmas.

The final step on the day was in Lincoln Park to see the Honeycomb art display. While all of the Singers were on the boardwalk looking out at the Honeycomb across the water, I snuck up behind them and asked to take their picture. Hanah's jaw DROPPED when she saw me (even though she had figured out everything already) and her family's reaction when I dropped to one knee was priceless! There were some words spoken but the only one I remember was Hanah's "YES!"

Jeanette and Rachel rocked the day. They planned so many beautiful moments and allowed Hanah to be the highlight of the day. Chicago in late December had never looked so good!