Our Family is Becoming a Little More "Rich!"

It was just about a year ago that Lauren was busy preparing for college...renting an apartment, buying dishes and bedding and all the stuff she'd need for living away from home. Her plan: Complete Bachelors degree, possible mission, graduate school, travel, then settle down and look for a husband.

All of us quickly learned, however, that it takes only one man to change the order of those plans! Lauren met Richard William Preece in their calculus class during the first few weeks of school. He had noticed her, and told his family about a cute girl in his math class, and he was trying to figure out how to get a seat near her. She actually did plop down next to him one day, and immediately proceeded to tell him that he had the longest eyelashes she had ever seen on a man.

Now most sensible men would have turned and run the other direction after a comment like that, but Richie is evidently made of stronger stuff than that. Soon, they were working on math assignments together, going to Aggie sporting events, sharing a few meals together, and the courtship began.



By Christmas time, Lauren knew she had special feelings for this nice young man, and we got to spend a little time with them together. We immediately liked how he treated Lauren; courteous, affectionate, genuine and patient with her.


In an effort to afford us the opportunity to get to know him better, he gracefully submitted to spending a lot of time with us, particularly this summer. We've double dated with Lauren and Richie to movies, dinner, bowling, and such, and we've learned that Richie is a good sport to share his "Lauren" time with us.


Even though Richie is an obviously brilliant student (Computer Science Major), he still gets enjoyment out of the...simpler...things in life. We had great fun on Memorial Day when we all went to RMR, and Richie enthusiastically told us about the "Trains" event that was totally hysterical--we loved being able to enjoy that with them. I like that Richie is well rounded--he can talk GeekSpeak with the rest of the Gwilliam boys, but is well versed in politics and current events, has a great job, and has a strong testimony of the gospel. He's fun to play cards with, work on projects together, and he has a pretty wry sense of humor, as evidenced by the naming of his computer hardware components (you'll have to ask him those deets).


We also like that Richie is very respectful. Although it took him a while to gather the courage, he arranged the I-would-like-to-marry-your-daughter talk with Scott, and endured that with great aplomb! He honored Lauren by proposing in a very classy and dignified way. Look how happy they are on the evening they got engaged!


We got to meet Richie's family recently (forgot to take photos!), and immediately liked them all. It's easy to see that the Preece's are a great family. He's made great efforts to embrace our family as well...and regularly IM's with Jim in Baltimore, chats with Tyler about political issues, wrote to Landon to express his feelings for Lauren and to introduce himself, and has patiently taught me how to play canasta. We love him for the efforts he is making to become a part of our family.



As wedding plans have moved forward, this man has endured a great deal. Sitting through 2 hour florist appointments, tuxedo shopping with two moms and a fiance, trailing behind Lauren and I in craft stores, department stores, and taking endless orders about what tasks need to be accomplished and what decisions need to be made every week.


I would be remiss if I did not publicly point out the painfully obvious--Richie is a very, very handsome man. This observation might seem to be a little shallow, but there are two reasons this is significant. First, I adore the fact that Richie has absolutely no idea how nice looking he is. He blushes and clears his throat a few times if it's ever mentioned. And second, some day, Lauren and Richie are going to have very adorable kids. My grandkids. Enough said.



We have come from "concerned," then "hesitant", passed "acceptance", and haved moved right on into "happy" for these kids! Oh, we know they'll have a couple of rough years ahead of them as they both finish their education at USU, but we also know that they will have unique opportunities to grow as a couple as they begin their life together in Logan. Welcome to the family, Richie! We love you!