It was December 11, 2009 and Jen had taken the train into Bloomington-Normal for her graduation in a few days. Brock and Jen have a tradition of putting up the Christmas tree then getting a new ornament to put on the tree. When Jen got to Brock's apartment he asked Jen if she wanted to put up the Christmas tree, Jen was a little reluctant because she was tired from student teaching and traveling but decided that they would put it up. Once the tree was up Brock told Jen he had already picked up their ornament and went into the bedroom to get it. Jen was a little upset because she wanted to pick out her own ornament. Brock brought out a Macy's box and gave it to Jen. She opened it and there was a blue ornament that read "Will you marry me?" Jen's initial response was "No.....you didn't ask my dad." After Brock reassured Jen that he spoke with her father, Jen said "YES!"