I was sitting in sacrament meeting today, nervously wondering if Elder Richardson (a visiting general authority) was on some sort of clandestine recruiting mission for the church and was reading my soul from a few pews back when I realized I was being vain and missing the point of the meeting. As I cued into the pulpit and noticed the topic was on gratitude my thoughts immediately drifted to the beautiful women seated at my left and my stream of consciousness was flooded with memories of all the good deeds she had done in my behalf (trimming nose hairs, picking eye boogers, and oh ya bringing me ultimate, eternal happiness, to name a few).
It's been over a year since our first date and I find myself giddier and more excited than ever to see what she will do next and to venture forth on another adventure. Looking back on recent events I can't help but think how grateful I have been. I'm grateful my car broke down so we could lay in humble, helplessness on our living room floor and counsel with the Heavens (and our bank accounts) to find a solution to the problem together. I'm grateful we spent five feverish hours at the Honda dealership so we could make our first major investment together (the second being the investment in our eternal marriage) and drive to our future in a blue compact car named dori (she speaks whale).
As terrible as it sounds, I'm grateful that in one week our apartment flooded with water, our bank account was hijacked, and our family attended the funeral of its newest member. No money was lost and the carpet was replaced, but more importantly our family came together and basked in the blessings of the atonement. We were reminded of how short and tender life can be and that a stinky carpet isn't so bad in the eternal scheme of things.
Lastly, we are grateful for each other and the lessons we are learning together. How to know when to comfort and console or when to just shut up. How to counsel with the Lord and each other when tyrannical or incompetent employers threaten your divine worth and potential. How to give and take feedback even when you are grumpy or tired. How to wiggle popcorn in your mouth to make your wife laugh or to pop out of the sheets with a shriek to elicit a guffaw from your hubby. November is a month to be grateful....but I will eternally be grateful for what I have and the few things I will take with me in this life...my faith, whatever few talents I have, and my dear wife Michelle.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Secret Linings
Today has been one of those days you just lie around, cherishing life. And maybe eating a little too much (thank you my manfriend for bringing home root beer float materials, nom nom =))
We finally finished up the last of our thank you notes from the wedding! Now we just need to go out and buy out the nearest store of their stamps.
We used one of our giftcards to purchase a duvet set. The color scheme for our apartment is shades of grey and blue, white, and black, and we found a duvet set matching these requirements (plus it had two throw pillows and a bolster to match! I'm probably sounding a little too Betty Crocker right now...).
The box came while manfriend was at work. Wanting to surprise him when he came home, I set about unwrapping everything. When I pulled out the duvet itself, I was filled with consternation; there was no opening for the quilt. I doubled checked the front and back for secret openings or ties. I decided to google duvet just to cover my bases and reassure myself that my 8-12 grade obsession with design books hadn't led me astray in assuming that a duvet COVER actually COVERS the quilt. I googled a tutorial. And then sat to stare and ponder the mysterious creation. Finally I picked it up and felt along each seam. VICTORY! I was rewarded with not ties, not snaps, not a secret cover but an invisible zipper. And a darn good one too.
Part of the reason I lounged about all day was due to my desire to finish the thank you cards. I feel a little worm of anxious guilt if my gratitude comes more than a month late, or is lacking in a personal message. Essentially, I like to make my life difficult.
The other reason is because Cousin Katie surprised us with our wedding video! She is a talent, and I love how she captured all the small intimate moments of the day, the color and character of everything, and gave it to us as a gift. I told her it was like having a secret spy capture the lining of the day. I won't mention how many times I've played this video (ahem... I was "lounging" for 4 or 5 hours... while writing cards) and I love it more each time. The great part? The song she chose was actually one of the ones on our playlist (that ironically never got played). After watching our video a couple of times, I watched some of the other videos. It's a good thing there weren't more, or I'd still be glued to the computer screen. Here's a link to our video! (Her work can be found on facebook, Vimeo, or the web at IcarusWing.
Michelle and Garrett Wedding Highlights
https://vimeo.com/73007559
We finally finished up the last of our thank you notes from the wedding! Now we just need to go out and buy out the nearest store of their stamps.
We used one of our giftcards to purchase a duvet set. The color scheme for our apartment is shades of grey and blue, white, and black, and we found a duvet set matching these requirements (plus it had two throw pillows and a bolster to match! I'm probably sounding a little too Betty Crocker right now...).
The box came while manfriend was at work. Wanting to surprise him when he came home, I set about unwrapping everything. When I pulled out the duvet itself, I was filled with consternation; there was no opening for the quilt. I doubled checked the front and back for secret openings or ties. I decided to google duvet just to cover my bases and reassure myself that my 8-12 grade obsession with design books hadn't led me astray in assuming that a duvet COVER actually COVERS the quilt. I googled a tutorial. And then sat to stare and ponder the mysterious creation. Finally I picked it up and felt along each seam. VICTORY! I was rewarded with not ties, not snaps, not a secret cover but an invisible zipper. And a darn good one too.
Part of the reason I lounged about all day was due to my desire to finish the thank you cards. I feel a little worm of anxious guilt if my gratitude comes more than a month late, or is lacking in a personal message. Essentially, I like to make my life difficult.
The other reason is because Cousin Katie surprised us with our wedding video! She is a talent, and I love how she captured all the small intimate moments of the day, the color and character of everything, and gave it to us as a gift. I told her it was like having a secret spy capture the lining of the day. I won't mention how many times I've played this video (ahem... I was "lounging" for 4 or 5 hours... while writing cards) and I love it more each time. The great part? The song she chose was actually one of the ones on our playlist (that ironically never got played). After watching our video a couple of times, I watched some of the other videos. It's a good thing there weren't more, or I'd still be glued to the computer screen. Here's a link to our video! (Her work can be found on facebook, Vimeo, or the web at IcarusWing.
Michelle and Garrett Wedding Highlights
https://vimeo.com/73007559
Thursday, August 8, 2013
This post comes unexpectedly, after five minutes of laying in bed and contemplating the morals of a movie I watched this afternoon while folding washcloths and underpants. I was struck by some thoughts I had and a spark of my old soap-box blogger self flared up.
Ironically, this post follows a sweet surprise post from my eternal manfriend (I'm sorry my dear.... May I make it up to you with the note I left on the bathroom mirror and bag of homemade fudge on the counter? Maybe a post or two to follow up?)
The movie of subject was The Hiding Place, based off of the book by Corrie Ten Boom. I read the book a few times between 7th and 9th grade and loved it. Sadly, my college and university experience directed me toward more peer-reviewed and prestigious articles of reading, and it's been some time since I've picked up the book for a re-read.
The movie was well done for a product of the 70s. (The quality is rather similar to A Man for all Seasons.) However, I remember the book being more detailed and ending on a happier and optimistic note. Which is part of what I loved so much about the Ten Boom's stories. Despite the horrors and trials they faced, there was no question as to their faith in their Savior, in the peace they found during their hardships, and the love and hope they fought for. Granted, not without some difficulty....
At one point during their ordeal Corrie reveals to her sister, Betsy, the fury and hatred she feels toward the Nazis and their influence. Betsy (astonishingly Job-like) is an example in her enduring charity and patience through trials. Corrie then pleads with the Lord to remove her hatred, to fill her with the love of the Savior. She accepts that this is something that she is unable to do on her own and recognizes that the peace she so desperately seeks can only be found in the Lord.
To make a long story short, Betsy ends up dying, Corrie's heart is softened, and, through a miracle, is accidentally released. She then travels the world, sharing her story and the Savior's message of love and forgiveness.
The part that struck me is the contrast between the challenges we may individually face today and the trials Corrie and Betsy faced. Sometimes (deep dark confession) I almost revel in my dislike/disdain for someone. In my life, where admittedly I am blessed with many freedoms and opportunities, I am more often than not disinclined to really forgive someone and find peace. Yes, I am a prideful beast. Working on becoming less of one, but still occasionally struggling all the same.
However, in a time and setting where the offenses given were so much more degrading and harmful, where everything they did (diet, activity, sleep patterns, medications administered, hair length, clothes worn, books read, contact with family) was so restricted, they chose to to experience freedom of spirit and true peace through utter forgiveness.
I'm reminded of periods throughout the Book of Mormon when the trials that befell the people led them toward humility. It seems that often, when our "rights and freedoms" are removed, the most valuable thing we have left is the agency to decide how our hearts will respond. Painstakingly slow as we may be, the eternal goal is to (more often than not...) choose to release that stubborn pride and invite the healing power of the Atonement into our lives. The one thing we will ALWAYS have is the power to determine our response to a situation, and how fully we will find rest in the Lord.
I suppose my present efforts should be more directed toward choosing to forgive and find peace in the midst of the many freedoms and opportunities I currently have....
Yes.
Ironically, this post follows a sweet surprise post from my eternal manfriend (I'm sorry my dear.... May I make it up to you with the note I left on the bathroom mirror and bag of homemade fudge on the counter? Maybe a post or two to follow up?)
The movie of subject was The Hiding Place, based off of the book by Corrie Ten Boom. I read the book a few times between 7th and 9th grade and loved it. Sadly, my college and university experience directed me toward more peer-reviewed and prestigious articles of reading, and it's been some time since I've picked up the book for a re-read.
The movie was well done for a product of the 70s. (The quality is rather similar to A Man for all Seasons.) However, I remember the book being more detailed and ending on a happier and optimistic note. Which is part of what I loved so much about the Ten Boom's stories. Despite the horrors and trials they faced, there was no question as to their faith in their Savior, in the peace they found during their hardships, and the love and hope they fought for. Granted, not without some difficulty....
At one point during their ordeal Corrie reveals to her sister, Betsy, the fury and hatred she feels toward the Nazis and their influence. Betsy (astonishingly Job-like) is an example in her enduring charity and patience through trials. Corrie then pleads with the Lord to remove her hatred, to fill her with the love of the Savior. She accepts that this is something that she is unable to do on her own and recognizes that the peace she so desperately seeks can only be found in the Lord.
To make a long story short, Betsy ends up dying, Corrie's heart is softened, and, through a miracle, is accidentally released. She then travels the world, sharing her story and the Savior's message of love and forgiveness.
The part that struck me is the contrast between the challenges we may individually face today and the trials Corrie and Betsy faced. Sometimes (deep dark confession) I almost revel in my dislike/disdain for someone. In my life, where admittedly I am blessed with many freedoms and opportunities, I am more often than not disinclined to really forgive someone and find peace. Yes, I am a prideful beast. Working on becoming less of one, but still occasionally struggling all the same.
However, in a time and setting where the offenses given were so much more degrading and harmful, where everything they did (diet, activity, sleep patterns, medications administered, hair length, clothes worn, books read, contact with family) was so restricted, they chose to to experience freedom of spirit and true peace through utter forgiveness.
I'm reminded of periods throughout the Book of Mormon when the trials that befell the people led them toward humility. It seems that often, when our "rights and freedoms" are removed, the most valuable thing we have left is the agency to decide how our hearts will respond. Painstakingly slow as we may be, the eternal goal is to (more often than not...) choose to release that stubborn pride and invite the healing power of the Atonement into our lives. The one thing we will ALWAYS have is the power to determine our response to a situation, and how fully we will find rest in the Lord.
I suppose my present efforts should be more directed toward choosing to forgive and find peace in the midst of the many freedoms and opportunities I currently have....
Yes.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
The Day My Life Began
July 27th, 2013. Today I made the best decision of my life and MARRIED the most amazing woman I've ever met. Michelle Lynn (Spencer) Stone, I love you and will love you forever. Thank you for looking at me with eyes that convey love and fondness. Thank you for working at my side even when we are hot, tired, or frustrated. Thank you for kneeling beside me, hand in hand, to offer a humble prayer and to express our gratitude. You are my friend, my lover, my confidant, my eternal companion, my teacher, my wife. Mrs. Stone...I like the sound of that...I hope you will always feel my love and know that my desire is to provide for you, to work with you, and to make you happy. I look forward to an eternity of learning and loving. Thanking for giving yourself to me. I will do everything in my power to cherish and honor that gift!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
March Madness (hahaha)
March 2nd was the first time we actually did proxy work for temple sealings together. We had been sitting next to each other throughout, and other married couples in attendance were sitting next to each other. I had actually been trying to focus on the sealer so we wouldn't be the oogly couple of the bunch, but near the last names Garrett and I looked at each other and smiled. It was only a short time later that the sealer paused, and, saying he rarely said this, informed us that there was quite a magnetism between us. I'm sure Garrett and I looked at him in what only could have been surprise. We gently let him know that we were dating.... =)
March 5th was a day of study and branching out into crafts. I was glad to contribute a craft idea that Garrett hadn't yet done. I brought forth my copper foil, dowl, and patterns with which to make a copper foil picture. It's a fairly simple process of pressing a pattern into copper foil with the dowl, and retracing that pattern until it becomes 3 dimensional. Garrett settled down for a few hours and churned out a couple pulling a handcart. I proceeded to press tree branches into my piece of foil, and we used liver of sulfur to oxidize the copper. We then used polyurethane to seal off the copper. Garrett supplied frames.
March 7th was the day you introduced me to mac and cheese from a box. I should say, good quality mac and cheese. I remember you explaining how it was important to get spongebob shaped noodles to better retain the cheese. I had planned on dropping by the store after United Way to pick up a few things, and you ran over to meet me. We decided upon Aunt Annie's white cheddar mac and cheese, and kraft spongebob. I watched avidly as you showed me the proper order of cooking the pasta, adding the butter, then milk, and lastly the cheese. Finally, let it sit for a few minutes to congeal (sorry, I couldn't think of a more appetizing word to describe that process!). We used a free redbox code to grab Hunger Games and made the executive decision to skip Institute. Which we would probably feel more guilty about if we weren't so frequently doing other spiritual activities, made the minimum attendance requirement, and had a choice of institute classes to attend....
The next day Garrett showed me how to play racquetball. He is good. And he is a good teacher. I'm persistent in my efforts to do the same thing over with the same results; I vividly remember swinging at the ball, certain I'd make connection. I usually missed, and would look down at my racket to assure myself a hole hadn't appeared, and then down at my arm to reason out how I'd gauged the distance wrongly (yet again). At one point Garrett slide across the floor in his slippy pants. I just watched (probably with an open mouth) and let the ball go flying past my head. At another point Garrett jumped off the wall to hit the ball. Yes, he is a sexy man.
The next Sunday, March 10, Garrett and I went to a small dinner gathering with two of his brothers and their wives and children. One of the nieces exclaimed that I had curly hair, just like her and Ariel! They were all adorable. We had kebabs and great conversation. An hour or two later Garrett and I headed toward home to do our weekly planning. We decided to head to the parking lot at the foot of the Y-hike to watch the sunset (yes, we are aware of the stigma associated with that lot). We planned out the week, and then did an assessment of things that were going on in each of our lives. It was about this point that, due to the discrepancy between the internal and external temperatures of the car, that the windows began to fog up. As the conversation meandered and we discussed and resolved, we moved on to the topic of our relationship,where we were and where we wanted to go. As the conversation progressed, I eventually took Garrett's face in my hands, squished his cheeks, looked into his eyes, and proclaimed "Garrett, I love you". He too proclaimed his love for me, we had a brief and chaste kiss in the already steamy car, and finished our conversation.
On March 11th Garrett tried to show me the full body relax. We laid ourselves on the floor, and he explained how you relax each part of your body, head down. He closed his eyes and began. I was only able to watch him quietly for about 10 seconds before I started laughing. Let's just say we didn't get much farther than that. We also decided to be wicked and skip FHE to do our own. We climbed up onto the roof and made smore's with a small burner. We also had a great lesson and discussion. On the way down I realized that due to my weak upper body strength, I wouldn't be able to maneuver my body down the hole we had climbed up without some assistance. I only needed help going from straight arms, to dropping my body below my arms (totally doesn't make sense in writing...), but I wasn't able to convey this to Garrett. So, he was there ready to support me on my way down. Awkward story even shorter than it already is, I ended up sitting on his face. Fortunately he's a good sport =)
Garrett taught two classes on March 12th. I was able to attend the first one (he's a darn good teacher!), and then I went off to do a few errands while he taught the other. A little later that day we went to Subzero for the first time together. Later that evening we ushered Cyrano DeBergerac on campus and watched the play.
We went to my good friend Mikelle's mission farewell on March 17th. At one point, after having met our other coworker and friend, Garrett asked if having curly hair was requisite for working in our department. We all laughed but then realized that all four of us had curly hair. I have no explanation. We then drove to Garrett's Aunt Robin's house, and did a little bit of wedding planning in the car.
On March 29th we went out with Josh and Cec again, to a little place called Black Sheep Cafe. The food and conversation were great. We next drove to Target to gather supplies for our Easter Celebration. Upon arriving home, we dyed easter eggs, and drained the yolk and watercolored some other eggs. It was a lot of fun, the the yolk being blown out of the egg looked unappealing to say the least.
On Easter day we took the eggs (as well as some other goodies we'd accumulated) to Aunt Robin's for a family Easter dinner. Garrett and I took a few minutes before dinner to hide our eggs and candy around the yard. It was a lot of fun, and the candy was cavity-inducing yummy.
Garrett's family has a tradition of filling out March Madness brackets. We both lost. Realllly lost. So I suggested that whichever of us got a lower score treat the other to a milkshake. I provided chocolate milkshakes from Arby's =)
March 5th was a day of study and branching out into crafts. I was glad to contribute a craft idea that Garrett hadn't yet done. I brought forth my copper foil, dowl, and patterns with which to make a copper foil picture. It's a fairly simple process of pressing a pattern into copper foil with the dowl, and retracing that pattern until it becomes 3 dimensional. Garrett settled down for a few hours and churned out a couple pulling a handcart. I proceeded to press tree branches into my piece of foil, and we used liver of sulfur to oxidize the copper. We then used polyurethane to seal off the copper. Garrett supplied frames.
March 7th was the day you introduced me to mac and cheese from a box. I should say, good quality mac and cheese. I remember you explaining how it was important to get spongebob shaped noodles to better retain the cheese. I had planned on dropping by the store after United Way to pick up a few things, and you ran over to meet me. We decided upon Aunt Annie's white cheddar mac and cheese, and kraft spongebob. I watched avidly as you showed me the proper order of cooking the pasta, adding the butter, then milk, and lastly the cheese. Finally, let it sit for a few minutes to congeal (sorry, I couldn't think of a more appetizing word to describe that process!). We used a free redbox code to grab Hunger Games and made the executive decision to skip Institute. Which we would probably feel more guilty about if we weren't so frequently doing other spiritual activities, made the minimum attendance requirement, and had a choice of institute classes to attend....
The next day Garrett showed me how to play racquetball. He is good. And he is a good teacher. I'm persistent in my efforts to do the same thing over with the same results; I vividly remember swinging at the ball, certain I'd make connection. I usually missed, and would look down at my racket to assure myself a hole hadn't appeared, and then down at my arm to reason out how I'd gauged the distance wrongly (yet again). At one point Garrett slide across the floor in his slippy pants. I just watched (probably with an open mouth) and let the ball go flying past my head. At another point Garrett jumped off the wall to hit the ball. Yes, he is a sexy man.
The next Sunday, March 10, Garrett and I went to a small dinner gathering with two of his brothers and their wives and children. One of the nieces exclaimed that I had curly hair, just like her and Ariel! They were all adorable. We had kebabs and great conversation. An hour or two later Garrett and I headed toward home to do our weekly planning. We decided to head to the parking lot at the foot of the Y-hike to watch the sunset (yes, we are aware of the stigma associated with that lot). We planned out the week, and then did an assessment of things that were going on in each of our lives. It was about this point that, due to the discrepancy between the internal and external temperatures of the car, that the windows began to fog up. As the conversation meandered and we discussed and resolved, we moved on to the topic of our relationship,where we were and where we wanted to go. As the conversation progressed, I eventually took Garrett's face in my hands, squished his cheeks, looked into his eyes, and proclaimed "Garrett, I love you". He too proclaimed his love for me, we had a brief and chaste kiss in the already steamy car, and finished our conversation.
On March 11th Garrett tried to show me the full body relax. We laid ourselves on the floor, and he explained how you relax each part of your body, head down. He closed his eyes and began. I was only able to watch him quietly for about 10 seconds before I started laughing. Let's just say we didn't get much farther than that. We also decided to be wicked and skip FHE to do our own. We climbed up onto the roof and made smore's with a small burner. We also had a great lesson and discussion. On the way down I realized that due to my weak upper body strength, I wouldn't be able to maneuver my body down the hole we had climbed up without some assistance. I only needed help going from straight arms, to dropping my body below my arms (totally doesn't make sense in writing...), but I wasn't able to convey this to Garrett. So, he was there ready to support me on my way down. Awkward story even shorter than it already is, I ended up sitting on his face. Fortunately he's a good sport =)
Garrett taught two classes on March 12th. I was able to attend the first one (he's a darn good teacher!), and then I went off to do a few errands while he taught the other. A little later that day we went to Subzero for the first time together. Later that evening we ushered Cyrano DeBergerac on campus and watched the play.
We went to my good friend Mikelle's mission farewell on March 17th. At one point, after having met our other coworker and friend, Garrett asked if having curly hair was requisite for working in our department. We all laughed but then realized that all four of us had curly hair. I have no explanation. We then drove to Garrett's Aunt Robin's house, and did a little bit of wedding planning in the car.
On March 29th we went out with Josh and Cec again, to a little place called Black Sheep Cafe. The food and conversation were great. We next drove to Target to gather supplies for our Easter Celebration. Upon arriving home, we dyed easter eggs, and drained the yolk and watercolored some other eggs. It was a lot of fun, the the yolk being blown out of the egg looked unappealing to say the least.
On Easter day we took the eggs (as well as some other goodies we'd accumulated) to Aunt Robin's for a family Easter dinner. Garrett and I took a few minutes before dinner to hide our eggs and candy around the yard. It was a lot of fun, and the candy was cavity-inducing yummy.
Garrett's family has a tradition of filling out March Madness brackets. We both lost. Realllly lost. So I suggested that whichever of us got a lower score treat the other to a milkshake. I provided chocolate milkshakes from Arby's =)
Monday, April 8, 2013
February fun
February 10 We are awesome and decided to do a themed movie night...we decided on the movie Chocolat and with the French them in mind made delicious dessert Crepes. We both really enjoyed the movie and soundtrack and for valentines day I gave Michelle a little "Chocolat" gift of Dark Chocolate and the soundtrack.
February 11 We decided to our own FHE and assembled 72 Hour kits. This is one of those things I've always wanted to do but put off and it felt good to finally get 'er done. It was fun having all of our emergency goodies strewn about the table and coordinating together.
February 14 V-day! No longer single awareness day (SAD). We went out to Macaroni Grill for some fine Italian dining...flat bread pizza and butternut squash pasta goodness. Prego. Afterwards we came back and watched the perks of being a wall flower, a heavy, but worthwhile movie to watch. To finish the night off we volunteered for and watched a ballet version of sleeping beauty...it was SOOOO boring and long! It only got interesting when we made fun of the stallion legs of the head dude and the cats came out. I was wearing Eric's tight hipster pants to make my butt look real good for Michelle. We exchanged gifts...I had got some frames and materials for staining frames for Michelle and she made me the coolest tie I've ever seen. She also littered me with treats.
February 16-19 Orangeville...where the magic happens. We went down to O-ville to visit the grams and had a blast. I kissed Michelle in a giant tree (highlight) and then we told each other poop stories (second highlight). Initially we had gone down to help lay stone for Janice and Gerri's fireplace, which we did, but most of our time was spent gorging ourselves, relaxing, and cleaning up around the house. It was very peaceful. We went on a walk and pet every dog on the street...it was funny because we both thought the other person had a destination in mind when in reality we were just walking aimlessly. Another thing I really enjoyed was bearing testimony with Michelle in here grandparent's primary class. Lowlight-that stinky show "Keeping up Appearances." Luckily we watched "Amazing Grace" to make up for it.
February 21 Utah Lake; Tasty Thursday is born: Quiche (photos)
February 22 Red Robin and White Collar; Michelle killed by stealthy assassins (dang spencer—you are
dead to me)
February 23 Frames; Walk and Pumpkin Muffins; Personal Docs (we’re so adult)—established we were
on track for marriage today.
February 24 Stake Conference makeout sesh (puke on my face; poop stain)
February 27 Springville Museum of Art and Morrocan Stew; Race to Costco to beat the clock (Garrett
was especially hormonal)
Other fun datee things: Windshield repair and perusing Center street; Faith and Scholarship Symposium; Timpanogos Temple (more hacking cough); Walmart picture fail and eric’s birthday gift; Heavy weights; replaced m and m’s
Sunday, March 31, 2013
After some semi-awkward phone calls and a relaxing Christmas break, Michelle and I reunited and recommenced our courtship. Here are some highlights from January:
January 5 The first week back was a busy one but Michelle quickly redeemed one of her Christmas coupons, so went to visit Ikea. That had to be the fastest Ikea trip I've ever been on. I feel like we talked about a million things while we were there and yet I blinked twice and we were already through the whole building. I like Michelle's taste...and think our home will look pretty dang good with our two creative minds at work.
We made a stop at IN-and-OUT after. This is where Michelle revealed that she turns into a gremlin if she is tired and hungry...I gave her an extra helping of fries, just in case. :)
January 11 SNOW DAY!! Today was such a fun and relaxing day. I think it was one of the first days where Michelle and I were able to be really comfortable with each other and just 'play.' There had just been a heavy snowfall so we walked over to a nearby drainage area to enjoy the snow. Within seconds of reaching the snow, a snowball fight ensued that resulted in tackling and rolling in the snow. We made snow angels and started to make a sculpture of Mount Rushmore but our presidents looked more like Muppets.
After we'd had enough of the snow we went to Michelle's to watch the movie Troop Beverly hills—we talked and talked,
talked and talked. It was one of the first nights we had really opened up and shared some of our deep, dark secrets. I love how open and communicative Michelle is.
January 14 So we went to this stake activity at Brother Brinton’s house (he's in the stake presidency) and he was trying so hard to get us to talk about our relationship, show him our engagement ring, etc.; he obviously wanted to take control of our courtship and have the bragging rights when we got married. I hate, hate, hate one people do that so I didn't take the bait.
As part of the activity, girls shoes were taken and put on the table. A boy had to grab the shoe and go on a date with its owner. Michelle's shoe landed on the table of course, so she hastily snuck it back...I won't share her with anybody! Although if we had played our cards right we might have got a free date out of it.
January 16 One of my favorite dates was going to the Provo library with Michelle, searching for and reading our favorite children’s books. We read titles like "I’ll love
you forever, I’ll love you for always," "Zen shorts," "The little critter," and many more. It was fun to sit in the children's section and step out of our busy lives for a bit...also, interesting to see what books had an impact in our lives and why.
January 17 A lot happened this night but what I remember most is sitting on the floor with Michelle talking and sharing music. I loved sitting close to you and just talking about anything
and everything, listening to each others music, looking up concerts, etc.
January 19 Michelle redeemed another coupon to go to the The Leonardo, an art and science museum in Salt Lake. They had an exhibit all about the work of diVinci. It was a pretty frigid morning but we hopped on the Front Runner and made our way up. Small world...we had a guy take our picture (the pictures turned out so awkward :) ) on the front runner and two months later he was one of the guys trying to sell us wedding rings at the mall. Crazy.
So our planning wasn't perfect and we had to walk something like 15 blocks to the museum (oops). It was nice to walk that distance with Michelle but I think we both got a little sweaty. On the way over a homeless guy jabbed me with his elbow. Hello and thank you.
January 21 Martin Luther King Jr. day was packed with fun and service (redundant, I know); We baked bread to deliver to the bishop and he seemed so grateful. He was in sweats, working from home and was so bashful about it--super funny. We went down to campus for a bit to make homemade journals for youth in treatment as well--a fun crafty project.
After our service we went snow shoeing and had a blast. Michelle surprised me with how playful she was and how she let loose. I started to like her even more. She got trapped in multiple bushes (hilarious), and was surprisingly agile as she dove in the snow to beat me in a snow shoe race. Her agility was spoiled a bit by her uncanny ability to do the splits in her snow shoes (unintentional) but that just made me like her more.We hiked up to Big Spring in South Fork Canyon and drunk from the spring. Chilly and refreshing.
That night we got to go out to dinner with her friend Ceeci and her husband Josh. Cafe Rio (yum) on her old boss (Roger's) tab (double yum).
January 25 Craft night! We both got all our arts and crafts stuff out. This is when I knew we were a match made in Heaven. Michelle made some nice cards for thank you notes, etc. and I made a paper bag owl puppet for Jack and Emma. We made muddie buddies!! Too good.
After we went to Macey's for some ingredients Michelle saw a homeless man and felt inclined, after the fact, to go back and give him some of our wares. He had disappeared so we went on a hunt for homeless folk, but it was too late and cold I think, and we missed him. A day or to later I had a strong prompting to flip around and give the same treats to another homeless man and did so. I'm glad we both followed promptings...we now keep a little homeless kit in my car!
January 31-Feb 4 California Trip (Long drive, podcasts (pig
bung), San Fran, walks in the park; photos
Other dates: Waffle Breakfast and Fun-glish; geocaching...sort of; fondue and fireside; frozen hot chocolate; Jodha Akbar--unofficial sundance film festival.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
I wanted to highlight some of the first dates we went on in our courtship. The best decision I've ever made was asking you out that first night in December.
December
First date: Went to Stephanie Jarstad's photography exhibit and the MOA. Afterwars we went and talked to over ice-cream. There's something about ice cream that makes what a guy says sound so brilliant...that's the only way I can explain how she'd say yes to a second date with me.
Michelle invited me to see the movie timothy green with some friends. I was so excited to sit with her but ended up having to rush off soon after. Our first movie together...it's a good one!
Second date: Michelle taught me how to make the most amazing Cilantro Lime Quinoa dish. She walked in wearing a simple gray sweater and I thought “oh man, she’s gorgeous"...that's when I knew :)
Other fun dates: Krishna Yoga, Hike on the Bonneville Shoreline, The Artist
The night we held hands. We were watching White Christmas and even though I'd held a girl's hand before I was terrified to take Michelle's hand. Finally, with clammy hands and a timid voice I said "This may be a little boyish but can I hold your hand." She emphatically said yes and it was a hot, sweaty mess, but it was great.
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