Bad Boyz

This past summer, after some prodding from my brother-in-law, my husband decided to change careers. He's decided to become a "man in blue", to protect and serve the community. Or in other words, take down the evil scum that parades around the streets.

I have a message for you evil-doers... You're goin' down!

So anyway, this last summer my husband applied with a police department to be hired on their force and to start P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standard and Training). There was some tests involved, that required his smarts and his muscles. Needless to say, out of three hundred some applicants, he tested 5th out of all of them. That's my guy!

In October he started his training. Everyday he traveled to South Salt Lake and underwent grueling work-outs, scenarios and classes.

There have been some noticeable changes since he began training...

• the hubs is ripped! he was ripped before, but now he resembles a manly, muscular, male, specimen!


• there has been a great increase of watching EVERY cop show on tv. COPS, Wildest Police Chases... you name it, we dvr-it.


• cop lingo has been expressed quite frequently. Especially while viewing the above mentioned Cop shows. "That's a 10-75! Tazer! Pit maneuver! That's called assault, Mrs. L (me)"


• the hubs likes to practice defense tactics on poor Cody. He tried to practice some on me, but that quickly came to an end once I shot him a warning glare. He knows better, than to mess with me.


• Our home has been engulfed with Cop paraphernalia. Hand-cuffs, badge, utility belt, radio, gun, etc.


• no more facial hair. Oh how I miss that sexy goatee!

The training has been difficult, at times. There has been an incredible amount of muscle soreness and pain for him and there were some weeks that I took on the role as "single mother" while he stayed down there.

Needless to say, after many weeks of training, Steve graduated this past Thursday!

Simply said, I'm so proud of him.

I had high hopes of being able to sit and watch the entire graduation in the comfort of the auditorium seating. That didn't happen. At all.

Here is Cody and Conner before the graduation started. To start, Conner was enjoying his seat, by flipping the seat up and down, up and down. And see that sucker in his mouth...that was my own defense tactic.

In the next picture, where Cody is posing oh so nice, you can see where things began to unravel. And pretty soon it was pure chaos. Reinforcements were needed (Cody).

Here is the class of 284. These good people will be serving us in many departments. Some in the Game and Fish division, some in our jails, one of them on a bomb squad, sheriffs departments, and police departments.

Steve had the honor of receiving his certificate from his younger brother.

(see the female officer on the far left in the front row? she beat ALL of the recruits in push-ups! she RAWKS!)

Unfortunately, I was only able to hear and see the graduation off and on. This is the reason why.

The key-note speaker was really good. He was a retired cop, turned author/reporter. His speech was humorous and touching. And just at the pivotal moment when the speaker began to choke up a bit, as he talked about his wife, Conner escaped my grasp and attempted to run down to the first section of the auditorium. The section where the podium stood. The section where all of the graduates were sitting. The section where all of the big wigs were sitting. I quickly began to retrieve the escapee when he turned around, pointed at me and yelled, "GET AWAY!"

This is a common occurrence at our home.

And here is the moment when things really turned ugly. Homeboy is in the process of telling me to "Get Away" and "No Fowa Fo You"! (interpretation: No flower for you!) I have no idea where he got this from. But he does yell it to all of the naughty people in the cartons on tv.

He is the flower nazi.

Even though Conner isn't really showing his excitement for his daddy, in the picture above, I know that he is very proud of his daddy. We all are. And I'm looking forward to seeing Steve grow in his new career! Congratulations Steve! I love ya forever!

Fourteen years ago...

Fourteen years ago, I became a "MRS.".

Fourteen years ago, I wore this dress. It 'kinda' had a butt-bow. Technically, it was a bustle, ruffle thing. It might as well have been a butt-bow.

Fourteen years ago,a huge snow storm hit.

Fourteen years ago, my husband looked like he was fourteen years old.

(The happy couple putting up ivy and lights in my hometown's cultural hall for our second wedding reception. Check out my stirrup leggings!)

Fourteen years ago, my husband had more hair.

(The night we got engaged. Awwww, young love! And man, am I white!)

Fourteen years ago, I was much, much, much skinnier.

Fourteen years ago, we spent our wedding night in a Motel 6.

(It was not a nice as this Motel 6. It was magical)

Fourteen years ago I had a major melt-down when I couldn't find my pantie hose when I was getting ready for our reception, AND when guests began to arrive early while I was still in my jeans AND putting flowers on our wedding cake, AND the florist shorted us BIG TIME on white roses.

(My bouquet was pathetic. It consisted of 4 long-stem white roses and some ribbon. Remember, the florist shorted me on flowers and I didn't have time to put my "dream" bouquet together. So pathetic.)

Fourteen years ago, my husband wore his "pimped-out" wedding ring. That he purchased himself. Without my knowledge. Without me, his fiance, in attendance.

Fourteen years ago, my wedding ring fit perfectly. Not so much, now.

Fourteen years ago, my wedding cake/s sat on top of disco-esque stands.

("Staying Alive" from the Bee Gees comes to mind. "Ha, Ha, Ha, Staying alive! Staying alive!")

Fourteen years ago, I married this guy.

Fourteen years ago, I married my eternal companion.

Fourteen years ago, I married my best friend.

Fourteen years ago, was one of the happiest days of my life.

Thank you for making the last fourteen years so wonderful, Steve!

Love ya forever.

(If you want to read about our "love story", just click on the link on the side bar And Then He Kissed Me. A love story full of nail-biting mystery, heart pumping excitement, and warm, fuzzies!)

And Then He Kissed Me! Part 18

My engagement was quickly coming to an end. In a mere two weeks I would be married to Plumber Guy, forever.


The weather was unusual, to me. It was the beginning of January, and I had yet to see a significant snow storm in Utah. Unlike, Wyoming, where I was use to go trick or treating in thigh high snow drifts. Outside was gray and drab with a smog overcast. I hoped that there would be a blanket of white, fluffy snow on my wedding day, but it wasn't looking too promising.


December was unbelievably hectic. My apartment looked like a wedding had exploded inside of it. I was drowning in piles of fabric, floral arrangements, ribbons, and wedding invitations.


I had managed to complete the dried flower topiary centerpieces and a large floral swag that was going to be hung at the top of our backdrop. The swag contained the roses,that I had dried, from when Plumber Guy proposed to me. My Dad had made the backdrop with his very own hands and transporting it to another state, in the middle of winter, would prove to be cumbersome.


Corsages and boutonnieres containing burgundy and ivory fire and ice roses were ordered for parents, grandparents, groomsmen, and bridesmaids. And I had also ordered bunches of ivory roses for the cake, my bouquet and my bridesmaids bouquets.

I had found a picture of the wedding cake of my dreams in a magazine. If I couldn't have the wedding dress of my dreams, well, by golly I was going to have the wedding cake of my dreams. It was actually 3 different sized cakes, sitting on various heights of cake stands. It was simple in design and would have a basket weave piped all over the cakes. I ordered extra ivory colored roses and ivy to place on each cake. And the biggest cake would have a glass Bountiful Temple cake topper placed on top.


The details were coming in to place, except for one thing...my groom's tuxedo. Seeing Plumber Guy in a black tuxedo for the first time was going to be one of the highlights of our wedding. The thought of it would set my heart a flutter! I fantasized of his broad shoulders in the dark, crisp jacket. And the slacks. Don't even get me started on the slacks! We made a special trip, with groomsmen in tow, to the mall and ordered a total of seven tuxedos. All black with burgundy vests. I couldn't wait to see the love of my life in his tuxedo!


Our first Christmas together, I spent away from home for the first time, but instead, in the loving arms of Plumber Guy. It was a time of peace and calmness, amongst the chaos of wedding plans and me moving into our apartment. Christmas morning, Plumber Guy's family gave us a money tree to help us as we were about to embark on our new adventure of marriage. I was also able to talk to my younger brother, Brian, who was serving a mission in France. I told him all about Plumber Guy and the details of what the wedding was going to look like and the events that were going to take place. He in return told me about teaching the gospel to the French, the food, and culture. I laughed at him, as he tried to remember the English word for "door".


Two weeks prior to my wedding day, I went through the Temple for the first time. My best friend, Christal, came along with my parents from Wyoming, to share the special experience with me. We spent hours laughing and reminiscing, together. Although getting married to the love of my life was exciting, I also knew this would be the last time Christal and I would spend time together as single young women. Our friendship began on the first day of kindergarten and had stood the test of time, over the span of seventeen years. Not only was I going to enter into the new territory of marital bliss, I was also saying goodbye to my old life of independent, single, young womanhood.

Once my parents, Christal and I had returned to my home, after attending the temple for the first time, my Mom brought out some wrapped gifts. Weeee! My very first wedding gifts! I hadn't had a bridal shower, because I never had the chance to return home to Wyoming, and quite frankly, no one planned one for me. I was green with jealousy, every time an engaged friend would talk about her three bridal showers and I was even jealous of the dorky games they played at the showers. I so wanted to be the bride that would get to rip open gifts and the guests would oooo and awe over gifts of baking soda and lingerie. So dog gonnet, this was going to be my bridal shower moment. I quickly ripped open the wrapping paper to see what my Mom gifted me with. One of the gifts was a beautiful quilt that she made for Plumber Guy and I, and the other gift was a pair of large cookie sheets and a cookie scoop.

"Jennifer! You weren't suppose to open that til later!" she proclaimed.

"What's the difference?" I told her. "I'm getting married tomorrow," I said, selfishly. (That was my bridezilla moment)

She just rolled her eyes and figured I was right. Then to my surprise she pulled out a navy, blue, silky, piece of lingerie. "Mom!"

It was very unexpected and so un-mom like. I was surprised at how risque it was. Previous weeks ago, as Plumber Guy and I had talked about our honeymoon plans, it donned on me that I should probably wear something that was silky and skimpy on our much anticipated wedding night.

I shyly asked Plumber Guy, "So what would you like me to wear on our wedding night? W-well, I mean, what style of lingerie do you prefer?"

He turned bright red and smiled. "You could just wear a tee shirt."

"Seriously?" I responded. I felt a little deflated and confused. But then again, maybe that was his little fantasy.

After I thanked my Mom for the gifts, the phone rang.

Ring, ring.

"Hello," I answered.

"Hey!" It was Plumber Guy. "When are you coming?"

When we left the temple, earlier in the day, we made arrangements for me and my family to meet up at his home later.

"I'm changing my clothes and getting ready!" I said.

"Well, you need to hurry!" he said.

"Why? What are we going to do?" I asked him. I was becoming a little annoyed at Plumber Guy's urgency to get me to come to his house. It wasn't dinner time, and we didn't have any appointments that had to be met.

"Well, just hurry up!" he proclaimed.

"Okay! Sheesh, I'll see you in a little bit!"

My Mom asked if it was Plumber Guy, "Was that Steve?"

"Yeah. He's kinda being annoying. He wants me to hurry and get over there. I don't know what the big rush is?" I told her.

"Well, you better hurry Jen! It's rude to keep them waiting," she barked.

"Okay, okay! I'll hurry!"

In a matter of minutes Christal, my Mom, and me, headed to Plumber Guy's home. My Dad decided to stay at the apartment with my younger siblings. As we approached his house I noticed more cars parked in the front, than usual. "I wonder why Sue's car is here?" I thought to myself.

Plumber Guy met me at the front door and we entered his home.

"Just go through to the family room," he told me.

I walked into the family room and was met with a room full of ladies.

"Surprise!" they yelled.

"What the? What the heck is going on?" I thought to myself. I looked around the room and recognized a few of my friends, and various women from Plumber Guy's ward sitting in the room. But then there were also many women that I had no idea who they were.

I looked at Plumber Guy questionably and I gave him that "what's going on look"?

My dear, sweet, soon to be mother-in-law and sisters-in-laws were kind enough to throw me a surprise bridal shower!

My friend Christal began to cackle loudly at my response to the surprise. Then it hit me, "that's what the gifts from my Mom were for!" Ding! Ding! Ding!

Christal knew how much I despised the silly games some would play at these kind of functions. My kind of shower would be to eat and visit. I leaned over to Christal and said, "I hope they don't plan on making toilet paper wedding dresses or putting the bows from the gifts on my head?"

My bridal shower had a "grocery" theme. There were mints and nuts tucked in cute miniature grocery bag party favors. We played a word game, which was actually kind of fun, and ate yummy cake. I felt loved and appreciated. Even though there were a few total strangers there. After a few moments of doing what women do best, eating and talking... it was time to open the gifts. I opened gift after gift of boxes of baking soda and packages of chocolate chips. My newly wed home's cupboards were going to be well stocked. And then to my utter dismay, as I opened each gift, my dear sister-in-law and her friend Kandie stuck the bows on top of my head. Christal and I would flash looks at each other and she would giggle at the silliness of it. In the end I wound up receiving 5 boxes of baking soda, laundry soap, and enough chocolate chips to make cookies well into the next century.

The day before the wedding, our families helped us decorate the cultural hall at Plumber Guy's church building. I was exhausted. After every table cloth was carefully situated on the tables, every ivy garland wrapped in twinkly white Christmas lights, and every centerpiece was placed squarely in the middle of each table, Plumber Guy drove me home to our apartment.


This would be that last night we would have to depart to separate homes... to separate beds. Instead of ending the night with a long, passionate kiss, we tenderly held each other.


"We are getting married tomorrow," I whispered to him, as we held each other with my head nestled against the crook of his neck and shoulder.


He smiled. He didn't have to say anything. We knew our love story was to come to full circle at 9:00 a.m. in the Bountiful Temple, the next morning.



Stay tuned for tomorrow... The big day and pictures to boot!

And Then He Kissed Me! Part 17

Wedding plans were in full force. Our wedding date was to be on January 19th in the Bountiful Temple. Which meant we only had 2 months to plan the wedding, 2 receptions (one in Utah and one in Wyoming), find an apartment, move, find a dress, rent tuxes, flowers, decorations, pictures, food, and on top of all of that, fit Thanksgiving and Christmas in.

I knew financing a wedding would be difficult for my parents. I had a brother serving a mission in France and four other siblings still living at home. Money was tight for all of us, and so I planned the wedding to be as budget friendly, as possible. First thing was first, and I had to find a wedding dress, A.S.A.P.!

I knew exactly what kind of dress I wanted. I wanted it to be simple, yet elegant. Long sleeves were a must, since we were to be married in the winter. I didn't want poofy sleeves, ruffles, a lot of beading, and most definitely... NO BUTT BOW! My first attempt for looking for a wedding dress a month previous was a failure. And being fairly new to the Utah area, I had a difficult time finding my way around to the various wedding dress shops. I was a sad sight. I would often have to try on dresses during my lunch breaks and the shop owners would often ask where my family was. I never imagined that I would have to pick out my wedding dress, alone.

I was beginning to panic at the thought of not being able to find a wedding dress. Then one day I went to an appointment at a dress shop in downtown Ogden. There I was, alone at the dress shop, and a Mexican family with their daughter that was about to turn 15. They were there to find a white gown for their daughter's Quinceanera celebration. The sales lady helped me pick out a couple of dresses to try on. None of which, was the dress of my dreams.

The first one made me look like Dolly Parton. Hello chest! This was definitely not the statement I wanted to make on my wedding day, however, I didn't think "Plumber guy" would have minded. The second dress looked okay. So far this was the best dress that I had tried on. It had a sweetheart neckline, which would have to be altered, due to the girls. The sleeves had some poofiness, there was some beading on the bodice and sleeves, and some trailing of beads, streaming down the skirt of the dress, which was actually unique and kinda pretty. The one thing that I did like about the dress was that the skirt was simple and it had a small train. And the other draw back with the dress, was there was a bustle thing, smack dab in the middle of the butt. However, it WASN'T a butt bow!

I walked out of the dressing area to look at myself in the full length mirrors. I tilted my head to the right and crinkled my nose. "Do you think it looks good?" I asked the sales lady. "Oh yeah! It's really beautiful on you!" she replied. "Your paid to say that," I thought to myself.

I did a full turn around in front of the mirrors, looking at the dress at every angle. "It's not too bad," I thought. I felt so alone. I needed some one's re-assurance and opinion on what I was trying on. Did the skirt make my butt look too big? Was the neckline appropriate for the temple? I wish my mom was there.

The Mexican family sensed my distress. The women of the group all conjugated around me, fluffing and straightening the train to it's full grandeur. "Oh si! Si!" they all harmonized. They reminded me of a flock of chickens. "Muy Bonita! Muy Bonita!"

The sales lady then asked me if I wanted to try on any other dresses. I began to think of how soon my wedding was approaching, and I began to panic. This was the best dress I had tried on, thus far, and I decided to take the plunge. Besides, if the Mexican ladies said I looked "Muy Bonita" in the dress, then I just had to pick this dress. "I'll take it!" I said.

From there on, there was no turning back. I picked my colors, which were the "hot wedding colors" of that time... navy blue, hunter green, burgundy, and I thought I would kick it up a notch and added ivory. Riveting. To save money, I planned on making all of the centerpieces, flowers for the wedding party, and all of the other flowers, lights, bows etc. for the decorations.

With in weeks of "Plumber Guy" proposing, we had our wedding pictures taken and we chose our invitation. All of the details were falling into place perfectly. A family friend of "Plumber Guy's" offered to make our wedding cake for free, my Dad constructed our entire backdrop and all of the fencing, and I had shopped around for the best prices on linen rentals, flowers, and all of the other important details that make up a wedding.

Every waking moment, I spent with Plumber Guy. We made the Hallmark movies, look lame. There was no comparison. I revelled in every detail that we planned for our future together. I stayed busy with the putting together centerpieces and such and he was busy planning our honeymoon. Oh the honeymoon! (sigh)

He had big plans for us! A lot of which, he kept a secret.

"So where are we going to spend our wedding night?" I prodded.

"Motel 6," he teased back. "Yup, I'll just pull over to some Motel 6 and check in."

"Whatever!" I would squeal. Then he would just laugh.

I knew him better than that. I knew he would make our wedding night as romantic as possible. I had dreams of staying in the Anniversary Inn or a luxury hotel with satin sheets on the bed. I heard many positive rumblings about the Anniversary Inn. I heard that there was a Swiss Family Robinson room and an Egyptian room. I imagined us spending the night in a hammock-like bed, stuck in the tree tops in the Swiss Family Robinson room. He could wear a loin cloth, made out of a buckskin, since we would be stranded on an island and all. And his bare chest would be glistening in the hot sun. Or maybe we could bathe in the inner sanctum of a pyramid in the stone jetted tubs. Whatever he had planned for us, it was a fantasy that I just couldn't wait for.

And Then He Kissed Me! Part 16

After the shock of "plumber guy" purchasing his own wedding ring, I was on pins and needles, waiting for him to officially propose to me.


My parents were still in town for my cousin's wedding and me and "plumber guy" were traveling south to meet them at the reception. Once we entered the church's cultural hall, we were bombarded by various members of my extended family. Apparently, my parents had spread the good news about me and "plumber guy" deciding to get married and my family was quick to congratulate us with hugs and welcomed my "soon to be spouse" with open arms.


I ran over to my recently married cousin and gave her a hug.


"I heard you are going to get married!" she said.


"Yeah. We are planning on getting married in January," I replied, excitedly.


"Plumber guy" walked over to me and my cousin and I introduced the two of them. I asked to see her ring and oooo-ed and awed at the sparkling marquis diamond and setting. Rings were constantly on my mind, lately, and I would often glance at every one's ring fingers to check out the vast sizes, cuts, and settings. "Plumber guy" took special interest in her ring also. He examined it closely, which thrilled me to no end.


"Maybe he's going to give me a ring that looks like my cousin's!?!?!" I thought to myself.


Once the reception was over, we started our little voyage home in the dark. My heart was so full that night. I loved introducing my future husband to my family. There was a calm peace in the air, as we were driving home and I started to reflect quietly on our love and how it progressed over the last 5 months. I was blessed beyond my dreams and I could hardly contain my happiness. I began to tear up with tears of joy.


My quiet reflection was then interrupted... "You know your cousin's ring?" Plumber guy asked.


"Yeah, what about it?" I said. I thought to myself that maybe he was going to ask if I liked her ring.


"Well, her ring is exactly like the ring I got you."


"It is? You already bought my ring?" I questioned him.


"Well then, where is it?" I thought to myself.


"I wanted your ring to be one of a kind," he said, in a disappointed manner.


I was taken back a little at just how disappointed he was. He wanted my ring to be unique and from the heart, which showed me just how sincere he was.


"So what are you going to do about it?" I asked him. Secretly I didn't care. I just wanted him to propose to me so that I can start to flash my own engagement ring to fellow females.


"I don't know what I'm going to do. Maybe I'll just get you a different one."


My heart sunk at the thought of having to wait longer for my ring.


A week or two had gone by, and still no ring. Every day I waited with anticipation for "plumber guy" to drop down on one knee and declare his eternal love for me and ask for my hand in marriage, but time was dragging by slowly. During one conversation, he happened to mention that he personally designed my ring and that it would be ready in about two weeks.



"Ahhhhhh! Two weeks!" I thought to myself. I was excited beyond belief, yet I was a little nervous. I had nothing to be nervous about. We each knew that we loved one another and that we had both agreed to get married, but the waiting and wondering was killing me!


The following day was November 8th, and while I was at work, "plumber guy" called my office.


"Hey, I forgot my wallet on top of the house that I was working on today, and it's not too far from your office... Do you want to have Cindy (my roommate) take your car home and I'll just pick you up from work and we can go to dinner?"


"Okay!" I said excitedly. This was a treat! It wasn't even the weekend yet and every chance I could be with the love of my life, was a chance that I just could not pass by.


Six o'clock finally hit and the night was crisp with a cold breeze. It was an especially dark evening. The kind where it was difficult to even see the stars in the night sky. "Plumber guy" arrived and I quickly handed my keys to my roommate.


We began to drive towards the east bench and he stopped at a large, extravagant home. Sure enough, you could see his wallet sitting on top of the roof. He quickly retrieved his wallet and then we began our way back down the bench.


"Did you know that there is a little duck refuge around here?" He asked.


"No. What a weird place to have a duck refuge," I told him.


"It's pretty neat... it has a little walking path around a pond and picnic areas,"


"Let's go see it!" I demanded.


We parked in a dark parking lot that was only lit by a dim street light. It was too dark to see anything, but "Plumber guy" said, "let's go walk around. Maybe we'll see a duck?"


He grasped my hand tightly and began to lead me down a path. I was wearing a navy blue dress with heels, so it was a little difficult to walk on the dirt path and amongst the willows.


"Oh wow!" I proclaimed. The moon's reflection was dancing on top of the pond's dark water, with shadows of clouds drifting slowly over the moon's reflection.


I wanted to stay and take in the beauty of the scenery, but "plumber guy" began to guide me over a small foot bridge.


In the near distance I noticed something.... it was a soft glow, flickering.


"Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer," Plumber Guy said, as he began to rub his thumb over the top of my thumb. I noticed he began to rub his thumb faster and a little harder. It was kinda hurting me! "What's up with him?" I thought.


Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. "I think he's going to propose to me!" My heart started to pound heavily. It was pounding so hard, I was having a hard time hearing what he was saying to me. We were getting closer and closer to the flickering warm glow, and I was able to see that it was a lit candle sitting on top of a picnic table. We approached the picnic table and the candle's flame embraced us with it's warm, amber, glow. Along with the candle, there was a Lagories Pizza, red roses, and Dr. Pepper. He knew me so well. I turned towards him, expecting to be face to face, but instead he was kneeling. He pulled out a cream colored ring box, and held my left hand with his right hand. By now the tears were welling up in my eyes and there was no holding them back. My heart was about to burst out of my chest.

"Jennifer, will you marry me?" he asked nervously, but with a warm smile.

I smiled, the biggest smile I had ever smiled and replied with a soft, "Of course, I'll marry you."

He then opened the ring box and was about to put the ring on to my ring finger, when he accidentally dropped the ring into a pile of leaves...in the dark. He quickly picked up the ring and placed it on my finger. I was such a beautiful ring! I held my hand out to the candle light to observe every single detail. It had a round solitaire diamond in the middle with two emerald baguettes and two blue sapphire baguettes surrounding it. It also had 5 round diamonds set in a swirl above the center diamond and the same pattern of diamonds below it.

"Plumber Guy" then sat next to me on the bench and I embraced him and we kissed passionately. "I love you!" I said, through sniffles. "I love you too."

"I remembered you mentioning once that your favorite gem stone was the emerald, and I knew the sapphire was your birth stone. I thought the two stones would be pretty together, " Plumber Guy said.

I couldn't believe he remembered me saying that my favorite gem stone was the emerald. I remember telling him that I knew someone that had an emerald instead of diamond in her wedding ring and I loved how unique and beautiful it was.

I held my hand up to the candle flame to admire "Plumber Guy's" creation, when I noticed something odd about the ring. There was a dark space next to an emerald baguette. One of the emeralds was missing. I felt horrible for "Plumber Guy" and I wasn't sure how to break it to him, that something was wrong with ring.

"Um, is this suppose to look like this?" I asked him, as I pointed out the empty setting.

"Oh no! One of the emeralds must have fallen out!" he said.

"Maybe it fell out, when the ring fell in the leaves," I said.

My heart sunk, because I knew the chances of trying to find the emerald would be nearly impossible to find in the dark and in a pile of leaves.

I grabbed the candle and it's base and began to move it over the ground in hopes of finding a glimmer of green.

"Ha!" I gasped. "I found it!" We were both amazed that I actually found the emerald in the middle of fall leaves, on the ground. I carefully picked up the emerald and placed it in between the folds of the inside of the ring box.

We both sighed a sigh of relief and began to eat our romantic pizza dinner, but we were too excited to eat, and not too mention, it was freezing cold.

"How did you set this up?" I asked him.

"Oh I had help from Dave," he said.

We didn't stay long at the little sheltered picnic area. We wanted to spread the news to our friends and loved ones.

We drove to my apartment and I immediately held my hand out to my friend, and roommate, Cindy. We both screamed in unison and began to jump up and down with excitement. I quickly changed my work clothes into a sweater and jeans and we drove to "Plumber Guy's" home. His family greeted us with congratulatory hugs and love.

The night was perfect. Our love was perfect. I was truly blessed and looked forward to starting our future together, as an eternal married couple.

Thirteen years later, there have been some heart breaks, loss of loved ones, some trials, and once in a while some disappointments. But most important, there has been love. A love that continues to grow with each year that goes by.

And Then He Kissed Me! Part 14/Flashback Friday

The weekend had finally arrived after a long week of work and anxiously waiting to spend every waking moment with "plumber guy". We decided to go to a movie that night and after checking my hair and makeup in the bathroom mirror, we walked hand in hand across the street to the movie theater.

I loved the location of my "bacherlorette pad". It was a mere hop, skip, and a jump, across the street from the movie theater and the mall. What more could a girl want?



"Plumber guy" was abnormally quiet and seemed to be deep in thought, as we walked.



He finally broke his silence, as we approached the other side of the street, and asked me, "So how is your money situation? W-w-well, I mean, do you have any money in savings? Are you okay financially?"



I was taken back by his question and I was sure he could tell by the quizzical look on my face.



"Ummmm. Well, I do live by myself and my hours were cut in half for a little while, you know?"



I felt a little defensive and began to defend all of my expenditures and reasons for them.



"Well I have $35 in savings and I hope to build it up, once I am more financially stable. What else do you want to know?" I asked him.



"Do you have any debt?" he replied.



"Ug! The "d" word," I thought. "My car is paid for but I have some debt on one credit card," I said. "Oh please, please, please, don't ask me how much is on my card?" I thought to myself. Although it wasn't an outrageous amount, I was worried about what he would think of me. If he thought I was too irresponsible.



"Why do you want to know about my financial status?" I asked him.



"Well, I just need to know for when we get married and when we start planning the wedding."



"What!" I thought to myself. "Did I just hear him right?" I stopped dead in my tracks and my mouth dropped to the ground.



"What did you just say?" I asked, while trying to contain the excitement that was building up.



"You heard me!" he said with an enormous smile on his face. "Now, this isn't the official engagement. I just wanted to talk to you about getting married," he continued to say.

I wanted to scream with excitement and jump into his arms and cover his face in sweet kisses. "He does want to marry me! He does want to marry me!"

"I knew it! I knew you wanted to marry me!" I yelled.

We then embraced one another and kissed. It was a good kiss. A kiss that was semi passionate, yet sweet. It was our first kiss as an engaged couple.

"I love you," I told "plumber guy".

"I love you too," he said.

We began to walk towards to the theater again, but this time I was holding his hand tightly. "I'm getting married!" I thought to myself. "I'm getting married! I can't believe I'm getting married!" I kept repeating these words to myself, as if I needed to convince myself that "plumber guy" had actually broke his silence about the "m" word.

It was hard to concentrate on the movie, due to "plumber guy" finally muttering those sweet, sweet words to me... "when we get married." I immediately began to plan the wedding in my mind, during the movie. "Okay. We can get married in April and I want to get married in the Bountiful Temple. I want tons of flowers and I don't want a long reception line," I planned.

I really never gave it much thought of what temple I wanted to get married in. I grew to fall in love with the Bountiful Temple. When I was unable to fall asleep or I felt a little lonely, I would look out my bedroom window, from my old apartment, and gaze upon the Bountiful Temple, radiating on the hillside in the dark. From my window, it appeared as a small squarish building, but it glowed like a beacon. It would often bring me comfort and peace during those times when I needed the comfort the most. I couldn't wait til we were married for time and eternity.

Once the movie was finished we walked back to my apartment. We immediately pulled out a calendar and began to look at dates.

"I don't want a long engagement," plumber guy said.

"So how about April?" I asked.

"April! That's way too long," he said. "There's no way I can wait til April! I was thinking about a two month long engagement," he said.

"What! Uh, you know that that's gonna be hard trying to plan the wedding, and two receptions here and in Wyoming," I replied. But then again, I couldn't wait to be "plumber guy's" wife. I couldn't wait to decorate our home together, to wear a wedding ring, to be called "Mrs." and especially, to go on a honeymoon with my future husband.

I decided that "plumber guy" was right and that it probably was best to have a short engagement, due to the growing passion between us. We narrowed it down to a Friday in January. January 19th, 1996 was going to be the day that I was to be sealed to my eternal companion, in the Bountiful Temple.

Before we knew it, it was 1:00 a.m. and we had both fallen asleep in each other's arms on my couch.

"I had better go home," "plumber guy" said, as he we slowly woke up.

I walked him to the apartment door and we performed our "goodbye ritual" that we had performed countless times before. We gave each other a long kiss on the lips, professed our un-dying love for each other, then I watched him from the top of the stair well, until I could no longer see him.

As soon as I shut the door I ran to my bedroom and jumped on to my bed. As I was jumping up and down with exhilaration, I began to yell, " I'm getting married! Ahhhhhhhh! I'm getting married!"

I didn't care if I woke up my neighbors from their deep slumbers. I couldn't contain my happiness.

After a few minutes, I was able to calm down and I got ready for bed. My cheeks began to ache from the smile that I was unable to erase from my face. I lay under my covers and began to think of how this relationship was perfect. Everything about it was perfect. There was not one moment that I had ever questioned whether "plumber guy" was right for me. As I said my prayers that night, a warm peace enveloped me and I knew it in my bones that Steve was the one for me. The one for me for all time and eternity.

And Then He Kissed Me! Part Thirteen

My favorite season of the year was drawing near and my love life was perfect. The trees, with their ochre yellow, orange, and burgundy colored leaves, embellished the skyline and the air was turning crisp. It was the season of warm sweaters, hot chocolate, pumpkins, Halloween, and snuggling with my honey to stay warm.



"Plumber guy" professed his undying love to me over a month ago and there wasn't a conversation, let alone a day, that I didn't hear those beloved words from him, "I love you!" on a constant basis.


Every day seemed to be a dream. I was living the life of an independent, working, young woman. I had my very own apartment, my car was paid for, and I no longer was in search for "the one". I had found him. But "the one" seemed to be taking his time to talk marriage. I was ready. In fact, I was more than ready. What was the hold up? Maybe he needed to get his finances intact or maybe it was the timing.

"Plumber guy" started school again and his schedule was becoming more hectic as he tried to stretch his time between me, work, studying, me, and then me. Did I mention "me"? We lived for the weekends when we could relax and spend countless hours with each other. We would take turns attending one another's wards, for church, every Sunday and many times I was invited to eat Sunday dinner with his family or I would prepare dinner for the two of us. I loved to cook dinner for my man. It was as if, we were a real married couple!

General Conference was coming up, which also meant that it was the season of mission reunions. "Plumber guy" often talked about his experiences of his mission to Korea with such humility and love for the people. He would also impress me with the language, although I had no idea what he was saying. And I still don't. He had studied it and studied it, in order to try to perfect the language, while on his mission.

We had attended a Korean friend's mission farewell, one Sunday, in a Korean branch in SLC. She had asked "plumber guy" to give the opening prayer in Korean, and after sacrament meeting many of the Korean members approached us and said they would have never known that "plumber guy" was an American. I felt such pride to be with this humble and righteous man.

A couple of days before "plumber guy's" mission reunion, he asked me if I'd go with him. "Hey, would you like to go to my mission reunion with me?" he asked.

"Sure. You know, everyone is going to ask if I'm your wife." "Yeah, I know," he replied. This same scenario had been played out time after time over the past few months. In fact, "plumber guy's" boss' six year old daughter would just call me "Steve's wife". Even SHE knew the obvious! And "plumber guy's" response was always the same... a snarky little laugh and smile.

"That's it! That's your answer?" I thought to myself. I played out the different scenarios in my mind over and over again of what would happen at the mission reunion.

"Hey Elder Lewis, how are you? It's nice to see you again. Is this your wife?"

"No. This is my forever girlfriend, Jen. I just plan on stringing her along for month after month until she gives me an ultimatum."

"Is this your wife?" "plumber guy" would ask he fellow companions in return.

"Ya, we just got married a few weeks ago. We got married in the Provo temple. I love my wife! I love being married!"

"Oh congratulations. It's nice to meet you," "plumber guy" would reply and then he would probably change the subject.

Saturday was here and "plumber guy" picked me up to drive to Provo for his mission reunion. He greeted me at my door with a kiss on the lips and a smile. I absolutely loved his smile. His eyes twinkled and reminded me of Santa Clause. I often would tell him he had "Santa Clause" eyes and he would just shake his head side to side and laugh.

"You look great!" he said.

"So do you!"

I wasn't sure what you wear to a mission reunion and decided to wear my Gap khakis and my silk, hunter green blouse. The very same outfit I wore on our first date. "Plumber guy" was wearing jeans and a fresh tee-shirt. I felt a little over dressed, but that was okay. His jeans suited him and me, perfectly fine.

The drive to Provo was quick, as we talked about his old companions and who he had hoped would be attending. As we entered the church building's doors, "plumber guy" immediately recognized some old missionaries from the mission. There was a mixture of Americans and Koreans and some of their children running about. All of the former missionaries, slipped into the Korean lingo and began talking amongst themselves, as us non-Korean speaking wives, husbands, and me (the one and only girlfriend attending), stood beside them smiling and watching the conversations.

As we worked around the room, the former missionaries would look right at me and say something like this in Korean, "Ahn-nyong-ha-se-yo!" Then they would look at "plumber guy" and wait for his response, which sounded like this, "mahn-na-bwep-ge-dwe-o-seo!" Then they would all smile and laugh. "Plumber guy's" face would turn bright red and he would light up. I knew they were talking about me, but I had no idea about what they were talking about.

Through out the night, I watched my future husband in his element, as he talked about memories and experiences he shared with his fellow companions. The conversations always led to the same questions and comments. "Did you know this guy is buff?" they would ask me. "Oh yeah! How could I ever forget," I would think to myself, as my mind would flashback to that glorious picture of him tanned, and flexing his bulging muscles in his swimsuit. Then the conversation would be led to that same daunting question, "So, are you two married?"

The night had ended and we began our journey back home.

"So what did you and your old companions talk about, when you were speaking in Korean?" I asked "plumber guy".

"Oh, you know, missionary stuff."

"Whatever! You guys were totally talking about me! Give it up, muscle boy!" I yelled.

"Okay, okay! They asked about you and asked if we were going to get married," he said with a clever smile.

"I knew it! So what did you tell them?" I asked, while trying to not be so obvious that I was trying to pry out this most important of all important information.

"I just told them I don't know," he said.

My heart sunk. "What the hell!" I thought to myself. (Oh yes I did!) I give up!

I was ticked and like most women, I decided to display my disgrace in the most appropriate manner known.... I gave him the silent treatment. I tried to hold my tears back and turned my head towards the darkness of the night sky. I didn't want him to see my raw emotions begin to shed so I rested my head against the cool, car, window and fell asleep.

We approached my apartment building and I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I just wanted to curl up on my couch and watch some pointless t.v. show in the dark and alone. I was tired of wondering, if and when "plumber guy" was going to marry me.

"Plumber guy" walked me to my door and asked, "Do you want me to pick you up tomorrow to watch Conference at my house?"

"I think I'll just stay home and watch it here," I sulked. I was mad and I wanted him to know it. And of course, I expected him to read my mind as to what exactly I was mad about.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

He could tell something was wrong and he tried to pry it out of me.

"I'm fine!" I said. "I'm just tired!" I snapped. My responses were all lies, but the only thing I could think of was curling up and cry a big, fat, ugly cry.

"Well, okay," he said timidly. "I love you. I'll call you tomorrow."

"Bye," I said as we gave each other quick kisses. "There, take that!" I thought to myself. No long, lingering smooches and no "I love you too"!

I closed the door and plopped down on my couch, turned the t.v. on and watched the rest of an episode of X-Files. Then the phone rang.

Ring, ring.

I knew it was "plumber guy". As much as I would have liked to not answer the phone in my moment of anger, I just couldn't resist. All of the anger in the world couldn't prevent me from not loving him. My heart softened and I answered the phone.

"Hello,"

"Hey, I'm sorry," "plumber guy" pleaded.

"Oh that's okay. I just felt a little out of place and I was grumpy. I'm sorry too," I responded.

All was well again with us and we agreed to watch Conference at his home the following day. We never did really talk, and I mean, REALLY talk, about the root of my hurt feelings. For some odd reason, we each kept on tip toeing around the subject. But with out my knowledge, that night "plumber guy" approached the "marriage" topic head on! Little did I know that the Korean conversations shared between old companions and friends, included me. In fact, when "plumber guy" was asked about me and if we were going to get married, his response was YES! YES, I tell ya! He told everyone in Korean that night, that he was planning on marrying me! And soon.

And Then He Kissed Me! Part 12

A few months after "plumber guy" and I had met, our little relationship blossomed into a honest to goodness, full fledged romance. Our daily encounters usually consisted of talking, gazing into each other's eyes, and kissing. We would repeat this process as often as we could. The weekends, however, were a medley of different kinds of dates. They included anything from dinner and a movie, miniature golfing, concerts, and even slow dancing near a warm fire, under a blanket of stars in the mountains. It really didn't matter to me what we did, just as long as we were together.


The day after the man of my dreams had returned home from his trip to Lake Powell, he invited to me to attend church with him and his family. "This would be the perfect opportunity to impress my future in-laws," I thought to myself.


I decided to wear my red dress with the floral print. It had a scoop neck line, buttoned all the way down the front, and the hem hit the middle of my shins. "Perfect. Not too matronly, yet modest enough to not send the wrong message to his parents," I thought.


"Plumber guy" picked me up at my apartment and we were off to his home turf. I loved seeing him in his crisp and freshly pressed khakis, his dress shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders, and to top it off, a tie that coordinated with his deep forest green shirt. He was a delightful vision!


I was a little nervous because this would be the day that I would meet his fellow ward members. Some of these ward members were like family to him and I not only had to impress his parents, but also knew that I had win the ward members over.


As we entered the church, we made our way through the hallways, stopping here and there for him to introduce me to them. I felt special. I felt honored to be "plumber guy's" girlfriend. After meeting various ward members, the first thing they would comment about was, "Are you two going to get married?" and "Steve is such a great guy! You have such a good guy here!"


No one needed to tell me just how great "plumber guy" was. I knew it. I knew it with out a shadow of a doubt. And as for the marriage comments and questions, "plumber guy" would just down right ignore them or smile and say, " I don't know?"


It was beginning to wear on me a little bit. I knew I wanted to marry him and everyone else knew we were going to get married! But, my beloved boyfriend never talked about it! What was holding him back? I just could not understand what on earth was holding him back from approaching me about becoming his eternal companion. I tried not to let it worry me and I would tell myself that in due time, he would finally tell me that I was for him, forever and ever. But it was impossible. It was always on my mind.


A couple of sessions into church and I left "plumber guy's" side to attend Relief Society with his mother. I sat next to his mother and on the other side, sitting next to me, was a neighbor of his family's. On her lap sat her abnormally large 2 year old son. The abnormally large two year old boy's name was Sean. Now Sean was a bit of a handful and had the actual strength of a 10 year old. Sean was not afraid to use his power against innocent bystanders and at times, during the lesson, Sean would lash out and I became the target of his wrong doings. His mother would turn red with embarrassment and repeatedly offer her condolences, "Sean! No! No! Don't pull of the nice girl's dress! Sean you need to be reverent! Oh, I'm so sorry! Sean! No! I'm so sorry!"


Being the oldest of 6 six kids, I knew how two year olds could be. I would just tell Sean's mother, "It's okay. He's not bugging me." In reality, I was loosing this wrestling match with this precocious two year old. I was getting fed up with him trying to pull my dress off while I tried to maintain a joyful expression, and at the same time sit next to my future mother-in-law.



"Plumber guy's" mother was very soft spoken and kind. She never said anything harsh about anyone or to anyone. However, I found it difficult to have a conversation with her. I felt very intimidated and shy around her, so our conversations usually consisted of pleasant small talk. "Plumber guy" had a very special relationship with his mother and I did not want to look like a fool in front of her. I wanted to show her that I loved her son with all of my heart and soul, and that I could be trusted. I also wanted to be the one to bear her grandchildren with him, but I didn't think that would be an appropriate conversation.


"Um yes, Doris, I have fallen madly, deeply in love with your extremely hotty of a son and I would like to procreate and bear his children." Not a good idea when I was trying to portray the image of a pure, and celestial soul mate for her son.


I was still trying to absorb the lesson, being taught, but was finding that to be difficult, due to Sean. Then it happened. Sean managed to break free from his mother's grasp and performed the swiftest of all wrestling moves on me. He grabbed the sleeve of my dress, and pulled with all of his might. He giggled the most wicked of giggles and threw his large head backwards with uncontrollable laughter. He conquered his fight with me. I was an innocent victim. At that very moment, my future mother-in-law looked over at me and her eyes set directly on my left chestal area. "What's she looking at?" I thought. I followed her eyes with my own eyes to see what exactly caused her to look upon me with such disdain. There it was. My left "cuppeth runneth overeth" bosom exposed. My opponent had managed to unbutton the top 3 buttons on my dress, causing it to fall completely off of my left shoulder. And what made it even worse was the bra that I had chosen to wear that day. It was my sexy, silky, brightly floral print bra. I'm talking turquoise, hot pink, and yellow flowers. It was my favorite bra. It performed it's job to perfection... lifting and separating, as if to scream out, "look at me!"


"Stupid big headed kid!" I thought to myself. "Well so much for the pure, innocent image! "Plumber guy's" mom is going to think I'm a hoochy momma. That I'm a ho! I'm not good enough for her son!" A couple of hours into church, and I somehow managed to expose my chest to the entire ward. I would be the main subject at the ward council meeting in the Bishop's office. "Did you happen to see Steve's girlfriend? And what about that hoochy bra she was wearing!?!?!" I would be shunned from the church building.

I quickly pulled my dress up and buttoned the buttons as fast as I could. I began to sweat profusely and twitch with embarrassment. I couldn't wait to leave and meet up with "plumber guy" again.

After church was over, I waited impatiently for "plumber guy" to arrive to the classroom. He walked up to me and asked, "How was Relief Society?"

"I'll tell you later. Let's get out of here!"

After we got in his car I told him about the whole bra exposing incident. He began to laugh and tried to reassure me that his mom would not think I was a ho. He continued to laugh and explained that he wished that he had been there. He wasn't helping, but he did manage to ease my pain.

I spent the rest of the day at his home and with his family. In the evening we walked around his neighborhood. We walked hand in hand and he told me stories and memories about his youth. It was a lazy Sunday, but a perfect Sunday. Well, except for my "hoochy momma" bra incident. I imagined us doing the same thing, after we were married. I longed for that day.

When we got back to his home we watched t.v. with his family and talked. I could get use to this. As the night went on, various family members slipped away, one by one, to their bedrooms to go to bed. Before we knew it, it was just the two of us, sitting on the family couch. The room was dark with the television screen luminating our surroundings with a soft glow.

I was nestled into the corner of his body, where his strong arm connected to his shoulder. His right arm was embracing me tightly, as if having the intention of keeping me safe and never letting me go. I couldn't tell you what show we were watching, because we would be carried away in blissful episodes of kissing. After one such episode, I forced myself to tear away from his strong embrace to get a drink of water. It had gotten quite warm all of the sudden. I walked to the kitchen and quickly drank the cold water and composed myself.

I entered the family room and as I was about to sit next to "plumber guy" he grabbed my arm and perched me on his lap. We continued to watch the program on the t.v., with his arms cinched around my waist and my head settled on his shoulder. He turned his face towards mine and began to place soft kisses on my cheek and neck. I turned my face to meet his and we kissed. It was one of those kisses that was gentle and sincere.

We then rested our heads together, touching forehead to forehead. An infomercial for a set of 1950's music CD's was playing in the background. For some reason it seemed perfect for the moment. Various 50's hits such as Earth Angel and Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight, produced a culminating mood.

"Plumber guy" cupped my face in his hands and softly declared, "I love you."

My reaction was unlike what I had often dreamed about, for this momentous moment. I began to cry. And so did he.

I then threw my arms around his neck and replied, in between my sniffles, "I love you too!"

There we were, sitting on his parent's couch, in an interminable embrace, and crying. He had finally declared his love for me and time stood still.

And Then He Kissed Me! Part 11

"Plumber guy" was coming home today, I could not wait. My thoughts of him interrupted my work, eating, cleaning, everything. Everything reminded me of him. If I saw a car similar to his I would think, "my love has a car that same color." It was sickening, really.

Five o'clock finally came and I quickly cleaned up my desk, and ran to my car. I knew "plumber guy" would be home and I imagined the two of us running in slow motion, towards each other, arms open and eager to embrace. Okay, maybe not so much, but I knew that he would be calling me once I was home from work and that he would be coming to my apartment within a matter of minutes.

While driving home my mind wandered to the conversation we had a week prior to him leaving on his trip. We were talking in my apartment and I was sitting at his feet, while he was sitting in a chair looking down on me. "Plumber guy" became very serious and said, "I have something important to talk to you about." I could tell this wasn't going to be the marriage conversation. The conversation that I had been longing for. Instead his jaw was rigid and the vein in his left temple was bulging. He was tense.

My heart jumped into my throat and I began to panic inside. "Was he going to dump me? Did I do something wrong?" I prayed that he wasn't going break up with me. Things were going great and I couldn't imagine why he would break up with me. I couldn't imagine not being with him. Besides, he was the ONE. My dad said so and I knew so.

He went on to say, "If we are going to make this work, I have to know for sure that there will be no games. I won't stand for any mind games or dishonesty."

"Plumber guy" previously had some horrible experiences with past relationships. I could relate. The two of us knew what we wanted. We each wanted a relationship where there was no doubt or worry about whether or not we were serious about one another. We didn't want to waste our time, if one of us planned on dating other people.

"I would never do that to you," I told him.

I was never one to play silly mind games with my relationships and I had never betrayed any of my past boyfriends. I knew how much it hurt to have someone that you cared for hurt you in one of the worst ways. I desparately wanted him to know that I was very serious about us and that I would do anything to make our relationship work. I would never betray him.

"I really want to be with you and I need to know that you want to be with me also," he said.

"Yes! Yes!" I said.

Then his expression changed. Instead of being rigid and tense, he smiled and cupped my face in his hands and gave me a soft kiss. I could sense the relief in his face and his actions. At that moment, he also knew what I had known for myself for a while now... he knew that I was the one for him. But he wasn't quite ready to tell me.

Once I was home, I rushed to change my clothes and make myself beautiful for him. I wanted this to be a homecoming worth the wait. Then just as I had suspected he would do, the phone rang with in minutes of me being home.

Ring, ring

"Hello."

"Hello," responded that deep voice, I had been dreaming of all week.

"Are you coming over?"

"I'll be over in a few minutes."

I could barely contain myself. I was so thrilled that my baby was home and with in a few minutes I would be in his arms.

Knock, knock

"Okay Jen, don't act like a total dork," I told myself. I then threw open the door and without any hesitation, we embraced each other and he kissed me passionately.

His strawberry blonde, wavey, hair was still a little damp from his shower and his face was glowing. His cheeks were a little pink from the sun and he grew out his beard, just as I had asked. I knew he would look good in a beard. And it was almost a full beard! He looked rugged, yet more mature and I loved to rub my fingers in it.

"I missed you so much!" I said, when we finally managed to break free from one another for some air. "Don't ever leave me again."

"I missed you too." he said as he kissed me again.

We spent the rest of the evening talking about his Lake Powell trip. He told me about jumping off of the cliffs and swimming in the warm water. He talked about sleeping on the deck of the house boat under the stars. It sounded heavenly and I was a little jealous. I was jealous because I wasn't there to enjoy those moments with "plumber guy."

It was getting late and "plumber guy" needed to get home. Church was the next day and he invited me to go to his ward with him. With his family. This was serious stuff and I wanted to make a good impression on his family.

We said our "good byes" and "see ya's in the morning" and I got ready for bed.
As I was brushing my teeth, I thought about the two of us. We had been dating for more than two months. We rarely went a day without seeing each other or talking on the phone. We had each talked about our past relationships, bad choices, and we overcame our first hurdle over the fourth of July. He was on my mind constantly and if he were to ask me to marry him, I would say "heck yeah!" in a heart beat. But there was one thing that was missing... neither one of us had muttered those words. Those words that made the earth stop spinning and cause the heavens to open. I LOVE YOU.

When will those words finally come to pass? And who would finally say them? Stay tuned for part 12!