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Dressing up X3: HALLOWEEN

Ok...here are the pictures.
Danny and I had an awesome Halloween. We spent all day together making our costumes--and we rarely get a day together so it was wonderful!
The sewing machine was being finicky so I had to hand sew towards the end which took up a lot of time. I was supposed to be the Chiquita Banana Girl--but didn't have time to make a fruit hat--so I became a flamenco dancer--which was ok. Danny--obviously--was Edward Scissor Hands and looked AMAZING.


First we spend the dinner hour at the Hoffman's where we had a crazy dinner with bubbling purple brew, finger bread sticks, and awesome stew (A few days ago I decided that stew is one of my favorite foods...so good). After a few hours of scaring trick-or-treaters, talking, and eating, Danny and I drove to Lindon to meet up with my old roomies for a singles dance...I know...we are married...

We had a great time. Danny was a huge hit (no surprise there--just now he had the added costume awesomeness), and had lots of people--mainly girls--coming up begging to take a picture with him. It was quite funny. Made me feel pretty good about our handiwork. My roommates were the village people and looked great.

That is pretty much it...except that our car died on the way home. Apparently it needs a new transmission. Gotta love beaters...

been a while...

So I haven't said anything for a while for absolutely no good reason. Life is busy. BUT WONDERFUL!
Danny and I just celebrated on Sunday a year of dating and 6 months of being married. These have been hands down the best six months of my life. I can honestly say that I have never felt so complete--life with Danny just works--perfectly.
So a few fun things have happened lately that I should document.
First: I had a birthday (shout hooray). If you ask Danny how old I am...his response would be "OLD." I guess to some 24 is old. I celebrated with the Hoffmans. It is a crazy birthday weekend in this family. So we had three cakes and lots of celebrating. Oh, and I cut all my hair off...

One evening, Naughty Kitty came in after a night playing around outside covered with motor oil. No, she didn't just step in it--but was soaked in it. I can't even begin to point fingers at which neighbors are responsible for a puddle of unprotected motor oil because all of them have multiple broken down cars sitting on their front lawns...
The cat, however unwilling, was relatively easy to clean...my bedspread on the other hand, was another story (don't worry...this is not the one my mom made us--we are smart enough not to actually sleep with that one). Lets just say that Dawn is a cure-all.

Danny is now a pilot. No he doesn't have his license yet--but he is using aeronautical terminology everywhere he can. And saying things like "babe I kissed the ground today--kissed it!" First time I wondered what type of crazy maneuvers he had to perform to make him want to come out of the sky bad enough to kiss a dirty runway...then I was informed that this meant he had a sweet landing. I will be a pilot's wife yet!

Newest update on the house: the stove and oven have stopped working. Just stopped. I am becoming an expert on microwave cooking...if there is such a thing. That and I can whip through a Taco Bell drive through like a pro.

We took a wonderful weekend to Denver and relaxed with the family. We got to see Wicked--which aside from our wedding was probably the highlight of the year for Danny. Danny is hoarding the only picture we have from the weekend...

We went to a family zombie golf party. Gotta love Halloween season. We were a zombie missionary couple...Ever wonder where you go when you die? We have the answers.

To celebrate six months together, I surprised Danny with a mask and top hat and tickets to go to a masquerade. It was very fun to dress up.




OK. That is all I have for now. More to come tomorrow, next week, or sometime in November...

There is a season.

My first motorcycle ride with Ryan.

Even though most of the people who read my blog do not know who Ryan Alder is, I still decided to dedicate a post to him and his family.

Ryan and I were in the same freshman "group" that ate dinner together, ran around at midnight, went to plays, and ate ice cream at the creamery on 9th. Ryan was also my first ever real college date. He took me to a play and then to ice cream...and then gave me a hug (it was big at the time). Ryan took me on my first motorcycle ride, serenaded our apartment with opera, took us flying airplanes, and had flirting down to an art. He was a true friend--and was bluntly honest when he needed to be. Ryan had a way of making everyone feel special, needed, and as if they were his best friend.
He married Kate (who I only met once) and has a new baby girl, Cora. They were in a car accident a few days ago and Ryan was killed on the scene. Kate is in the hospital still--but will recover, and Cora is doing fine.
Though I haven't even spoken to Ryan for about a year, it is still hard to loose a friend. Please pray for his wife and little baby girl--they need lots of healing, comfort, and love.

The Happiest Place on Earth

Danny and I just took our first ever road trip as a happily married couple. It was awesome. We packed our bags and headed out early Thursday morning.

The drive to California took us through Las Vegas and since I had never been there we decided that would be where we would stop for lunch. What an interesting city. Can't say it is a beautiful as all the pictures show--but then again we were there during the day. The hotels were amazing buildings--but once you got inside it was all about the money...and well...wasn't that great.

We went to a mall right there on the strip which had a food court and we ate. Danny and I walked around for about half an hour just looking at the hotels. It was unbearably hot so we decided to get on our way. Las Vegas...not really my thing.
We arrived in South Pasadena around four in the afternoon and drove to my grandparent's house. Ginny gave us one of her wonderful welcomes with a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. This was her and Danny's first time meeting. She took us up to see grandpa in his office and we all talked for a few minutes. Grandma, Danny and I looked at our wedding pictures on our computer before we all went to dinner. After dinner Danny and I went swimming and retired early because we had an early morning. It sure was a quick trip. I promised grandma we would stay longer next time.

When planning our little trip we went for the cheapest place--Motel 6. We weren't expecting much, but were very surprised to see a sheik room when we checked in. Wood floors, newly remodeled bathroom, flat screen TV. Who knew? Motel 6.

The Happiest Place on Earth. Well...if it isn't then it is a close second. Danny and I had a wonderful time riding rides, going to shows, eating food, walking around. It was a fantastic time. I think we went on Space Mountain and Indiana Jones around six times each. Awesome rides.

We drank pineapple slushies in the famous Tiki Room, visited Micky and Minie's houses, laughed on the punny Jungle cruise (yes, Danny did laugh out loud at some of the puns), rode the ferry around Tom Sawyer's Island, ate in the Pirate's ride, and marveled at Fantasia over the water.

This is the Castle during the Tinkerbell Show.


The best part of our trip however reminded us of home. Danny and I were getting ready to head home and walked past one of the covered pavillions. THere was a live swing band playing and people were dancing--only about ten couples though with many others watching. We went over to check it out. It was open dancing! Danny and I danced for a good half hour before the band was done. It was so fun--we were by far one of the best couples. When we walked out the front gates a little later a girl turned and said she had seen us dancing and we were really good. We both love dancing--it is nice to be able to go anywhere in the world and be able to show-off a little together. It was wonderful.
For us, this is a very happy place. And next time I wont forget my dance shoes.

My First Loves Finally Meet

My dad had the most impeccable luck when I was a kid (and I think it is still continuing...). As his calling he worked with the young men most the time I can remember. Being the outdoorsy man he is--they camped pretty much every month. As far as I know--it never rained. Never. And we lived in Washington.
You would think, as his oldest daughter, that some of this luck would have rubbed off on me. It hasn't. I think it is a pretty mean joke. Every time Danny and I decide to do something outside, it rains. It rained on the day of m y bridals, our wedding day, every time we plan to go to Seven Peaks, all three times we have planned to wash the car, and yes--the very first newlywed camping/waverunnering trip. The week leading up to our trip was in the triple digits all week--perfect time to spend a night in a tent and the next day on the water. As soon as we got out tent up, we heard thunder, saw lightning, and smelled rain. However, with our past history of rained out activities, we expected it.

Danny and I packed our car, put on our honeymoon tidied shirts and drove up the canyon. We found a nice little camping site close to Lake Jordanelle where we would play the next morning. I had packed some pretty awesome food. We grilled kielbasa and zucchini (from my mom's garden in Colorado). Later Danny used his boy scout skills and taught me how to make a fire (again). No camping trip is good without roasting smores--which we did.


We actually slept pretty well--despite the storm. We packed everything up in the morning and drove to the lake where Danny's first wave runner was awaiting. Despite the rain, we played for a few hours. I started (having experience and knowing as soon as I gave the controls over to Danny I wouldn't get them back). The lake was glass for the first little while with us out there and we toured around looking at the shores, going as fast as we could and annoying all the late fishermen. When some of the boats started to join us, I started playing around a little more. Showing Danny my wild and crazy side.

I think it was during one of my little lessons on what not to do on a wave runner that we hit a wave dead on and experienced a major wipeout. What made it major for me was that I didn't even realize I was off the thing until I was already coming up out of the water. I went over the handle bars onto my back and Danny went over me, over the handlebars. Somehow he received a big welt (that didn't show in the picture really well)--it was a good battle wound.

We lost both our glasses. As soon as we were freezing, shivering, and realized it was much warmer in the water than on the runner, we decided to call it a day. Again we grilled--teriyaki steaks and potatoes--then drove back to Provo.
It was a wonderful little trip.

The 36th Diamond

Danny is very proud to have gotten me a wedding ring with 35 diamonds in it. I love my ring. Nothing could replace it.

As many of you know:
(and Danny is acutely aware)I love jewelry...and everyone knows that diamonds are a girl's best friend. Knowing this, when Danny was figuring out what to get me for my "bride's gift"--of course diamonds crossed his mind. But how could he top the 35 diamonds he had already given me? Danny always finds a way around sticky situations like this. For my gift he had a family heirloom diamond from many grandmothers ago set into a pendant. I just dont know how he always pulls these things off.

As many of you know:
Danny and I exchanged gifts just after we left the temple after our sealing. The necklace was a huge surprise and he put it on me. I proudly wore 36 diamonds for about 2 hours. When we got to the reception to change back into our formal wear, we were running a little late so in the rush the necklace got put into a box and thrown into a bag in the basement bathroom of the museum...never to be seen again.

As many of you know:
Danny and I spent many hours agonizing over said necklace, calling every place we went, checking every lost and found, talking with every possible family member, friend, associate, janitor, etc. to try to locate the lost family diamond.

As many of you know:
I felt like the biggest looser of the century...especially knowing that his grandmother was aware of the loss.

As many of you DON'T know:
Julie called us yesterday and found the necklace in a bag in her closet yesterday. No...it wasn't her fault. I put that bag there because it also had some borrowed wedding stuff that is stored in her closet.

As many of you will soon see:
I am happily reunited with--and proudly wearing--my 36th diamond.

The Storm

Having spent a few summers in Colorado, I have come to love storms. Many summer nights would find us sitting out on the porch overlooking Denver and watching the dark clouds in the night sky be lit up with lightning as the rain cleansed all the dust from the sky. I loved those nights. Storms excite and mystify me. They are things that are feared, but at the same time are beautiful and even peaceful.
That is why there was a storm last night.
Not knowing how I was supposed to have peace in a sleepless night, the Lord gave me a lightning storm. I don’t think anything else would have helped—not words, not a calm summer night. Magically, a thunderstorm helped. It gave me peace to know the Lord was aware of my feelings and needs.

Some of you may not have even known I was pregnant—we had just started telling people. I thank you for the love and congrats. It was a wonderful week. Showing Danny the positive pregnancy test was one of the happiest moments in my life that I plan on repeating multiple times. After convincing him that I didn’t fake it—that it was real, the look on his face was better than when he first got to fly a plane. It was joy. He is so excited to be a father. That night Danny and I sat in bed and joked about names and future plans—I wasn’t even disappointed that we were going to have to postpone our Disneyland trip. More than anything else this is what we wanted. It was fun to hear the genuine surprise, the laughter, and the joking from all our parents and the excitement of being grandparents.
It was a whirlwind week, letting the cat out of the bag here and there when it felt right. Too many things got put aside…we were too excited to care about dishes and cleaning up cat fur. I started having a little stomach pain—but just attributed it to “growing something inside you” pain. Apparently I should have been more concerned—not that it would have helped.
Friday I went to work and after a quick bathroom break before the lunch rush, I found that I was bleeding. I called Danny immediately. He made a few calls and informed me that if I was just spotting I was not to worry, but should probably go home and take it easy, if it was more—then I needed to go to the ER. Now, having never been pregnant before—I wasn’t sure what spotting exactly meant. I said something about “women’s issues” to my male boss and he waved his hands for me to say no more—and I drove the 20 minutes home. I bought another pregnancy test on the way and as soon as I got home I took it. Positive. I wasn’t making things up. I was pretty sure at that point that my bleeding was more than spotting. I drove to the Hospital and met Danny there. We talked for a minute and decided that I should go in. Unfortunately, since it was the day before a holiday—everything was closed or re-routed. We first were sent to the labor and delivery—who couldn’t help us. She wheeled me down to the ER. There I was put in a room—they took large amounts of blood and pumped me full of fluid. After about an hour and a half I was wheeled off to have an ultra sound. Funny how this was a routine to me because of all my past…issues. The nurses would being something up and begin to describe it and I would reassure them that I have had that before, or that I knew what that meant. I even knew not to ask the radiologist anything—they never even blink information. Danny mentioned that the radiologist talked very quietly on the phone. I heard every word because I knew that was the only information I was getting from him.
Another hour later, Dr. Hooker came back into the room and told us the news. My hormone level showed that I had indeed been pregnant, but that I had miscarried. At this point he started explaining the statistics on how one in every 5 pregnancies…blah blah blah. I always did hate statistics. None of those mattered to me. This was me. This was my pregnancy. And now it’s not.
Danny and I came home and took a nap. Of course I cried.
I knew I wouldn’t sleep. My body hurt, but I also had too much on my mind. Don’t worry—I don’t blame myself. I know there is nothing I could have done—but in the moment none of that matters. It still hurts.
I thought about this primary song. It was always one of my favorites:

Whenever I hear the song of a bird
Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face
Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet rose
Or walk by our lilac tree
I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world
Heavenly Father created for me.

He gave me my eyes that I might see
The color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears that I might hear
The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:
I thank him reverently
For all his creations, of which I’m a part.
Yes, I know Heavenly Father loves me.

I do know my Heavenly Father loves me. He gave me the rain. My body is being cleansed just as the rain cleaned His earth. I felt that He was expressing to me that He understood what I was going through. Just as the sun is sparkling off the leftover rain and the birds are singing in the new day, this pain too will pass and I will have another chance—because the Lord has promised me with His new day.

Matrimony

Well folks…here it is. The official wedding week post. It is long…so pace yourself. And I don’t have any pictures yet because obviously I didn’t take any because I was in them all. Those will come later.
All I have to say is holy craziness.
I have no idea how everything got done in that week, how I saw and talked to so many different people, how I was able to find time to see my fiancé, and how I was able to keep sane (well…for the most part).

Big events of the week:
Thursday I went to the temple for the first time. It was wonderful. It was what I expected, how I imagined it would be, and it made me feel pretty good at the preparation I have taken the past few years (well…and my entire life). It was so nice to be there with so many people who love me. I felt so blessed to walk in and see family from all sides there to support me and help me feel more comfortable. Thanks family.

Friday morning I woke up in the living room next to one of my best friends, Jill. Danny and I made breakfast (waffles and strawberries) and all the roommies ate together. It was a good last morning in the apartment. I graduated from BYU. I wore a black dress, my grandmother’s pearls, and my mom’s black open-toed satin pumps. I looked good. Except all you could see were the pumps because I was wearing a dark blue zip-up tent over the top of it all. Honesty…I didn’t even bother doing my hair. Our graduation was in the Marriot Center which meant there were a lot of people and it was going to be forever long—which it was. At one point everyone in the row I was sitting on counted and compared the number of strings on our tassels. It was great fun. Time came to line-up. It was longer than the lines at Disneyland, but we got through a little quicker—and I even had an adrenalin rush on the way up. No, not because of excitement; I slipped. Yep. I am a ballroom dancer who runs, dances, jumps in heels in competition in front of hundreds of people trying to get people to watch me—and the moment I am solo with everyone in the Marriot Center watching me…I slip. Luckily for everyone I caught myself before I face-planted—as there were railings to grab onto. It wasn’t too bad—but there was irony involved. Walking up to the stage there was a slight ramp with railings. On the floor just after you stepped onto the ramp there was a laminated sign which read “Watch Your Step.” And yes, that is what was so slippery that my pump couldn’t handle. Then I proceeded to walk up to meet my dean who was smiling his mischievous little grimace. Now the deans usually whisper something like “Congratulations” “well done” “way-to-go.” I got a “you shouldn’t have worn heels.” And that pretty much sums up my relationship with Dr. Crandall. Pretty sure I have a shocked look on my face in the picture they snapped. That was pretty much all the exciting news for my graduation. Thrilling—but hey…you only graduate once (except I did graduate in High School, and someday a Masters—so in my case, you only graduate three times).

Saturday was the BIG day. I got married. I met Danny (a little late—sorry babe!) at the temple with my mom and his dad. I was surprised at all the people who were already there waiting in the lobby. The lady who was my guide explained things to me like six different times and I still forgot how she wanted me to do things—but I kept telling her that I understood. The sealer met with Danny and I before the sealing and we talked for a bit. He was a really funny guy and was very interested in Danny’s mission. It was fun to get a moment to just sit and talk. Then we went into the sealing room where everyone was waiting. There were people who came that I didn’t expect to see there and that was a wonderful surprise! Again, I don’t remember anything really about the sealing except he advised us to be good neighbors…which we plan to do—funny because it was something we had talked about before we got married. When he told us to kiss as husband and wife Danny was being all slow—I don’t know why—probably trying not to embarrass himself with doing something silly. No worries—I took care of that myself. I wanted to kiss him so I helped things along and kissed him. It brought some laughs. Then everyone was able to greet and hug us. That was one of my favorite parts of the whole day. I loved getting to hug, kiss, and talk to family members and friends that I don’t get to see very often inside the temple. It was wonderful. I held it together pretty well until Jill reached me with teary eyes. After that it was all downhill for my mascara from there. I know it was an emotional time for many (as it was for me) to be able to see me there very happily married to a wonderful priesthood holder—doing everything at that moment right.
We took some pictures at the temple but it started raining so most were taken at the museum later that night (which was nice because it gave me time to fix my makeup and rained/wind whipped hair). The reception. I don’t know really what to say. First: it was beautiful. A lot of planning, people, resources, and time was put into that and know one really knew how it was going to turn out. It just worked. For me: I don’t know where all the time went. The events we planned (cake, dancing, bouquet) went pretty smoothly, but I felt like the time went way to fast. I have to apologize about not having a line—we were going to do one, but it just didn’t work out. I, however, had a magnificent time walking around and talking to people. My mom always said I was the social butterfly in the family—and for the first time I really felt like one. It was so great to flit around and chat with people I know, love, and rarely get to see. My photographer was so wonderful and attentive—I would ask her to come over and shoot pictures with people and she was there. I think I have more pictures with my Grandpa Bob than I do with Danny! All-in-all I loved the reception. It looked exactly like I wanted it (and even better in some parts), the cake tasted wonderful, Nicole caught my bouquet (I aimed it in her direction), and I left feeling like a celebrity.
Then it was happily ever after.
No. There is more to the story. When we got back to Danny’s house to change and we went to get into the car to drive away I realized through a series of unfortunate events that I had left my purse at the reception (car keys, wallet, phone). We had to wait at Danny’s house with his family for a little over a half an hour until someone showed up with me purse. Someday Danny will think it was funny…someday.

For all of those who do not yet know where we went…Danny took me to San Diego, California.

Antelope Island---where we saw…buffalo?

After a week of partying, family, wedding planning, school, and long work hours—I begged Danny to take me away. He is so good.
He picked me up at six thirty and we drove to a look-out place to catch the sunrise. I packed breakfast burritos and hot chocolate (which we packed in our new Thermos cooler…thanks Karma!).

Sunrises are quick. I haven’t seen one for quite sometime…being a morning person doesn’t mean waking-up before the sun. Anyhow…it was nice. Then we drove the hour and a half drive up to Antelope Island. The drive was pretty uneventful—except for the fact that Danny was very tired. I took over driving about 45 minutes. It was my first time driving Stacy (Danny’s car which apparently has only one purpose—to build character. Danny and I renamed it the sexy white beast.), and I realized that we are very blessed indeed that nothing has fallen off the car as of yet. When driving on the freeway with the SWB, I was sure the dashboard was going to vibrate right off the car. And I am pretty sure it will someday and if we live through it—we are going to have one terrifying story to tell…
Moving on. We arrived at the causeway and had a peaceful ten minute drive over to the island listening to the AM dial with information and history on the island and smelling the brine stench. Pretty sure we still smell like brine shrimp.
Since there are only two different roads to choose from (left or right) we chose right…and were lucky enough to see our first buffalo on Antelope Island. Yep. Not antelope—which are graceful, light footed, and lean—but big, brawny, and brown monsters. Of course we took a picture.

Then we headed to the first sandy beach we could find. I love the beach. Danny asked me the last time I had walked barefoot in Utah sand—which was never. He warned me that the sand in Utah was not usually pleasant to walk on—and I boastingly asked him when the last time he walked on Washington sand was. Washington doesn’t have sand. Washington has rocks. The sand was wonderful for the first few yards—cool, damp, and thick. Heaven. Then it turned a little rocky…then we decided leaving out shoes at the car was a poor choice indeed. We were tiptoeing down the forever long beach until we finally reached the very salty water.

I skipped my first rock since I was a little girl (I was never very good at it). Danny was a pro. It was turning out to be quite a nice day.

Then we drove all over the island, saw buffalo up close, toured a ranch, pet a horse, and finally found ourselves at the bistro. We ate buffalo burgers.
At that point we decided we were done with the island as we were tired, hot, sweaty, smelled, and the car needed gas—we did not want to be stuck alone on some deserted buffalo island with only one bag of chips to eat…
Thus we left and drove to Bountiful to see the temple. We drove around it and got very excited. 35 days.
It was a great outing. We have decided to do picnic days like this more often…and when we get married we are going to make them camping trips—as we both like camping. Life is fun.

Seattle: I love you.

Seattle (or Washington State in general) has been my home most of my life. I love it. I love the rain, the green, the trees, the mossy roads---even the occasional stepping on a slug. Ok…that was a lie. I don’t enjoy slugs. They probably don’t enjoy me much either.
Danny and I flew to Seattle for Valentines weekend to spend a few days with my family. It was wonderful. We arrived Friday night and went dancing at one of my research studios. Danny got to meet some of my friends. Saturday we had a wonderful blueberry pancake breakfast with the family. Then Dad, Emily, Danny and I drove to Seattle to spend a few hours at Pikes Market. We spent time looking at some of the shops and eating traditional “Pikes” food (clam chowder, fresh doughnut holes), but the majority of the time was spent taking pictures. Emily was our esteemed photographer and the four of us had a fun time tromping around Seattle finding good places to take pictures. We were so pleased with the pictures. Em did a great job. Thanks sis!
That night we had a family Valentines dinner of amazing steak and shrimp scampi. Sunday Danny met some of my extended family which was really fun. He fits in well…they like to laugh and he likes to be funny. Dad made is famous roast and we feasted with LOTs of food and dessert. It was so wonderful to spend time with my family. All of the cousins and grandma sat crammed in the living room talking, laughing, poking, and telling old stories. It felt like old times at grandma’s sleepover. Thanks guys!
Monday we went to breakfast as a family and then got dropped off at the airport. Our trip was relaxed but perfect. We were able to spend time with my family and relax from our crazy Provo lives. Definitely something we will do again.

What I need...quite a suprise!

So the "needs" idea sounded really good as I sit here at work...here is what I need--let me know if anyone is willing to assist.

Kristi needs:
1. a schedule is a must. (No kidding...I am forgetful as it is...add bride brain on top of that and I am a mess...even my schedule is a mess...)
2. Art - a community of artists and those devoted to art. Digital art, skin art, themes, wallpaper art, traditional art, photography, poetry / prose. (Apparently I need this...but I am not sure what for...)
3. to turn up the AC cause her hotness is about to burn the place down. (uh....I don't really want to respond to this one...)
4. a boyfriend. (I guess technically I don't have one...I have a fiance)
5. help. (I know. thanks guys...can we get a little more specific?)
6. therapy. (really? REALLY!)
7. your numbers. (actually...this is quite true.)
8. contacts to businesses that would be interested in having me on-location for a set time to work on employees for the cost of a copay. (Not sure what I am going to be working on...I am an anthropologist...)
9. to go to Home Depot and buy a filter for the exhaust fan over her stove—there is serious grease buildup there. (I had no idea there was even a fan there...)
10. this type of concrete feedback to grasp her own progress. (ha ha ha...please! I want feedback!)

Well...that was fun. I feel like I have a direction for fixing my life!

Game Over.

Hello World!
Life is just going on as usual: school, working two jobs, church, wedding plans...I'm ENGAGED!!!
Yes. It has happened. Time for all to settle their bets. This is no joke. I convinced Danny to marry me just to show everyone it could be done. Don't worry...I didn't do the proposing--I let him do that part. I can't imagine the pressure a guy must feel in planning a proposal. They must know that a girl dreams about that event her whole life--and has gone over scenarios of good and bad proposals. I am no different. After dreaming my whole life of that one person with that one moment--I had my expectations. There were no disappointments, regrets, or do-overs. Danny knows me well and planned a magnificent evening. And he didn't even fumble over words. He promised me that he didn't rehearse so I attribute his perfect delivery and beautiful words to the obvious fact that he loves me and has wanted to say these things for some time now. Kudos to Danny. As Marry Poppins stated so eloquently: He is practically perfect in every way.
Sorry ladies...he's taken.


Alright...here is a little recap of Christmas break. I went to Denver and Christmas was good. It was nice to spend time with my family and Naught Kitty. I did a lot of sewing, a lot of eating, and a lot of laughing. The day after Christmas Danny flew out and spent the rest of the break with me. Kenny and Meggan got sealed on the Saturday after Christmas--which was wonderful. Family is great.
(And...yes...Danny is wearing a pink hat...)