13 days=11 years

On Sept 26, 1998 I wrote this:

My perfect man:

-holds the priesthood & keeps it honored

-temple

-tries to be kind to parents

-controls anger

-has eternal perspective in mind

-good work ethic

-wants kids & adopted kids

-gets along with my family

-I get along with his

-helps when I don't even ask

-wipes my tears

-gives bear hugs

-full tithe payer

-return missionary

-will brush my hair

-lets me play with his 

-has to have "light in eyes"

-safe driver

-loves me 2nd to the Lord

-not afraid to show feelings

-a bit of spontenaiety

-loves nature & appreciates it

-likes me without makeup

-read scriptures & pray together

-likes to watch sports

-gets along with children

On Jan 1, 1999 I went on a date with guy who I only knew was in my single's ward. We went to the Hard Rock Cafe and then out to do some miniature golfing at a place that is no longer there :(. This was my first time going to a Hard Rock cafe.

I remember he brought me flowers for our first date. Not roses, but wildflowers. How did he know I loved wildflowers?

For the next 13 days we talked on the phone everyday and talked a lot through email (this was a pretty new way to communicate then, there was no Skype or IM). We found common interests. I always loved dolphins and he collected them. When we were young, we lived in the same neighborhood and my dad was his parent's home teacher (that's an LDS thing where 2 men are called to visit families in the neighborhood to see how they are, everyone has home teachers). His jr high and high school best friend was the son of my parent's really good friend. The commonalities just kept going.

He met every criteria on my list.

Within a week, we were talking about marriage. I told him to wait to propose at least until my parents went on their cruise in Feb. He didn't.

On January 13, 1999, 13 days after our first date, Jason proposed to me at WSU looking out over the valley. We didn't know at that time how much time both of us would be spending at WSU for education and his job. Of course I said yes.

The hard part came, I went home to tell my parents I was engaged to that guy they met once. You know, the one I met less than 2 weeks ago. Ummmmmm....yeah. For the next 4 months my parents kept asking me if I was sure, it was so quick. I kept telling them I knew. I hear my dad ran a background check on Jason. I would not doubt that, especially after having a little girl of my own.

our engagement pics - we went to a park

After we got engaged, Jason got a glimpse of his future life with me when I called him at 7am one morning to tell him I had been in the ER all night. I had woken up and thought I was dying from the worst cramps ever...nope, kidney stones. I don't know how many visits we've paid to the ER and how many more surgeries I've had since that one. We joke that he knew going in what he was up for since he went through my first kidney stone with me.

I love this bridal, I got to lay down and take my shoes off

We went to the Garr Ranch on Antelope Island...the deer wanted my flowers.

On May 13, 1999 - I became a Mrs.!!!

we were married for time and all eternity at the Bountiful Temple

Happy 11th Anniversary! 

I love you and am so thankful for you and all you do for me. 

Oh...and that list, I'd say we're still doing good on my perfect man list - except the hair, he's lost most of his.

Michelle