My Side of the Our Story

Michael is really good at telling our story. He can make it funny, sad, happy, whatever mood he is in. But the one thing he isn't good at is letting me tell it from my point of view. So we decided that we would write down our points of view for future generations. I also thought it might be fun to post! Its kind of long. I will under stand if you can't read it all. Its 13 pages long. Good luck!

Me and Mike meet way back in September of 2009. We were in the same institute class. After class one day I was talking to Becca Sweagle (now Becca Hainsworth) in the foyer when all of a sudden Mike gets up out of his chair and comes and joins us. It was fun talking to both of them, I was new and hadn’t made any friends yet. After awhile, I leave. Shortly after I get home I get this phone call from Becca! I was lying on my bed and this is how the conversation went.

“Mariah! You have no idea what I had to go through to find you number.”

“Hi Becca! I’m glad you found it.”

“Well you remember that guy Mike we were talking to?”

“Yeah.”

“Well he was wondering if he could have your number.”

I think for a bit. Chad my missionary flashes through my mind. But everything everyone has told me about how I need to date while he’s gone comes to mind as well. So I say…

“Sure. Why not?”

“Awesome! Well I’ll give it to him. You should be getting a call shortly.”

We then said good bye and I continue to read my book. I get a few pages along when Mike calls.

He sounded very nervous the whole time we talk. He asks me to go on a date the first weekend in October. I had to decline because my parents were coming into town. So we set it up for the next week end.

The next weekend comes and I was home alone for awhile that evening. Mike called me to find out where I live to pick me up. I remember him trying to be sarcastic but he was so nervous I couldn’t figure out what he was doing. So he came across as over apologetic with a dash of mean. I also remember there being a really long awkward silence and it was so long I just hung up. I don’t know if he knows that but he’ll find out when he reads this. Hahaha! He called back and said there must have been a bad connection or something and I ran with that.

He finally made to my house. It takes about 30 min to get here from anywhere. ( we live in the middle of nowhere.) And the plan was to go get ice cream but neither of us knew where to get some on this side of Tucson so we went to a Denny’s that was right next to the free way. There we  sat, talked, laughed, and ate food. Somewhere in there he called me a vampire and told me I wanted to suck his blood… still not sure where that came from… After that we went driving around hoping to find a park where we could walk and talk but that didn’t work out. So we drove all over the place listing to accaplla church music. I thought something along to the lines of “Oh great he’s peter priesthood” and as the date progresses I couldn’t see our relationship going any further. Because he made a comment along the lines of “Mariah I can see us becoming great friends!” and then at the end of the date he gave me a side hug.

Ok I thought he won’t ever call me again. I had fun but he’s right we’ll just stay friends. A few days later I get a call from Mike asking me if I wanted to come over to his place to watch a movie with a bunch of people. I said sure and got my stuff and headed over. I have to call him to get directions and he ends up having to stand outside so I can find it. We get in there and there are his roommates and one or two other girls. I sit down on the couch and am very shy. He sits down next to me and promptly puts a pillow between us. I think “Yep just friends” and we watch the movie. This is where I discover Mike’s very loud very unique laugh. I sit there watching the movie and start laughing just because Mike is laughing. And I think “Oh my who is this guy and what am I doing here?” After the movie we stand around and talk and Mike keeps his distance and I believe I walk out to my car alone. Although Roger and Carli did help me back out of their crazy drive way…

The next morning Leon and Jen ask me if there is any interest and I say no not really. They ask what it is I don’t like about Mike. I say “You’re going to think this is really mean but… I don’t like his laugh.” Now let me just say this I LOVE Mike’s laugh now I think its great. I do jump sometimes when it comes out of nowhere when we are in public. But I love it J I think a huge part of me was nit picking at all the guys I went out with to help protect me from falling for another guy while I was waiting for Chad. That being said lets continue…

A couple weeks later or so, I believe it was in November, I get a phone call from Mike and he asks me out on another date. I think to myself “Really?” But I say yes and tell Jen I’m going to tell Mike that I’m not interested. And ask if we can just stay friends. So the date comes and the plan is to go to chilies. But once again we can’t find it. Driving around I think “Hasn’t he ever heard of Google maps?” I wasn’t very nice back then….

So we end up going to something better so it was ok J we go to this place called chipotle and Jamba Juice!!! I tell him about my family and how spoiled I am and he tells me about his family and how messed up it is. Then I start getting really hyper off the jamba juice. We go back to his place and we watch a movie. I don’t remember what. And I put my legs across his lap and we talk and goof off and I’m totally failing at telling him I’m not interested. And then at the end of the date he asks me if I’ll go to the Christmas dance with him at the institute. And I say YES! WHAT KIND OF JERK FACE AM I!!!

The whole way home I’m kicking myself. The next day was Sunday and by this time I’m really good friends with Becca. Rephrase that Becca had become my best friend here in AZ. And I tell her about what had happened and she suggested I call Mike up for a walk after church and just tell him what’s going on. So that’s what I did.

I use to wear this ring. It was gold with a blue sapphire in the shape of a heart set into it. Chad had given it to me as a promise ring. Mike had asked me about it the night before. So that was the route I was going to take. So he meets me at the institute building and we go for a walk around the University of Arizona campus. We talk for a long time. He being the one to start it all and me being the one dreading what I have to say. Finally he says “Gee Mariah I’m sorry I’ve been talking away and I don’t even know why you wanted to go on this walk. What did you want to talk about?” I think “Dang it! I don’t want to do this!” So I say “You remember you asked me about my ring last night. Well…” Then I proceed to tell him about my missionary and how I promised him I would date other people but I wouldn’t be married when he got back. Then I laugh and say “I guess technically that means I could be engaged.” I tell him that if he wants to ask someone else to the dance he can. He shakes his head and says “I don’t know if I want to take someone else. I don’t know who I would take.” Then he walks me back to my car we say good bye and I think to myself. Well after the dance I don’t think I’ll be seeing him again.

Well I see him at institute and we hang out now again but that’s all they are to me are hang outs and I start to see some hope of keeping Mike as a friend. Then one fate full day we go shopping to buy him some clothes for the dance. And somehow it comes up that I think this is just a hang out and Mike gets this look on his face that spells out despair. And I ask what’s wrong and he says “Nothing, this just obviously meant more to me then it did to you.” Punch to the gut! I felt horrible! But life went on…

The day of the Christmas dance I went and got ready at Becca’s place. Mike and Zak came and picked us up. After a makeup disaster and trying to get our hair to work we were only 5 or so minutes late. Mike will probably say it’s more but all well.

At the dance I had such a great time. We had dinner which was delicious till I found a hair in it. Then Mike gave me his! We watched a play which was a singles ward princess bride spoof. And then we danced. I had such a blast! Mike is a pretty good dancer. I remember at one point we were standing near the back of the gym and I had my hand on his chest and I looked up at him and I thought “I like him.” But that’s as far as I would let it go. I was waiting for Chad I would NOT fall for another guy I knew Chad was the one for me! (BLAH! I was stupid…)

So the night ended and I had thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was either this night or another one where me and mike had a DTR (Determine the relationship) We had a few. All of them evolved me shedding a tear or two and telling him that I had to wait for Chad. But I did manage to convince him to stay my friend. He said something along the lines of “Those people who are truly good friends will be your friends whether or not you are waiting for a missionary.” So he kind of backed himself into a corner and had to be my friend or he wouldn’t be a “good friend” hahahha. But honestly I wouldn’t have blamed him. But he did. He stayed my friend.

I went home to Utah for Christmas and didn’t want to come back. But I did. I came back to Arizona. I got a blessing from Dad that said I had people here outside my families that needed me. When I told Becca about it she said she was one. I think Mike was definitely another and maybe even Heather Kunz another friend of mine that comes into the story awhile later. But I fallowed the council although I didn’t want to and I came back.

Mike came up with this great idea while I was gone. He decided that he was going to help me wait for my missionary by pretending to be my boyfriend. AKA we were going to go hang out a lot and be friends and let the institute gossip take care of the rest. I thought it was a great idea! We made a game out of it even. We would go to activities and someone would wait till we were by ourselves and then come up to us and ask us if me and mike where dating or together or seeing each other. And I would say no we were just really good friends. But Mike, oh Mike, he would milk it for all that it was worth. Then at the end of the conversation he would say something like “Ah just joking man! But seriously…” And then walk off leaving them still wondering.

During this time period Mike had two girl friends. I hoped and prayed that both of them would work out. I really wanted my friend to be happy. But these relationships where not meant to be. And apparently my relationship with Chad wasn’t meant to be either.

I flew up for his homecoming. I went and saw him the Saturday before. We spent all day together. He wasn’t very nice. I told him what happened between me and Chase and he called me a dirty cup. Used merchandise. He told me that his parents were trying to convince him that he shouldn’t be with me because I was flunking out of school; I would go behind his back and stop taking birth control so I could have a baby sooner. He told me that they didn’t think we would go well together because we shared so many of the same flaws. I sat there and took it and I didn’t understand where any of this had come from. I thought his family loved me. But apparently not. The whole time I was so happy to be with him but it wasn’t the same as it use to be. We were both so different. I look back now and I can see the high school girl trying so hard to make this work and I look at where I am now and I would have never been happy with him or his family.

I go back and I tell Mike everything that happened with Chad and I cry on Mike’s shoulder. He tells me that he and Nicole broke up while I was gone as well. So we decided that we are going to have a pity party together. We go get ice cream and pick up stuff from target. While we are in target Mike makes a joke about Chad calling me a dirty cup. Before I realize what I’m doing I slap Mike and start to walk away. Mike grabs my arm and pulls me in and apologizes. I just start to cry. And good long cry right there in the middle of target. Right after that we leave and go back to his house and feast on ice cream.

Well it turns out things are still really complicated with Mike and Nicole. She told him she needed space and time. But she kept texting him like nothing had happened. Utterly confused Mike calls me up and asks it we could talk. So we meet up at this shopping complex and he tells me what she’s been saying and how he’s not sure what he even wants any more. So we come up with a plan for him to meet up with her and just talk things out in person once and for all. So then we just end up talking and walking. And I remember telling him about Leon and Jen trying to convince me to stay in Arizona. Telling me how I should find a guy down here and then I could be their nanny forever. Leon also kept asking me if I had kissed Mike yet. So I tell Mike that even if me and Mike did end up together I would drag him up to Utah because school was cheaper their any ways.

A dance came up that same week on Friday. I manage to drag Mike there to go with me. It was fun! We learned how to salsa and tango a little bit. Then the dance really started and he and I just have a blast on the dance floor. Then Nicole shows up and Mike asks her to dance. I look on really hopping that things work out. That these two can live happily ever after. But then Mike asks a question and Nicole draws away says something shakes her head and walks away talks to her friends and then leaves. Mike walks over to me and asks if we can leave. I say sure.

We go back to his apartment and watch Iron Man with Heather and Drey. So we all sit on the same couch and get nice and cozy. And the seating arrangement is thus: Me on the far left, Mike, Heather, then Drey. Mike being broad shouldered wasn’t very comfortable with this situation. So he leans forward and says “This isn’t going to work.” And puts his arms across Heather’s and my shoulders. Heather says something along the lines of “Uh, no.” and I just lift his arm off me and place it next to him. Later Mike says “Really guys.” And does it again. Heather removes his hand again and this time I snuggle into him. This takes us both by surprise. But we enjoy the rest of the movie sitting like that.

The next week (I think) I get a random phone call from Mike. He is frantic. He tells me I have to come over right now. I have to meet him at his place and we have to watch a movie. I was in the middle of a very good book and really just wanted to stay at home in bed and read. I was in my PJs, had no makeup on, and I’m not even sure if I showered that day. But after much convincing and even a plea to Leon to extend my curfew a bit I head over to Mike’s.

I show up slightly frustrated and slightly amused. After we decide to watch spider wick, we sit on the couch. I sit in my normal position, curled up in the corner with a pillow. I have watched lots of movies at mikes house before.  Mike, however, sits very stiffly next to me. I give him a weird look and think ok… He then puts his arm around me and asks “Is this ok?” I giggle and say yeah and then snuggle into him.

I have to leave before we finish the movie because Leon did not extend my curfew. But I remember being slightly confused because I didn’t feel guilty for cuddling with Mike. And for the past two years every time I cuddled with any guy I would feel awful. But not anymore. It was kind of nice and kind of strange.

Right before I left Mike asked me, change that, he told me I needed to come over the next day and finish the movie. I agreed. I had the next day off of work and if I got my stuff all packed for Utah I could head over no problem. So as I was packing my things I get a phone call from Becca. She asks me what I’m doing that night. I reply, “Ummm well I need to get all my stuff packed for Utah. And some other stuff. And I need to get a good night sleep and sooooo Yeah I’m don’t think I can do anything tonight.”

I hear Becca sigh and then she pulls out the big guns. “So Mike called me and told me you guys had a date last night and are going on another one tonight.”

“Well I don’t know if I would call it a date…”

“Mariah, You cuddled. I think that’s a date.”

I groan and laugh at the same time. “Becca! I don’t know how I feel about this!” I then proceed to explain to her that I really don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know how I feel. I still have this faint hope of things working out with Chad. And I’m going to Utah! I have to move back to Utah in August for school and everything… I just don’t know what to do!

Becca then gave me some wise advice. And we deiced that I would tell Mike that I couldn’t commit to anything till after the Utah trip. (I don’t know if I stated this earlier but Leon and Jen where going to Hawaii for two weeks. So I went to Utah for the same amount of time.)

So the date came. I meet up with Mike at his place. After that we took off to Target where Mike was going to buy a book for me to read on my trip to Utah. But as we were walking in I told him this story. “Mike there is something I have to tell you.” By the way I’m holding his hand as I say this. “There are two guys in my life right now. One that I think I love and one that I could fall in love with. I’m not sure with path I should take right now but just so you know I don’t think I can commit to anything till after I get back from Utah.” 

And I believe he replied with something along the lines of. “Well that’s not really what I want to hear, but I guess it’s fair enough.” And he still held my hand! Why he didn’t ditch me right then I don’t know. But he stayed.

We go in buy the book and a few other things that are not relevant to this story and we left to go finish the movie. When we got to the apartment one of his roommates was back with his girl friend; their names are Scott and Chelsea. They were planning on making dinner together and then working on some homework. So Mike said that we would finish watching our movie then we would leave so they could eat together and do homework for a bit. Then if they wanted they could watch a movie with us. They agreed. So after the movie we went to go for a walk.

We hoped in the car and Mike drove me to a park were we could walk around under the full moon. It was a lot of fun. We talked about crazy stuff. I don’t even remember. I do remember running towards to swings and spending a long time talking there. Then as Mike likes to say “Everyone and their dogs showed up to use the swings.” So Mike said we should take another lap around the park so we did. Now at the top of this park there was a huge trench to help catch the water during monsoon season. And we could walk through it just like we were walking in between two good sized hills. So right as we come up on this location Mike starts to stutter a bit, repeat the same phrase over and over again. Then right was in enter the trench Mike pulls me in (the Phrase “oh crap” went through my mind) and kisses me. I melt. Literally. My knees went weak and I couldn’t stand. My mind was blank. Mike pulls away and asks if I was alright. I node. Then he asked if he could kiss me again. I look up and say yes. He was such a good kisser. Or I just hadn’t kissed in such a long time. Every time he kissed me that night I just melted. And believe me as we finished walking around the park and before we went back inside the apartment we kissed plenty of more times.

So we go back in and stick in the movie “Up”. We watched it on a lap top because the TV in the apartment was dying. The sound was definitely dead. But we along with Scott and Chelsea cuddled up and had a great time. By the end of the movie we had to say good night. Because I still had a curfew (side note: that is one of the best things about being married is not having to answer to someone of higher authority in your home J ) I went home very happy that night.

The next morning I wake up and stick my head in where Leon, Jen, and Auna are sitting. “So,” Leon says “Did he kiss you yet?” I knew this question was coming. Leon would ask me every time I went on a date. Or even just spent time with a boy. So when I nod and say yes, Leon’s eyes go wide and Jen says “Really.” I nod and say yes again they both start laughing. And asking questions. It was a fun morning. Later that morning I flew off to Utah. And it wasn’t till then that I started to wonder what my parents might think.

When I arrived in Utah my parents picked me up from the air port. I absolutely love Utah. Every time I go back I roll down the windows so I can just soak up the smell of the plants and mountains. On the way home I talked to my parents about all sorts of stuff. But I avoided the subject of mike. I didn’t know how I was going to tell them. But it really didn’t take me to long to. The opportunity presented its self in due time.

Mike called me that night. I went outside and walk around the yard as I talked to him. We talked for a good long while about everything and nothing. But by the time I went back inside my mom knew something was up. I went in to talk to her while she was lying on her bed reading the paper. I curled up next to her like I usually do. And she asked calmly, “So, who where you talking to?”

“Michael Smith.”

“Who?” I then proceed to explain who he is what we’ve done together and how we are now going out. After a pause she asks “Well, what about Chad?” So, I tell her about all the awful things his family has been saying and now that I’m going out with Mike I can kind of see where Chad might not have been the best person for me. “Ok sweetheart,” mom replies, “just don’t rush into anything ok?”

As the week continued Mike and I would talk to each other at least once a day for an hour or more. I was falling more and more in love, and my parents… well they were getting more and more worried that Mike was a rebound.

During one of my many conversations with Michael, he asked if he could come up and see me and my family. I was shocked I told him I would love to see him but I wasn’t sure how my family would react. So I would have to check.

Moms response was “I don’t want to share you with a boy right now!”

Dads response was “I think you would be giving a message you aren’t ready to send yet.”

So it was a no. I told Mike that my parents didn’t want him to come up yet. He asked why. I told him that they were afraid he was a rebound. Michael didn’t care for that response to much. But it was what it was. And besides I still had to go on one last date with Chad…

Chad was being completely ridiculous as all ways. I was trying to set up a date and time to see him and tell him I had a boy friend and he didn’t have to worry about me anymore. And he was telling me he wasn’t sure when he could make time for me. Ok fine with me if he didn’t make time for me while I was there I would send him an email and call it good. But finally he settled for the last Friday I was there.

Michael knew about the date. He wasn’t happy with it. But he put up with it. Said he could understand why I would want this closure. So the day of the date arrived. I called Mike up and told him everything would be fine right before the date began.

Chad showed up in his new yellow car that his parents bought him. Bribed him with. “don’t date Mariah seriously and will give you car and a laptop and help pay for your schooling!” BLAH! I hated that car. Chad came in. Said hi to my family and we headed off to Granny Annie’s. On the way there I told him I was dating Mike. I got it out there at the very beginning! I was proud of myself. Things were a little tense there for awhile. Chad asked me why we where even going on this date if I already had a boy friend. And I told him it was because I thought he deserved to hear it in person and this way we could talk about it if he wanted to. So we went got scones talked about it for a bit and he handled it really well. He got depressed at one point when I was giving him advice about dating other girls, but besides that he did really well.

After we ate we went back to my house and went on a double with my brother Mike and my friend Ari. We all went bowling together. It was a lot of fun. And we all pretty much stunk. The whole time Chad was flirting with me too. And to my regret I was flirting back.

After bowling we went back home and watched a movie. I don’t remember what movie. I think it might have been August Rush. While we were watching it Chad leaned over and said “You’re the one with the boy friend so I’ll let you decide how close you sit.” What kind of guy says that! And what kind of girl am I to actually do it! I should have given him a dirty look and walked away. But no I scooted closer. And we watched the movie all snuggled up. In my defense I did wait for this guy for two years. And it’s not like you can just throw all those emotions out the window in one go. It takes time. All I can say is that Chad was doing a great job of pulling all those emotions back from the past. The date ended. And now I was more confused than I had been in a long time.

And it stayed that way for the rest of the time I was in Utah. I saw Chad again that Sunday for a friends homecoming. And I continued to talk to Mike on the phone every day. I talked to my good friend Meagan about it. And I even asked my dad for a fathers blessing. In the blessing I was told that I would just have to wait things out and see. He couldn’t give me an answer. So I took that as “Mariah, don’t choose either one yet. Go on a mission!” So that’s what I told Chad. I told him I’ll move back to Utah go to school and go on a mission and then we can see where things are when I get back. And he was okay with that. But he didn’t seem very happy when I said good bye.

So on my flight back to Arizona I thought about how I was going to tell Mike. It was a like a broken record playing in the back of my mind for the hours I was on the planes and the time I just sat waiting in the air port.

When I finally reached Tucson I had made a decision. I was just going to flat out tell him. My friend Heather had come to pick me up. So when I saw her I told her “Me and Mike are going to slow down for a bit.” And she nodded like she understood and then said “I left my bag over here let me go get it.” So she left to go get it and I waited for my bag. When around corner came Mike! My heart jumped and before I knew what I was doing I took off running and flew into his arms! I didn’t realize how much I missed him or how much I truly liked him till I saw him standing there waiting to surprise me with this huge smile plastered on his face. There was even a guy standing in the air port that turned to Heather and said “Well she didn’t miss him much did she?”  But that wasn’t the end of the surprise.

Mike helped me with my bags and we headed out to the car. He opened up the trunk and asked me to put my smaller bag in the back seat. When I opened up the door there was this huge bouquet of flowers! They were absolutely beautiful. I was stunned I put my hand over my mouth and gave a nervous laugh and did a little dance. Then went up to Mike and gave him a hug and a kiss. He had the biggest smile on his face.

The following Monday (so the next day) Mike picked me up and we went to FHE and Ultimate Frisbee. Afterwards he gave me a ride home. We stood outside the car holding each other as we were saying good night and Mike pulls me away from him and says with a very serious look on his face “Mariah I love you.” I was shocked! I didn’t know what to say! Just a day ago I was so sure I was going on a mission and I couldn’t make up my mind if I wanted to date Mike or Chad! And here is a guy that is telling me he loves me! And he real meant it I could tell. He really thought he was in love me. I slowly fell back on his chest and told him “I don’t know if I can say that to you yet.” I felt horrible. But this amazing man just nodded and said “That’s ok.” We said good night I went inside and I prayed.

I prayed for that whole week! I didn’t know what to think or what to say. But Mike just acted like nothing was wrong. Which was great! No pressure! I was able to take me time and find out if I really did love him. So that Friday, Mike came over and we went for a walk. And while we were on that walk we sat down on the curb and talked and looked out across the desert (not much to see it was night and pretty dark). As we sat there I felt so at peace and so my self. I realized that I did love Mike. At least I thought did as much as a 20 year old girl can know she is in love. So I hesently said “Michael I think I do love you.” He reached down (my head was on his chest again he has a nice big chest. Good broad shoulders) lifted my chin and kissed me. Oh he kissed me! We kissed for awhile. Then we stood up and started to walk down the street back to Leon and Jen’s. As we were walking I felt a little hand grasp mine. I looked down and I saw in my minds eye a little girl with red pig tails holding my hand with a stern look on her face and she said “Mommy don’t ever forget what this feels like.” And she walked for us with a bit. And I knew right then that Mike was the guy I was going to marry. He was the right guy for me! When we got back to the house and I was saying good bye to Mike next to his car I told him (I still can’t BELIEVE I did this) that we could start talking about marriage. He was kind of shocked and really happy to hear that.

Then we dated! We watched movies, went on walks, hung out at his place and played games, I meet the Smiths (his adapted family), and we kissed, a lot. We dated for about 7 weeks. At that point we deiced he should meet my family.

I remember calling and telling my parents that I was bring Mike to meet them. They were so worried. They told me they didn’t want me to give this guy the wrong idea. To which I responded that I knew I wasn’t giving him the wrong idea I was trying to give them the right one. I even told dad about the little girl who held my hand, I’m pretty sure her name is Ruth. Dad said ok and he looked forward to meeting the guy.

So we picked a weekend and drove all night up to meet my parents. We stopped in Orem for breakfast and for us to meet one of Mike’s best friends, Andrew Sealer. Then we drove over to my grandmothers were we showered and tried to sleep for a little bit before we went the last hour to Kaysville. I slept just fine, Mike however did not. When we got to my parents I introduced him to everyone and then went back to bed. Mike again couldn’t sleep so he helped my family put together the basement. They had just put down carpet and so they were putting everything back. This turned out to be great! It let my family see how great a guy Mike is as well as give Mike something to do so he didn’t feel as nervous.

After I woke up I went to go find everyone and found them working on the basement. So I hoped right in. After a little while Kristie walks down the hall and walks right back up and says “Why is the bed room door locked?”

My mom responds “Michael is talking to Dad.” It was a very short and curt response.

I look up with a deer in the head lights look. Kristie says “Ohhhh Kaaay….” And goes back to doing whatever. I am all of a sudden very nervous. Earlier I found out that Mike was planning on asking my dad for my hand in marriage while we were up there. I couldn’t wait to find out how my dad was going to respond. I honestly had no idea. I wait and wait for them to come out and it feels like forever! But in reality it was only a few min. They walk out together and they go up stairs! There was no chance to corner them and ask what was going on.

That evening Mike and I had planed to go to the temple and do baptisms for the dead. We eat dinner and Mike didn’t eat much. He told me, on the drive to the temple, it was because he was still shook up about talking to Dad. The talk went something like this.

“Brother Walker I would like to ask you for your daughters hand in marriage. Me and Mariah have talked about it and we feel like it’s the right thing”

“Well I trust my daughter.”

 So we get to the Bountiful temple go to the baptistery and a temple worker stops us and says the baptistery is closed. It had flooded! Go figure right… So we go back out. We decided earlier that we were going to share our patriartical blessings while we were there and enjoy the temple grounds. We walk and find a pretty place on the grounds and have a seat. We read and talk about our blessings for a bit and then sit back and enjoy the sun set and amazing view. I’m leaning on Mikes chest, again, and his heart is racing! I ask him why and he says “I’m still shook up from talking to your dad.”

“Still?!”

“Yep.”

Yeah I’m gullible. About a minute later I feel him reaching in his bag for something and he says “Mariah will you marry me?” I look down at his hand and he is holding a ring! In a little blue box! Oh I was soooooo excited! I was speechless! I nodded and said yes about 50,000 times! I even cried. After ward we kissed and headed back to Mom and Dad’s. On the drive over we text about a million people.

We had a brilliant plan on how to tell Mom and Dad, but for some reason it didn’t work. So I walk in through the back door and Michael follows a little ways behind. I look around and see that no one is around except for one of my brothers on the computer. I ask him where ever body is. He replies that they are down stairs. I head over to the stairs and up walks Mom and Dad. I just hold up my left hand. Mom looks at it looks back and me and squeals! She starts to laugh! And then says “You knew this was going to happen didn’t you!” I just shack my head and start to laugh too! We all sit down and start to plan out the date. How we are going to do things. Where we are going to get married and all that fun stuff!

My friend Meagan Flint ended up playing a huge roll in my wedding. She took our engagement and bride/groom pictures and she made my wedding dress! Everything she did was beautiful! I couldn’t have pulled it off with out her. Well maybe but it would have been a lot more expensive! Meagan even flew down to Arizona to finish up the wedding dress. She made sure that we always gave our best smile, while taking pictures, by saying silly things like “Boobies!” Yeah don’t ask it’s just who she is… She is such, SUCH, a good friend. I’m so glad she is my best friend ever!!!

So after a few trips to Utah in-between we headed up to get married the week of October 14. I had my endowment session the Tuesday before. And it was amazing! There was a bit of difficulty but it didn’t dampen my sprits! On the Thursday we got married and the sealer did such an amazing job! He talked about staying true and faithful to each other for time and all eternity and how wicked the world is and how important it is going to be to keep our home a safe place to come home too. He then started to perform the ceremony and when it came Michaels turn to say “yes” he said it a little early. It was quite funny. On the way out of the temple we stopped and talked to the sister who was leading us out and asked her if we had to leave. It felt so good! So wonderful that we didn’t want to leave, EVER! She gave us a big smile and said yes we had to leave but we could come back as often as we wanted. My cousin Sandra took our pictures before the sealing and took the group pictures after wards. It was a lot of fun.

On our way back to my parents house to rest for a bit we stopped at Wendy’s for some fries. Wedding dress and all! We were both really hungry and it was a while before the luncheon and besides I think we made the girl at the windows day!

The Luncheon was amazing!  Really really good food. She was the same person who catered my cousins wedding (she got married a week before we did). And she even made a surprise cake for Mike! We surprised him with the whole lunch actually. He thought we were having sandwiches (that was the original plan until mom discovered this lady). But we ended up having manicotti and salad and really yummy bread and a star wars cake! He told me after wards how he use to joke with his friends that he would some how squeeze star wars into his wedding. And it turns out he didn’t have too! His wife did it for him.

After the luncheon we took off for our honey moon! At least for the first night any ways. We went to a place my parents had a time share called Wolf Creek! It was a lot fun. And we wont go into details…

The next day was the reception. We headed down early. Mike didn’t like that plan but I insisted! We started to decorate and put things together. Leon, Jen, Mom, Dad, and us were basically the only ones who really stuck it out. I really thank Jen because she made the reception look the best that it could be! My other siblings helped out for awhile but they ducked out before it was finished. We had to do that too so I could get my hair done and all fun stuff. My good friend Ashley did my hair whenever I needed it, pictures, wedding day, and reception! She is so great!

Kristie’s good friend Shiree made our wedding cake. Sister Waters catered our reception. And me and Mom put together the decorations for my reception. If there was one thing I would change that would be it. Trying to explain to mom what I wanted while in a different state was really hard. But I know mom and Kristie did the best they could when they went out shopping. And it did turn out rather beautiful.

We weren’t going to have a line at the reception because Mike didn’t want to have to choose who was going to stand in the line. His dad, his mother, Randy and Lauren. They all mean so much to him but they don’t get along so well. His mother decided not to come. And Byron (his father) just stepped up to plate and joined the line. Randy and Lauren being the great people that they are just smiled and took the job of being photographers! So I guess we shouldn’t have worried and it all worked its self out. I’m so glad Lauren took pictures because I thought someone was going to but I don’t think I ever asked someone officially to do it. Lauren is always such a life saver!

After the reception we took off for our honey moon again. We did that for 2 more days then headed home to our cute little apartment in Tucson Arizona. Fun store about the apartment. Mike had to move in about a month before we got married. On my birthday actually. So I go and help him move. I show up in an old pair of jeans and T-shirt and Mike takes one look and me and gets the biggest smile on his face! He told me I looked so sexy! That was only one of the reasons I knew I was marrying the right guy. I thought I looked great no matter what I was wearing! I reminded me of that country song “Gimmie that girl” by Joe Nichols

The following weekend that we got back we had a Open house at the Smith’s. Randy and Lauren were so nice to let us have it at their place. We had it out on their back padio with some Italian lights and tables and chairs. They had chair covers and table cloths leftover from one of their daughter’s weddings. So my colors at this reception were black red and white! It was kind of fun to have two sets of colors.  They even provided a lot of the food. Of course Aunt Sabrina made Mike’s favorite cake, Texas sheet cake. Mike’s Aunt Dawn and her daughter made us a gorgeous cake. Only the top was real but it looked like a three tear cake. And Ooooo it was so pretty and so yummy!

One of the things Michael liked to do at both receptions was when a little girl would come up he would ask “Have you ever met a real princess?” they would shake their heads no. Then he would reply “Well here is one. I just married her!” He can all ways make me feel like such a princess.

And now we are living happily ever after! Of course we have had our ups and downs but marriage is work. I’m just very happy I have someone that is so willing to work at it with me! 

Bragging Moment

Can I just say how much I love my husband? He is the most amazing man ever! It turns out I'm kinda low on vitamin D. And because of that I've been a bit... moody, to put it lightly. But Michael has been the complete gentleman. When ever I get annoyed with him he just goes with it and usually ends up doing something really sweet. Like taking Adam and talking to him like I can't hear what he is saying. He then will make some joke and I end up laughing. I really love how Mike can make me laugh.

This picture is about 2 months old. But its still a favorite.

Adam is still as cute as can be! He is getting better at laughing and wiggling. He is a major escape aritst! He will wiggle out of socks, shoes, and one time even his pajamas  (See picture below) His smile always lightens up my day! When ever I'm feeling down I just cuddle with him and his smile will chase away my blues. Works 100% of the time. 

Needless to say I love my boys! They are such a huge blessing in my life :) 

He is wearing PJs they are just down around his hips now...

Mike took this picture while we were taking a nap. 

See! Best Smile EVER!!! 

Talking to the baby in the mirror. 

Check out these Sunday dudes!
Special thanks the Michelle for the amazing bow tie!

I don't think he's going to be a picky eater.
He's already eating frogs ;)

This melts mommy's heart :) 

Our Little Adam

Adam came into this world after a few days of false labor and a morning full of real labor. He weighed 7 pounds 9 oz and was 20 inches long at 1:19 pm on Aug the 21. He came out scowling, eating, and filling diapers. His scowl is the cutest thing ever! He just looks like he is trying so hard to understand this new world around him! But he is learning to lighten up a bit (Sound familiar to anyone ;) He is the greatest joy in our lives! 

So far he has learned to smile and laugh! He has also deiced to let mom and dad sleep through the night. Two nights in a row now! This would be the reason why I am now finally able to post a blog. He's taking a nap and I have some energy so I'm not napping with him :) 

So this boy is pretty much the cutest thing on this Earth. And no I'm not biased.See for your self!

 Michael and I have taken a million pictures! Well I should say that Micheal yells "Hurry Mariah! Adam is making the cutest face! Hurry Hurry Hurry!" So I grab my camera or phone what ever is closest and now we have a million pictures! Here are few!

A few minutes after birth.

One tired mama!

One proud papa!

Nana came to help us settle in with our new arrival. She was the biggest help!

Sleep

Hugs

Burp

"Think, Think, Think..." Poo Bear

Snuggled in for the night. 

Grandpa Lewis and the just blessed grandson.

Grandpa Walker 

See my tongue! 

He loves his Binky! 

A Thankful Heart

Things that I am thankful for
-A Job that will allow me to work from home and spend time with my baby.
-An Air conditioner, even if its only good for one room. (At least that room is the most comfy one in the house)
-Time to spend with my hubby. Even if all we do is watch TV or sit in the same room together
-Being able to see my brother and his family. So glad they were able to come up and see us from AZ.
-A husband who is great with kids! I can't wait to see him interact with our little Adam.
-Being able to have a child. Its hard being pregnant sometimes but I know it will all be worth it!
-My family. Blood related or not you know who you are! Thanks for all your love and support.
-The LDS Church. It has kept me from so much drama I'm glad I have it to lead me down a less stressful path.
-The generosity of others. Thanks to everyone who has helped us bring our child into a comfortable home.
-That I only have 8 more weeks till I get to see Adam!!!

The Chop Off

I have officially donated my hair twice. First time was my sophomore year. I did it the night of prom. I told everyone it was because I was depressed I didn't get asked. But really I was just bored and thought that night would be a good night to do it :) The second time was right after graduation. I figured it was a good time for changes. Now I am on the path to number three!  

That's right! I did it! I chopped off my really long hair.  I really thought I was going to be really sad to see it go. But I wasn't. Michael was though. I came back to my parents house (where we tend to spend a lot of our Saturdays) after my hair cut to find Michael sitting on the couch reading. I walk over to him and he says "Oh wow dear looks really nice!" with his eyes closed! As soon as he opens them however he says "Wait! I thought you said it would be just passed the shoulders! That is way short! My wife doesn't have short hair go bring her back!" Of course he was joking so I jokingly threw a pillow at him. He likes my hair. He thinks it looks really cute and I like it because its cooler and doesn't get as tangled when Michael plays with it! Mwahahaha!!! 

Here are the pictures of the hair cut with belly included for all those who wanted them! :)

My mom took these pictures and insisted on taking a front shot.
She says you can barley tell  from the front. I guess its true sigh.... 

But here you can tell a bit more :D

Belly Picture with Laughs and Tears

Yep its one of those cheesy mirror pictures but this is what you get! I don't have much of a belly in this picture its gotten a bit bigger since I've been trying to eat more. The doctor was upset with me last time I went in because I had lost a pound. So she told me I had to start eating more food. Dairy and protein mostly. I have gained 3 pounds since then. I have 2 weeks left and seven more pounds to go! 

Being pregnant is really weird. It does funny things to your emotions. Awhile ago Michael was teasing me about something I don't even remember. But we were in bed and I start to cry and laugh. Michael gets a concerned look on his face and asks "Honey, are you crying cause your laughing or because your upset?" And I replied in a whimpering voice "I don't know!" Then he starts to laugh like a mad man! And if you know Michael's laugh its impossible not to start laughing with him. So in the end I think I was laughing because I was happy. I think....

SPRING TIME!

So I'm in love with flowers. Especially in the spring! So this is me getting snap happy and taking a close look at all the flowers in my yard :) 

I looked out the window and what did I see?

Pop corn popping on the "apricot" tree!

Yep spring is here! And I'm loving every bit of it!! 

Working in the Garden!!!

I was taking pictures on Saturday of my family working out in the garden and I realized that I had a ton of pictures on my camera that I hadn't blogged about yet. So be forewarned this is the first and of many to fallow.

One of the things I really missed when I was away from home (college or Arizona) was working in the garden with my family. Well, Michael and I usually go over to my parents on Saturdays because of Michael's work. This particular Saturday my family just happened to be starting the garden! Now not being able to bend over like I use too with my tinny belly in the way I took pictures! Although I did get to get my hands in the dirt at least a little :)

This is my mom's Green House.
It comes up and down as needed and is a new addition to the back yard this spring. 

The cabbage broccoli cauliflower and many other starts inside the green house.

This is Cody trying not to laugh and his click happy sister ;)

To help keep the soil healthy in our garden my family will through their fruit and vegi peels on the garden. Then Dad tills it under. Well when getting the garden "put away" for winter Cody and Dad found a tree growing. Cody dug it up and now has in own avocado tree! He's been taking care of it all winter and is now putting it in the green house for the summer!

There is the actual working in the garden. We planted chard, peas, lettuce, carrots, radishes, and onions (yellow and red)! I can't wait to eat some!!

Mom and Michael planting seeds

Kristie waiting for something to do

Dad walking around the shed after putting something away

Dad and Michael admiring their work