September FORGET her.

The month of September was a bit harsh.  New job, new roommates, new location, just engaged and I lost my new best friend. Rich took an internship in DC one week following our engagement.

On a positive note, not being distracted by Rich I was able to drive home most weekends. I then was able to get my wedding arrangements figured out.

A big Thank YOU to Momma Smith and Meghan Frandsen for booking my reception center at the Lovely Historic Shelton.  A Restored building built in 1909 with remarkable craftsmanship and exquisite exterior stone !

Flowers, Shoes, Dress, Food, Invitations, Photographer, Decor, registry, Cake, Music Playlist(thank YOU mars tech savvy sister)...............................................................................................DONE.

I was delighted that all of those things were taken care of but It takes a couple of months to fulfill the wedding checklist. I was really grateful that Rich and I chose to prepare during our lifetime to be married in the Temple.

* Marriage performed under the law of the gospel and the holy priesthood is for mortal life and for eternity. Worthy men and women thus sealed in the temple in marriage may continue as husband and wife throughout eternity. For more info please visit http://www.lds.org.

I love to see the Temple!

The Proposal

August 16, 2008

Saturday night.  Just like any other....dinner plans with the boyfriend and the newlywed Mckinleys.  Rich did inform me that we would be dining at a more upscale restaurant than usual.  He did not tell me where we were going but it didn't matter. It was a beautiful warm summer night in UT and I was with the man I loved and most importantly, going to eat some good grub!

Just as Rich and I were pulling up to this storybook French chateau, Dan Mckinley called and told us he and his wife would not be coming as his wife Jessie was feeling ill.  I felt bad they would not be joining us for what seemed would be a delightful dinner.

Rich and I enjoyed our french cuisine

Following dinner we walked around the grounds and luxurious gardens. As we reached the roof top I had a feeling our friends copped out on purpose.....




Why did I have the hunch?  Because Rich proposed. An offer of marriage to ME!

Happy as could Be

Summertime

August 1, 2008

Summer of 08' Rich and I had spent almost every waking moment together. Aside from completing my externship, accepting a new job, and relocating to SLC we made sure to make each other a high priority, ok at least a priority.

Officially a Master

My first office and Job at Woodland Park Care Center SLC

Rich was busy as well with his MTC job, Soccer and school.

Rich and his MTC teaching Buddies

My #3 BYU Soccer

Rich with a sweet Fijian girl on his trip to Fiji for soccer

The summer was a blur of complete bliss.  We played tennis (better as a team than independents), went on walks up provo canyon (where Rich expressed his undying love for me), went to a U2 3D concert film of rock (this date we actually doubled with Brit), dinner dates (good dates to Costa Vida, bad dates to nasty bbq joints in provo) , went to outdoor cinemas, soccer games galore, bike rides, slc trips to see Grandma C, and just hanging out!  

Family Fun

July 4th, 2008

Jan and Marv on our Hike in Portland OR.

The Fam and I decided we should take an epic trip to PORTLAND. This was my first adventure to Oregon. I was thrilled to go, but also sad to leave Rich behind. 

Me and Marion looking pretty much amazing. As always.

Marv, Jan, Marion and I spent many hours hiking, sitting, and observing all the natural beauty Multnomah Falls had to offer.

We were also able to visit this Gardener's Paradise; Full of green foliage and waves of blossoms...and I had to get my talk time in with Rich. Jan didn't like me talking so much on our family vacation.....

Don't Hate; its cute.

The Friends Opinion

June 11, 2008

On this day, Ms Cassie House and I were planning a dinner date for Cass's birthday. She happened to be in Provo so we decided to do dinner and a movie.

During our dinner, Rich and his friend called to see if we would go to a movie.  Cass and I ended up going to Kung Fu Panda following dinner.  This was where Rich put all of his good moves to use.  He held my hand for the first time.  Of course I had to talk to Cassie and get her opinion about the BYU boy... I think I just may have called my sisters as well -

Chapter ONE: The Meet

Meet Britton.  This fiery red head is one in a million. Well, he so happens to be the reason I am married to Rich today.  Little did I know he would be the reason for the next chapter in my life to erupt. 

On June 1st 2008 Brit and I thought it would be a good idea to set each other up on blind dates. Unfortunately his date fell through, so I was stuck..... alone......... on a date with some random.

On June 6, 2008 would be my last first date. I remember the day perfectly.  I was finishing a long day at the hospital working long and hard -for free-.  I had upchucked twice, visited the ladies room x8 and I was ready to call it a day. My date however was only moments away and far from my mind. I came home and ripped open a package of stomach relievers while contemplating on calling my date to cancel.

Given the short notice I did not cancel. I slowly changed my clothes, took a couple pics (which is ABnormal) *but I did figure out a new feature on my camera*, and sat there dreading the upcoming event. 

However, when the doorbell rang, to my surprise a young, blonde, smiley fellow named Richie greeted me with a handshake.  We then went to a black and white  film on campus followed by an embarrassing meal at Cafe Rio. At the end of the night I felt that we had a fairly good time but I was expecting that awkward moment at the end of the night at door...it was anything but awkward. Rich was quick to give me a BIG, FAT, JUICY....................................................................handshake.
All in all, that second handshake was an unexpected beginning to a  new relationship.