For me the date started out a little nerve-racking because Mike was about 30 minutes late. Anyone who really knows me understands one of my biggest pet-peaves is tardiness. I was not impressed. Once Mike got there; however, I learned that he was stuck in the canyon behind a huge accident, so he was forgiven. When I first layed eyes on him, I thought he had the prettiest eyes and eye lashes (David has those same eyes), and he was the nicest guy I had ever met. He was a perfect gentlemen, and he just had such a happiness about him.
The following morning I was flying to California to a mission reunion, so we decided to just go to dinner. We went to Applebees. Later I learned, that this was totally planned because his buddy Clare was a waiter there, and Mike was going to use him to bail him out if the date was horrific. That's so Mike always planning, planning and planning.
Anyway, we laughed the whole time through dinner, talked about our missions (we both served in the South) and had many other things in common. What's funny is I remember flying home from California and one of the Elder's asked me out on a date...while I was flattered the thought came to my mind that I shouldn't because of Mike. At the time, it was very weird because I just met the him. As soon as I got home, we had another date scheduled and we pretty much spent everyday together until we were engaged 6-weeks later. Yep, that's right 6-weeks later.
That date brings back such nice memories, and I can't believe how fast the time has gone bye. Many memories have been made since that time, and we've added two wonderful kids to the mix. Life hasn't always gone as I thought it would, but I love Mike more today than I did twelve years ago. Twelve years ago, I didn't realize how we would pull together during job changes, infertility, schooling, adoptions, financial woes and many other trials. I couldn't have asked for a better friend, husband, priesthood holder and father of my kids. May the next twelve years be just as good as the first. Love you Mike!