THE PROPOSAL

"To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with."
Mark Twain

In the early morning of June 13th, 2009 Matt and I headed down to Manti, UT to attend the weddings of our good friends, Clover & Steven Espinoza and Kate & Justin Clifford. Both weddings were wonderful and very spiritually uplifting. Matt and I felt like the temple wedding sealers were addressing us instead of the couples being married. After the wedding celebrations we headed home; however, Matt had other plans. Instead of taking the road back to Salt Lake, he took an alternative road heading to Scofield, UT, where his parents have some land and a cabin. Once I realized where we were headed I playfully asked Matt where he was taking me. I knew the proposal was coming, and Matt was becoming slightly frustrated with my inquisitive nature. :0) He stated in fake angry tone that I knew where we were going and not to spoil it.

Well the adventures were just beginning. We decided to take the road less traveled to Scofield. This road goes through a state park, which we thought would be scenic and peaceful. It was definitely scenic, but I'd question its peaceful nature. About 15 minutes into the park the road turned from gravel to dirt. Then it started pouring rain, then hailing. Before we knew it we were slipping and sliding on top of a mountain road with no trees around us and lightening dancing across the sky. I was mortified and Matt was pretty nervous himself. We were both praying we would make it safely off the mountain. Eventually we made it back into the thick of trees, which made us more comfortable even though our car was still slipping back and forth. Eventually the rain stopped and an hour and half later we were almost to Matt's parents place. I stress almost! The roads were still very muddy and cliffs were all too prominent. It felt as though we were in a virtual reality video game the way the car would slide back and forth. The road forked at one point and we decided to turn right, but the mud was too thick we ended up turning back. On the alternative road we came across a fallen tree which looked difficult to pass over, and caused us to take yet another road. This road led us to a huge boulder covering the entire road and making it impossible to pass. We ended up turning back again and this time trying our luck to get over the tree. We made it and were able to get to Scofield safely with only a few added gray hairs. :0)

Once in Scofield we changed and Matt built a fire in the wood burning stove. We talked for a while and then Matt asked me to stand up while he got on his knee. He realized, however, that he had left the ring in the other room, so he quickly ran and got it and came back. He talked about his love for me and made lots of promises for our future and his desires for our family. He then asked me to marry him. I was a little chocked up from his kind words and so it took me a minute to respond. I said yes and Matt slipped the ring on my finger. It was really a wonderful time!

After this we talked for a bit and roasted marshmallows. We then called my parents and sister to share our good news.