Our Engagement

What a special day! Howie had planned to take me to the Seattle Temple while I was up visiting. When we arrived I was absolutely amazed at the beauty of the temple grounds. The fall colors were so brilliant (they don't show up very well in the photos) and the flowers were gorgeous! Steve allowed me to take pictures (lots!) before we entered the temple. I was trying to capture this beautiful day but I had no idea at that point how much more beautiful and special this day would soon become!

Fall colors were striking against the dark green pine trees.

This picture is a bit foggy but you can kind of see the beauty.

This is an entrance to a beautiful garden walkway area. It reminded me of how the Garden of Eden would look. So peaceful and serene.

There were flowers and statues EVERYWHERE in full bloom. Sooooo Pretty!

We went to a session and I felt the spirit so much that day. As we met together in the celestial room I felt so much for this man. I had only known him a few short weeks but I was LOVE STRUCK!!! As we sat together on the couch and soaked in the beauty of that sacred room, Steve leaned over to me and asked if I would marry him. Without hesitation I answered YES! I had such a calm reassurance that my Heavenly Father had placed him in my life and he would be my eternal mate. It was such a very special day in my life I will never forget.

After our session we walked over to visit Howie's friend, Jerome, who works in the security booth on the temple grounds. We had a nice long visit with him. He is such a nice man and very single so if you know any eligible women out there let us know. He'd make a Great catch!

Howie and Jerome

Never imagined this day would end up with the two of us engaged but it did! YIPEE!

I am floating on air. Pinch me.... wake me up from this dream.... can this be real????

After the temple we met his daughters at a restaurant and I was able to visit with them and get to know them. I think they are awesome! Hayley took this picture of us and I love it of Howie. I carried around this picture for the next few months everywhere I went because it reminded me so much of that day and the love and happiness I felt.

That night after the temple visit we decided to go to the Ape Caves to go caving. They are volcanic tunnels that run from Mount Saint Helens. It was a few hours away from where Steve lived so we got our gear together and headed out on the road.

This man really knows how to have a good time! He is soo funny!!

As we drove I felt more and more insecure with myself and my past. Steve is this wonderful man who I felt is this spiritual giant in my eyes. I started doubting myself and felt that if he knew about my past mistakes he would not want me as his wife. (By the way... if you do not know me I had made some pretty poor choices throughout my life) As we drove I decided to confess all of my past wrongs to him, letting him know that if he wanted to change his mind about marrying me he could and I would totally understand. It was pretty emotional and both of us were crying. After a while, he abruptly pulled the car over to the side of the road..... went around the car and ripped open my door. He took me by the arm and marched me over to this beautiful wooded area. I did not know what was happening or what he was about to do. He got down on his knees with tears streaming down his face and told me how much he loved and adored me. He told me that the experiences I had gone through in my life made me who I am today. He loved that person I had become and on bended knee asked me once again to marry him. I seriously could not believe my ears. I was so happy... he loved and accepted me for ME!!!

Inside this wooded area was like the sacred grove. Trees and greenery everywhere. Very quiet and peaceful.


Kissing away my tears.......

Making me laugh......


Goofing off!

HE LOVES ME!!!

I told him it would be getting too dark to go caving and he gently reminded me that it is dark in caves so it does not matter what time we go. Oh yeah.... duh! By the time we got to the caves it was really late. (Like after 10:00 pm.) It was so much fun walking through the darkness with our little flashlights on our head to guide us.

When we got to the end of the cave the ceilings were only about 4 feet high. We could not stand up. We crawled around and made a cozy spot. We played tic tac toe in the sand. We drew I love you messages in it and then Howie gave me the most beautiful priesthood blessing I could ever imagine. It was probably one of the most spiritual moments in my life. I felt of the deep love he has for me as well as the priesthood which he holds. He has truly helped heal my broken heart and helped me believe in myself again. He also has helped me realize that I have a loving Heavenly Father who is very aware of my needs and desires.

Hey.....guess what?......I love this man!

For those of you who do not know me..... get used to this phrase.

My kids just answer it for me each time they hear me say..... "Guess what"

They respond with...."We know mom.. YOU Love Howie" :)