Curiosity Caught the Rat

We have one of those live catch traps that I often set near the fountain. I usually carefully gather mesquite pods and place them as bait inside the trap. After several days without any success, I had to place the trap on top of the big rock to get it out of the way while I did some other work. This morning when I looked, I noticed that I had captured a customer--a big pack rat.


Because there was no bait in the trap the only thing that lured him in had to be his curiosity. The shining metal, the teetering platform, who knows what it was, but it only took one time and he was caught. Now I will take him for a ride in the car. I wonder if he is curious about where he is going to go?

Just For a Moment

"My little girl is not so little any more," I thought as I looked across the table at Michelle and her fiancee', Josh. In preparation for their marriage tomorrow, we had just completed a session at the Salt Lake Temple where she had received her own endowment–an increased understanding of our role on earth and a commitment to live according to heavenly principles. Because of the symbolism associated with the endowment, I had supposed that Michelle might be a little perplexed, but she was calm and confident that with time and more temple visits, she would find answers.





It was Thursday, June 25, at 5:00 in the evening and we were gathered at Tucano's Restaurant on Fourth West and 162 South in Salt Lake City. David and Rinda Cook, Josh's parents, Casey, Ashley and Mckayla, Josh's sisters, were seated on Josh's right and Camille, Bryan, and Grandpa Scott were on Michelle's left.

The servers had set up a long line of small tables so that we could seat ten people to a side and thereby see each other at least a little bit. Perhaps we should have had a cell phone at the two extreme ends because they were so far apart. Our side of the table had Nathan's family on my left, and my mom and dad on Mary Lee's right.

"Welcome to Tucano's. We are so glad you could all come," I said as everyone was kind of wondering what to do next. "You are all in for a treat. You will notice a little wood cylinder near your place," I continued as I held up the one at my place. "If you have the green end up, the servers will keep bringing all sorts of fresh roasted beef, pork, turkey, and chicken. Don't forget to try the roasted pineapple. When you can't eat another bite, then put the red end up and they will stop. Did I miss anything?" I asked as I turned to the waitress.

"Just help yourselves to the buffet tables and don't forget dessert," she commented with a smile.

We all grabbed our plates and began the arduous task of deciding what we wanted to eat from the vast selection of salads, pasta, seafood, vegetables, and breads, while remembering that there would be all those roasted meats and veggies as well.

Again I looked at Michelle. She was helping Kaitlyn and explaining something with a smile (her usual facial expression). Her plate had several modest sized portions which revealed her self control and explained her slender physique even though we were at an "all you can eat" restaurant. A moment later she took Josh's arm and gave him a little squeeze and he reciprocated with a smile as their gaze locked. Josh is tall and naturally tan with athletic build, jet black hair, mysterious eyes, and easy smile. As I have come to know him during their engagement, I have appreciated the kind and considerate nature he has shown Michelle and everyone else for that matter. I couldn't have made a better choice myself. They make a great couple.

Nevertheless, I couldn't help but realize that things were going to change. After tomorrow when they would be married, Michelle would no longer lean on my arm. She would have someone else to confide in and to share her excitement or fears with. Yes, things were changing and I was both happy and sad as one chapter closed and another began.

After a delicious meal at Tocano's we repaired (I have always wanted to use that word that way) to Grandpa Scott's house for a family get together. When we were again seated and things had settled down a little bit, I asked my favorite questions of those present: "How did you meet?" and "When did you know?" Mary Lee was her usual prepared self and she taped all the accounts of when the various couples met and when they knew that they wanted to marry each other. It was both serious and humorous, as we all remembered those early dating and courting years when our love germinated. Michelle and Josh, Camille and Bryan, Nathan and Megan, David and Rinda, Mary Lee and I, all shared our stories. The girls explained what they thought of Michelle and how they felt when they heard the news. Even Grandpa Scott told how he met Jeanene and when he knew. It was a heart-warming memorable evening.

Michelle had asked earlier if she could have a father's blessing at the end of the evening. So when that sacred and tender time came I gratefully complied. Josh had asked his father for a blessing as well. There is real strength that comes, unites a family and draws everyone closer to our Heavenly Father when the priesthood power is exercised at times like this. It is a blessing for all present.

Although I thought the evening ended just right, I was in the dark when it came to what happened afterwards. Josh and his family went back to Farmington where they were staying with his Aunt and Uncle Smoot. Michelle went to Camille's and Bryan's house where she would finish her hair and make the final adjustments to her dress. It seemed pretty simple, right? I mean what could be the problem? After all the weeks of preparation it was just down to the few remaining items. Little did I know---

With lots of experience in hair stuff, both Michelle and Camille knew just what to do, but when it came to the dress, what Michelle had supposed would be a perfect fit (after all, the seamstress had been working on it for months) turned out to be a real hair puller. The dress had been altered to add sleeves and modified neckline. Well, you guessed it, there were bulges and gaps in all the wrong places. The sleeves were too tight, the neck line too loose and it just looked way weird (at least so I have heard). Michelle was almost ready to try on Camille's dress. She called Josh and blurted out her lament. Josh tried to console her, but because she wanted it just so and had been dreaming for years of how she would look, she was frustrated and tearful. Fortunately Camille's calm manner and knowing eye began pulling here, pinning there, tucking and tugging and voila'--it changed like magic. Although a little tight in the underarms it looked great and it even seemed strong enough to stay in place. At last the image in the mirror was beginning to look just like it was supposed to–-elegant and beautiful, or at least it would be when the curlers were gone. It would even make for a great story some day.

Six months and a day, December 25 to June 26, the engagement had plodded by but now the big day was at hand. It was off to the temple grounds to meet the photographer. Josh would be there. Well, let's see. Driving could be a real challenge with high heels and a wedding dress. "Better change into the dress there," Michelle thought.



Not quite nervous but not altogether calm, Josh looked at the sky. "Cloudy, maybe even a chance for rain," he thought. He wanted everything to be just right too–especially for Michelle. They had talked about the events of the day, had envisioned bits and pieces, but now it was the real thing. What if it did rain? What then? What about the pictures, the dress, the tuxedo? Would everything be a mess in the rain? "Oh, well, we'll just have to see what happens and make the best of it," he concluded. "First, I'd better get there."



Mary Lee and I knew that we would not be of much help except perhaps to carry and straighten stuff, but we didn't want to be a cause for worry so we were ready and out the door early. Seeing the cloudy skies and feeling the moisture in the air, I figured we had better be prepared. (It was that old Boy Scout training coming in handy again.) We slipped into Smith's Marketplace and picked up a white umbrella with a simple black pattern. It looked mostly white, but the black added a little character and kept it from looking too sterile. I dashed out the door and drove aggressively to Temple Square. I didn't even get a ticket.

Grandpa Scott had been kind enough to let us use his car; so we easily found a good place to park in the church parking lot under the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. We could get anywhere we needed to go without even getting wet no matter how much it rained. With a little luck we linked up with Michelle and I began my main job–holding stuff and waiting. I held her dress until we found a place for her to change. Then I waited. I held her bouquet, then waited for the photo. I was getting quite good at it. I could do it right handed and left handed; in front and in back. I was really getting proficient. In the mean time, Michelle and Josh were getting rather good at their job: handsomely standing, lovingly smiling, enchantingly gazing, blushingly kissing, and just looking terrific. Josh was tall and strong. Michelle was smiling and beautiful. Together they were dynamite and the photographer knew it. He took zillions of shots and every one looked like a winner. The rain was brief, but afforded a few shots with the umbrella and was the traditional sign for good luck.



The sun came out and it was the best of both worlds. What a perfect day! How absolutely stunning a couple! But then what would you expect? I mean look at their parents.





There is much that is said of weddings by the world in general: Lots of pomp and ceremony, anticipation and celebration. But nothing can really compare to the simple yet meaningful elegance of a temple marriage. It is not limited to only here and now, but is for time and eternity; solemnized not by civil law only, but by one holding delegated divine authority–-exactly that power needed to seal on earth and in heaven. There is no "til death do you part," no "as long as you both shall live," but with authority that extends beyond this mortal sphere a new family is formed which has unlimited potential. In that sacred setting, all dressed in white, Josh and Michelle knelt across the altar from each other and looked into each other's eyes as they entered into a sacred covenant. Josh was thinking that Michelle deserved the very best. Michelle was thinking that Josh was the man of her dreams. Both were right. Elder Richard G. Scott, Grandpa Scott, as one having that delegated authority, performed the ordinance and in the span of just a few minutes they had changed from being two single people into one united couple, together forever. It was just the way the divine plan was intended. I could see Mary Lee wipe a tear from her eye, but I was blinking madly so I would not need to.

For a moment the room was completely silent, then in whispered tones those present expressed their congratulations and filed out of the room. Josh and Michelle were married! The most important event was over. Reverently they smiled at each other. They had not completely absorbed the full impact of the event, but they were elated.







Everything else was somewhat anticlimactic although definitely more hectic. Quickly they changed–-Michelle into her exquisite wedding dress, Josh into his black tuxedo. It was time for the rest of the photographs: Family, friends, background, bouquets, poses, stairs, stares, glares, all the things that make for a fun photo session, then off to the Wasatch Room of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building for the wedding luncheon.



After a great introduction and welcome by Dave Cook, we were served a sumptuous meal with the great quality associated with the Joseph Smith Building catering staff. The tables sat about 10 people each and were arranged to allow for a view of the head table where Michelle and Josh and we parents were seated.

I was starting to get nervous. One bit of advice: You need to be careful about what you do at one wedding because it may be perceived as a tradition and therefore a requirement at all future weddings. Such was the case at hand. Because I had composed and performed a song just for Camille at her wedding, the pressure was on for me to do the same for Michelle. I had visions of messing up big time: My voice would crack, or I would play the wrong notes. Perhaps I would even sit at the piano and forget how to play altogether. My clammy fingers would stick to the keys and it would be a disaster. I would embarrass Michelle and ruin the whole day. It was easy to feel the weight of the event and I seemed to get more nervous with each thought.



Dave had some wonderful things to say. He had written a clever poem that had the flavor of old time chivalry: At the end of the day when Josh returned home after fighting dragons Michelle could greet him at the door of their castle with a welcome kiss and somehow the cares of the day would disappear and home would be like heaven.

Talk about pressure now. After the image just painted by Dave's poem which captured the "knight in shining armor coming home to the beautiful maiden" motif magnificently, I was sure I was in way over my head. Most of all I did not want to disappoint Michelle. I wanted her to know how wonderful it had been having her around. Her childhood seemed to last for only a moment. Thus was the song entitled, "Just for a Moment." As I walked over to the piano I kept saying to myself. "Breathe." (I also thought that was good advice.) After what seemed like a long time, I hit the last note and it just happened to be right. What luck! At least I ended on the right note. I had to blink rapidly to pump the water from my eyes, but it was done. "Just for a moment you were mine," seemed to linger in the air. My heart was pumping. My hands were clammy and cold. I was in a daze and don't really remember much of the rest of the afternoon. I was just happy and sad all wrapped up together.

Honoring the Beautiful Bride-to-be

Michelle's fans in the ward gave her a wonderful bridal shower on May 9th. It began with a delicious brunch buffet: strata (kind of like a really moist quiche without the crust), fresh strawberries, spinach and strawberry salad, melon cream puffs, and, of course, Oreos from Michelle Ballantyne, in remembrance of the times Michelle satisfied her craving at their house when ours was lacking. (We still have a box "hidden" in the garage that no one has touched since you were here! Probably it's about time to restock....)



Michelle's best friends from high school days, Christina Heaton and Sarah Howe Potter, were in attendance, as well as several of our former and current neighbors: Gigi Schulte, Peggy Wells, and Marian Heaton. Paula Carlson drove all the way down from Mesa to join in honoring Michelle.




We gathered in the family room for the tradition telling of how the bride and groom met. It was fun to watch Michelle open her gifts. She was so gracious and thrilled with everything. The group gift was a set of anodized pans from Costco. Barbara Wright made a charming apron. My gift (with help from experts in the ward) was the pillow shams to complete her comforter set she had made for Personal Progress. Josh arrived towards the end of the shower so the ladies could meet him. They all loved him, of course!

Swish

Swish! I love that sound as the basketball snaps through the net. Swish! There it goes again–nothing but net. The only problem was I was not making the net swish, Josh and Michelle were! We were in a tough game of cutthroat 21 in the back yard and I was getting creamed. I know that might sound unlikely, maybe even astounding, but it was true. First game–Josh won, Michelle was second, and I was last. I started analyzing my attack and noticed a little something that might be affecting the outcome: When I jumped, it was just like raising my arms fast, when Josh jumped his feet actually went considerably above the ground. He was in the air for his jump shot. What a novel concept! Not only did he have me by a couple of inches in height and reach, but this airborne stuff was an additional advantage. He not only shot well, but when I shot he would often block it. Michelle had an alternative strategy-–she set up on the perimeter and made her shots. (I will have to give that a try sometime.)

Anyway, back to the games.

After three games I had won zilch, zippo, nulla, niente. I either got tipped back to zero or eleven or just got out shot. At the free throw line Josh was also devastating. Michelle seemed even a bit happy that her dad was getting his clock cleaned. After she left to go to her bridal shower, I figured it was time to buckle down to work. If I couldn't out jump, out shoot, or out rebound Josh, perhaps I could out maneuver him. Slowly, a little at a time, I managed to build a lead. I lucked out on a few shots that had no right going in but did anyway and I found myself at the free throw line with 19 points and tied with Josh. I knew that it was now or never. (And the way Josh had been playing I was fearful that it might be the latter.) I took a deep breath, eyed the basket and swish. What a beautiful sound! Now I was 20. Everything was on the line–if I made it I won, but if I missed it I would go back to 11 and Josh would likely whip me again. Still at the line I took a breath. I wondered, "Should I hold my breath or let it out?" Wait a minute. What was I doing? Why was I thinking about anything but the net? Okay, lets try again. Deep breath. Dribble once. I could feel the texture of the ball in my hands. One smooth motion, as I raised the ball over my head and waved good-bye to it. It sailed through the air almost slow motion, just like in the movies: Rotation perfect. Arc superb. Air calm. Still holding my breath. Then-–you guessed it, and the crowd went wild!

After Michelle's Shower:


Not one to pass up an opportunity to capitalize on extra manpower (and womanpower) I persuaded (coerced) Michelle, Josh and Mary Lee to help Steve Pettingill and me frame the shed. We had picked up the materials while Michelle was at the shower. (Josh had joined her at the Ballantyne's at the end so he could meet everyone there.) So, we had 2x4s, nails, joist hangers, sill plate, a new hammer for Josh, and great ideas.



Steve cut the members to length, Josh and Michelle nailed them together, and I measured, pointed, directed and encouraged. (You know the really important and hard jobs.) We began at about 2:45 and were determined to be done in a couple of hours. The four walls went together pretty quickly then we noticed that the east and west walls were slightly shorter than the north and south walls. Who could have made such a dumb mistake? Of all the idiotic, nonsensical, worthless, no good, poor excuse for . . . oops, er . . . I had not allowed for the sill plate.

Fortunately, we just added a couple of 2x4's on the top of the east and west walls and voila' they were perfect! We put them in place. Nailed them together. Admired our work and went for a dip in the pond.




Perfect way to cool down and it was only a little after 5:00. Right on time in construction parlance.

So what do you do when you have just had a great day of basketball, framing, pond dipping, and gourmet barbequed salmon? Easy. You eat an exquisite home-made apple pie. Michelle made it as an early Father's Day treat. Boy was it great. I called her the next day to complain, however, that it disappeared. Somehow it evaporated. Pieces seemed to fly out of the pan. I don't know how such a thing could happen, but it sure enough did. I think she needs to work on pie that lasts longer or has more pieces. It was delicious. (Hmmm, I wonder if Mary Lee got any.)

Desert Blooming Like a Rose

Because you were not here for the spectacular cactus blooming this year we have decided to bring the blooms to you. In the front yard, near the boulder at the northwest of our lot are several small cacti which are big performers. Although the blooms begin in the early morning and only last for a few daylight hours, they are eye popping and capture the gaze of all the passers by. Oddly enough, almost all of the blooms occur at the same time, so if you miss the event, it is a year until the next performance. Because you missed this year, get in line and start waiting now. (Please let us know if you want us to stake out a waiting spot for you.)

You won't believe it!

Craig is one very lucky guy. Without his even raising a finger, his room has been transformed into a whole new room with a completely different personality. It is spotlessly clean. It has lots of space in the middle and the old desk is gone, replaced by a larger more spacious desk along the west wall. The crown jewel of the desk is the computer with the printer nearby. It is really looking good and working well also. On the east wall the bed has been changed into a "day bed" which works as a sofa during the day and a comfortable bed at night.



The appearance of the dining room is completely different from before. In the twelve years that Mary Lee and I have been married, we have not purchased any furniture until now. Mind you, we have looked often, but never come to agreement on anything that we both liked. We were at American Home Furnishings because we heard that they were having a liquidation sale, and we thought that we might finally find the sofa that we have long hoped for. (Lesson One: When you are looking for a sofa, do not go through the dining room furniture section.)

Well, you guessed it, we happened to find a beautiful dining room table, chairs and buffet with hutch that we both liked. It was a once in a lifetime experience--we both liked the same thing and it was on sale! (Lesson Two: When violating lesson one close your eyes.) We asked the salesman if the marked price was the best that they could do and he said he would check. After a minute he returned offering to sell it for a couple hundred dollars less. As he was showing the furniture to Mary Lee, and explaining all the features, I sat and listened. I mentioned that we were not really in the market for a dining room table, but that if they would sell it for my price (which was about $700 lower than the marked price) we would buy it right then.

The salesman said that he didn't think his manager would go for it, but he would ask. After a few minutes more, the manager himself came over with a counter offer. I reiterated that if he wanted a deal it would need to be at my offer. After some thought, he said, "All right. We have a real negotiator." (Lesson Three: When breaking lessons one and two, don't make an offer; but, if breaking lessons one, two, and three, be courageous and make an offer that is really aggressive. The worst they can say is no, or yes, depending on your point of view.)


So we bought a new dining room set. It is patterned after the Arts and Crafts style and very nicely made. There are lights in the hutch and it shows off the china wonderfully. However, there are consequences to such rash actions: We had to find a place for all the furniture in the dining room, ended up having to relocate the thermostat, which meant that I had a bit of work to do on the furnace because disconnecting the thermostat blew an internal fuse in the furnace. I had to diagnose the problem only to find out that the type of fuse I needed was not available when I wanted it (right then). So we had no heat or AC for the weekend. Then I had to patch the wall where the thermostat was, and of course that meant patching all of the other little holes elsewhere in the house because I had the drywall mud out. Anyway, it looks great. You will love it. (But, we don't know if we will ever use it for dining--it looks too good to risk it.)

'Twas the Night Before . . .

As I was walking up the driveway after returning from an errand on Christmas Eve I saw a tall dark figure approach me from the shadows. At first I was uncertain of who it might be but a moment later a good looking young man in a suit and tie approached me. It was Josh. He seemed a little on edge and a bit hesitant, but asked, "Could I talk with you for a minute?"

"Sure," I responded. Because Josh had been dating Michelle for the last year or so I sort of suspected that this might have something to do with that relationship and was not entirely surprised. After all, Josh all dressed up in a suit on a Wednesday night, Christmas Eve, was a clue even I couldn't miss. And believe me I have missed some great clues in the past.

"I really love Michelle and I'd like to ask you a question, I mean I want to ask your permission or rather your blessing," he said haltingly. "I'd like your blessing to ask for Michelle's hand in marriage."

I remembered how uncomfortable I had been when I had asked a similar question years ago, first of Mom and Dad Faux in their old green Dodge when they were visiting Barbara in Provo, and then years later when I had asked Elder Scott in his living room while Mary Lee was in the dining room or kitchen nearby. It is one of those times which is rehearsed somewhat in imagination, but always happens differently than planned.

"Well, Josh, first let me say that we really think you're a great young man, and we have heard great things about you from Michelle. But let me ask you a couple of questions."

"Okay," he replied, not quite sure of what was coming.

It seems like he swallowed hard as he looked at me. Perhaps he had heard of some of Michelle's previous dates' experiences, like when she was going to the prom with Brent. I had the obligatory pre-prom interview with him and it turned out that evening my father was visiting so I asked Dad to also do a little interview. Just as Brent and Michelle were leaving, Elder Scott arrived so I asked him to have a little interview as well. All in all I think Brent and Michelle were glad to be on the road when the multiple interviews were over. Anyway this was a much more important event and the question at hand of substantially greater import.

As I looked Josh squarely in the eyes I asked, "Josh, my first question is, ‘Will you put the gospel first in your life?'"

Without hesitation he responded, "Yes." I could tell that this was not just a quick answer, but rather a decision he had made long ago even before he had met Michelle. It showed in his kindness, his courtesy and respect for people in general. It was manifest in the feedback I had from Michelle, from Bryan, his cousin, and Camille. I already knew the answer to the question but wanted him to reaffirm it for both of us. It was kind of like a formal agreement confirming priorities that had already been established.

"Great." I said. "And will you always put Michelle next in your life?" I continued.

Almost as if he had anticipated the question Josh said firmly, "Yes, I will."

"I guess that is all there is to it. We are excited and honored at the thought of having you in the family. One bit of insight, and you might have heard me say this before, but don't worry if things are tight financially. I have often thought that some people miss out on the closeness that comes from working together through tough times. Because there will certainly be plenty of tough times of every type ahead. And for that matter, if we can be of help at any time do not be afraid to ask. We will be glad to help any way we can."

He seemed much more at ease as we walked into the house. I did not know when Josh planned to "pop the question," but that was up to him. I knew what I needed to know and I appreciated his respect in asking for our little talk. I certainly would not have been upset if he had not asked, but at the same time I had a greater admiration and respect for him because he had asked. It is one of those little things that doesn't have to happen but you are really glad when it does.

It was only a little over two years earlier when Bryan had called me on the phone at the office and had asked a similar question. Bryan and I had a similar discussion and it got our relationship off to a good start then as well.

The remainder of Christmas Eve was filled with the usual preparations for the next day. We got the last of the presents wrapped, checked to make sure that everything was in place, and went to bed knowing that the day would begin early the next morning with Craig's call from Taiwan.

Sure enough, a little after 6:00 a.m. our time and about 9:00 p.m. his time, Craig called. He reported to us that he was doing great. It was wonderful to hear his voice and to learn first hand of his experiences and how he was doing. He spoke every other word in Mandarin Chinese, which of course we all understood with ease. It sounded like he was learning the language quite well. He could have been speaking pure gibberish and we would not have known the difference. In fact it was indeed gibberish to us. The marvels of modern communication are amazing when you think of it–we were able to hear Craig from thousands of miles away on a little portable cell phone that is no larger than the palm of your hand. With the speaker ‘on' all of us in the room could hear him and he us. Amazing!

After catching our breath just long enough to realize that it was Christmas morning, we rushed to get ready for the excited kids: Alison, Kaitlyn, and Max. (Max, age one, did not know that he was excited.)


At the bottom of the stairs appeared four eager eyes on two smiling faces–Alison and Kaitlyn were ready for Christmas fun. I couldn't believe how obedient and well behaved they were. They actually waited patiently for the approval from their mom and dad prior to storming the living room. Once the ‘okay' sounded, you could have been trampled by the stampeding feet as they ascended the broad hall stair.


Part of the fun of Christmas morning is watching the reaction of the kids as they open their gifts. They sometimes try out the toys or try on shirts or pants. It is such a treat to see their enthusiasm and to hear their heartfelt thank yous. We were busy taking pictures and trying (often in vain) to capture the moment in a few candid shots. More often than not we just missed the right moment, but at least the camera and the video camera were going like crazy. (Because we have such great looking girls in the family I had to sneak in this picture of the three in their new blouses. Take a good look now, because rumor has is that some of the blouses are being returned for a little different look.)



After the gifts for the younger children are opened there is a time when the rest of us begin to open gifts. It was during this time that Camille said for me to be sure to get the video on Michelle and Josh. I began to catch on to the possibilities after considering the events of the night before.


Josh gave Michelle a cookie sheet and then a cookie mix then a few other cooking utensils. Next he pulled out three envelopes and asked Michelle which one she would like to send out. Each had a slightly different picture of Michelle and him along with a greeting, "Merry Christmas from the Cooks." About then we were all starting to catch on. Michelle was all eyes as he began to read a poem. It was in perfect rhyme and extolled some of her many virtues and highlighted some of the attributes he loved about her. As it progressed it became more serious and finally he concluded with a proposal and a little box.



Michelle was all smiles as Josh got on one knee and asked, "Michelle, will you marry me?" and opened the little box to reveal a beautiful ring. It was a simple white gold band studded with 60 small diamonds. He paused for a moment as Michelle responded vibrantly, "Yes!" she said as she gave him a kiss.





Although everybody was transfixed by the scene, it didn't take long for us to realize what had just happened. With swoons and applause we all erupted with excited congratulations. It took me a little to put it all together, but all the cooking stuff was a clue. He wanted Michelle to be a Cook, not just a cook.





Making sure that all the bases were covered, Josh pulled out a second ring which was styled quite a bit differently. It was a solitaire in a spiral rising stem. Just in case Michelle would prefer a different style, Josh was ready. It was clever and thoughtful, just what we had come to expect from Josh.

What started out to be a simple Christmas morning had turned out to be an unforgettable event. We had all been able to participate in Michelle's engagement proposal. You got to love it. They make a great couple.






With the kids going every which way and all the engagement excitement going on we could well have missed Bryan whispering in Camille's ear, "Come this time next year . . ."