Once Upon a Time...the end (but not really)!

Happy Anniversary love!

Once Upon A Time...part 6

This part of our story is kind of the pits. He was in Minnesota, I was in Utah...there were hundreds of miles between the two of us. And so, life just keeps going. Thankfully, both of us had wonderful roommates and friends during this period, to keep the time ticking (except sometimes time passed a little too slow for our liking). Classes, work, studies, classes, work, studies, church, a little late-night fun, classes, work, studies... My friend, Andrea, reminded me how Adam and I would contact one another--I had forgotten. If we were thinking of the other during the day (phone rates were much too high during the day to call and chit-chat--remember that??), we would call, let it ring twice and then hang up. If my roomie picked up the ringing phone and heard a dial-tone, they would call out, "Hey Alexis! That was Adam!" They were awesome. I would then return him with a double ring to let him know I 'got it' and that I was feeling the same (text-messaging has revolutionized our primitive ways!).

But, I am a very lucky girl. My dad was a pilot for Delta Airlines and so, yes, you guessed it! Every few months or so, I would fly out and spend the weekend with Adam. It was bliss. When I would fly over Minneapolis (almost always on a Friday night), I could see all the lights surrounding those beautiful lakes and would start feeling butterflies. He would always meet me right there at the gate. We would hug and kiss in the terminal (nothing embarrassing) and then hold hands and talk in the Silverado (his silver Chevrolet Celebrity he so lovingly named) on the way to the Sheets'. Now, Jim and Andrea Sheets were MAJOR lifesavers and are dear friends to this day. They let me stay at their safe, chaperoned apartment; although, Jim still teases us about making out on their front sofa...ahem...I'll keep this G-rated. Sunday morning I would start feeling sad and lonely, even though I would usually leave that evening. This happened each time.

I was asked about our first kiss and I can't remember it (shocking, I know). It's not that it wasn't special, but everything moved at such a warp-speed at the beginning that it's all a bit of a blur. However, I will tell you how we got engaged.

So the Fall semester came and was just about over. Each time I'd visit Adam, I would hope that he would propose, but alas...no luck! I started getting a bit perturbed which he thought was rather amusing. "I'm not going to propose when you're expecting it." "Well, why not?!" (I'm learning the virtue of patience to this very day). The Christmas vacation would be here in only a week, right after finals. I would see Adam for a couple of days during the vacation, but didn't know when since he was still in MN (or so I thought). That sneaky boy. Minnesota finished a week before us (without me knowing), and Adam flew in and arranged an entire romantic evening. He sat in my brother's apt., waiting to surprise me at any moment, but I never came. I was sleep deprived and hunched over in a library carrell (sp?) writing my last final paper. I finished typing the paper at his cousin's apt.--where he finally tracked me down. When he walked in the door holding a dozen beautiful roses, I about passed out. He was the greatest, most-welcomed sight my dark-circled, bagged eyes had ever seen!

But, it was late by this time and our dinner reservation had fallen through. We decided to just eat at Arby's (which they closed as we were walking up), so McDonald's?! I inhaled a BigMac while Adam nibbled on his chicken nuggets (he said he wasn't feeling good--a common symptom of nerves, I suppose). We drove up the canyon to Sundance. It was snowy, cold, and beautiful. After persuading me to wear his coat (I already had on my coat), he knealt in front of me on the bridge and asked me to be his wife. I couldn't believe it, so I started giggling. He had surprised me! He said, "No, I'm serious." "I know. Yes. Of course, I would love to marry you." It was dark except for the bright moon light and it's reflection off the snow. We both felt so warm and happy and...complete.

Finally, we would be getting married. Saturday, June 8th to be exact. (And, if all goes well, I'll have one little more segment tomorrow).

Good night and wish you all sweet dreams! I know I will...

Once upon a time...part 5

("How many more chapters to this story?!" you may be asking. I'm winding down...don't worry. June 8th is our day. I'm trying to concentrate on this right now, but I'm listening to Norah Jones and my eyelids are feeling very heavy. Bear with me).

Here we go...

He was better than I had remembered, way better actually. He was engaging and conversational. We had a three-some going, since my mom was with us. She kept the dialogue going (which is perfectly normal and expected, if you know my mom well). I was relieved, but was hoping that he didn't think that I was a mute. It seemed that all I was doing was smiling and nodding. It makes me laugh out loud when I think about it now. Anyways, I remember the day suddenly turning overcast and snowy. We decided to go to the movie Legacy (which I blubbered my way through) and get a bite to eat at the Garden Room in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. I remember looking out the window, gray skies, snow coming down and seeing the Salt Lake Temple. I felt happy and comfortable...in a powerful way.

Afterwards, we drove down to Provo. My mom suggested that Adam and I drive together (nice one Mom). Our conversation was seamless. Adam has a calming effect (he laughs that he just puts people to sleep). He is confident, but not overbearing. One thing I loved immediately about him, which is quite unusual really, are his listening skills (and they are skills). He seemed perfectly content on asking all sorts of questions and really being interested in my responses. He never really talked about himself at all, until I would ask him a question. He's amazing that way (I'm reading this over...and I am such a female. such a chatty cathy). When we arrived at Helaman Halls, he carried all my heavy book-filled boxes up three flights of stairs. My mom still talks about how he never stayed in my room to talk. He just met us downstairs afterward...a gentleman.

The next day, he worked and I unpacked. He met me and my mom in the Visitor's Center in Salt Lake that evening. After we ate in the food court at Crossroads Mall (with two of my mom's friends. They were giving me winks and thumbs up throughout dinner. funny), we took my mom to the airport. She cried and later said that she knew that he was the one. Before going back to Provo, he took me up to Ensign Peak, to see the view. We talked and laughed and made snow angels under the stars.

When I awoke for my first day of class, he had dropped off a note and cinnamon roll outside my door to wish me good luck (well, he got a girl to drop it off, since boys weren't allowed in the dorms, of course. That entire semester, my friends would tease him that a senior would have to "call up" his date from the lobby. he was a good sport). We agreed to meet at the step-down lounge that evening after class. Since I knew that this thing with Adam could possibly go somewhere I wanted, I called my 'friend' in Houston, to tell him. We cried, but I knew he would be okay and find his 'right one' (and he did).

Looking back, I can't believe it, but we talked about marriage that night! It's been three days people! Talk about humble pie! I had to take back everything I ever said about going to BYU and getting married...served me right.

I have a million memories of that first semester together. He left me love notes everywhere...at work, in my classes, in the dorms. We were both so poor, but we didn't care. Sharing a taco from Taco Bell made me happy and eating microwaved baked potatoes weren't so bad either (as long as they were smothered in BBQ sauce). If we weren't in class, studying, or at work, we would be together. I loved every minute of it.

After a summer apart (except for the family vacation in Texas he came on and broke his nose while diving at a lake), we would be separated again for the school year. He attended the University of Minnesota for graduate school and I stayed at BYU. Adam was so worried about this long distance relationship. "They never work." "We'll see," I responded...

stay tuned...

My Nemesis

(sigh)

Alas, is there any hope for me and my laundry cave?

I have probably read every laundry tip in the universe. My sweet friend, Tiffany, even called me with a perky blue color that she said would look great on my walls and would help me want to skip in there and get it done, instead of peering around the door and dreading what was on the other side.

This is just my weakness (among many) that I need to conquer. argh. I have rationalized millions of times...if only I had a lovely big window in here, that I could gaze out while I'm folding, or if I just put my ipod in here, etc. But, let's face it...I need to just get it done!

I would much prefer to just be outside diggin' in the dirt...and so would my boys.

Have a dy-no-mite weekend! I'm off to bed...the laundry will just have to wait til tomorrow! (hehe)

Once Upon a Time...part 4

{To follow up after my Fruitful life post, the one where I bore my heart to my children on cyber-space, mind you...I started reading it to my 6 yr. old. After getting through the first paragraph, she quickly responded, "Aw, mom, that's so nice. Thanks!" Then she promptly scooted me over and started playing on Webkinz. I had to smile. She'll understand someday. But for now, Webkinz is way more appealing than finding that fruitful life!}

Now back to our program...

When I received that late phone call from Adam, I was giddy and nervous...all at the same time. It was nice to finally put a voice to all those letters; however, he happened to be sick at the time. (In fact, he usually still gets sick over holidays-must be his body's way of finally letting down). His voice sounded especially low and I commented on it. He made some charming remark about now having an attractively low voice. I laughed. I remember I felt good when I hung up the phone and that's all I remember about that first phone conversation.

It was now almost December and I had only about three weeks before the Christmas break. Finals were now setting it and it was business as usual. Then, I received a somewhat unexpected, random phone call from my Dad. Unexpected because usually it was always my mom who called to check up on me...well, actually, I usually was the one who called...still pretty often (and probably still pretty expensive). He told me he had been thinking about me and thought I should consider transferring to BYU, and maybe even for the next semester. "BYU would probably be a better fit for you." My roommate, Missy, was so homesick that she was transferring to Texas A&M for the next semester. Her leaving left me to consider something I hadn't before. He told me to just "consider" it. And, in my heart of hearts, I kept thinking that he was there. Looking back, I can't believe how inspired my Dad really was.

So, all in a rather quick flurry of events, I agreed to go to BYU, BYU accepted me for winter semester, I registered for classes...and I called Adam to let him know. My sneaky plan was to call and ask if he could help me find housing, since he was the only upper-classman I knew there...or something like that. He wasn't home when I called, so I left a message with his other roommate, Darryl, to tell him that "Alexis is transferring to BYU for the winter and could you please look around for some housing for her?" (maybe near you?!)

That weekend, I headed to Kansas City with a friend to see Phantom of the Opera, without receiving a call back from Adam quite yet. On Sunday, I called Missy to tell her I was on my way home. As we were ending our conversation, she said, "Oh...Adam called you! He said he was excited about you coming to BYU and that he would look for some housing for you!" yipes.

December 15th, I finished up Fall semester at Stephens College, said some teary good-byes to all my dear friends there and packed up for BYU!

The person I had been dating in Houston was actually leaving with his family for Christmas break, a few days after I arrived home. It was actually a good thing. Gave me some time to clear my head and decide what I really wanted to have happen here. So, during Christmas break, I actually sent Adam our family's Christmas card (complete with picture--geez, I was so daring...or crazy is more like it). He called New Year's Day to wish me a Happy New Year's and to see if I needed a ride from the airport (he's so thoughtful). His call did not come at a very good time. My mom was actually in the middle of a lecture. When she answered, her voice was not in her normal chipper tone...to say the least. He must have asked for me and I remember her telling "the person" that I was not available at the moment. "May I ask who is calling?" "Oh, Adam. (she started smiling...her voice instantly changed. She had already heard about him) Hi Adam! I'll have her call you right back."

And I did. I nailed down a difficult-to-normally-get dorm room (major blessing) and was arriving a few days before the semester began. He told me that he had to come a few days early as well, to teach his P.E. class at the elementary school. We agreed to meet at the airport and he would help me and my mom load up my boxes to take back to my new dorm room. I was excited and nervous...understandably.

It was a bright, crisp, Utah day. He would be driving a silver car and we would meet outside by baggage claim. I was wearing navy slacks, a white turtleneck, and a reddish blazer-ish thing. I spotted his car pulling up and saw him getting out. Ooo-lala. He wore jeans and a dark greyish-blue winter coat...and a bright smile. "Hi Adam! It's great to see you again. Thanks so much for helping us!"

I wasn't nervous anymore.

to be continued...

the fruitful life

To my sweet babies,

Many years from now, when you are grown and have a family and home of your own, I just want you to remember how your home smelled, looked, and felt when you were a child. We (your Daddy and I) have spent a lot of thought and action on creating a place you'll remember with fondness. As I have told you many times, the second you walk into this home of ours (as crazy as it often is), I want you to feel happy, safe, peaceful, and loved.

As you know, my dear friend April (Sister Price to you) has created such a home for her family. It's decorated with exquisite quilts she has made with incredible talent and creativity. I have also talked with you about choosing your friends wisely...and so I have.

She made this quilt (I have named, "the fruitful life") to benefit the Cancer Center at her husband's hospital. Your Daddy secretly bought this for me for Mother's Day (and our Anniversary, my birthday, the 4th of July, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day...) because he knew how much I would love it.

I have called it "The fruitful life" because that is what I want for each of you. We are trying to create a soil rich with everything you need to grow bright, beautiful, and happy. Live each day with that in mind...and you will have a life of purpose. And most importantly, remember, your tree will flourish and bear the sweetest fruit as you keep under the bright Sun...Jesus Christ. He is the source of everything good and true and joyful.

I love you, each one.

Love,
Your mama

Once Upon a Time...part 3

{Just fyi...I feel a little redonkulus (Savannah's latest favorite and often-used word for ridiculus...from a movie, I think) sharing all of these details of our story. I hope you don't mind them all. It's for posterity...}

Okay, back to the story...

As I read the note on the walk home from the Institute building, I couldn't stop smiling. Usually when I returned home from church, the campus was still pretty quiet; however, it was mostly because everyone was still at lunch. Being who I am, I was dying to share this note with someone...anyone. My sweet mother usually was the first recipient of any news...the good, the bad, and the ugly (bless her). So, I called her. "Hey Mom!" "HI! How was church?!" I "It was great. Hey, do you remember that guy that I met last week at church, knows Rob Wirthlin, goes to BYU, etc?" "yes." (voice slinding up) "Well, he wrote me a note." hmmmm.

Of course I was going to respond and I chose my cutest stationary to respond with(it had hearts and blue Texas' on the front). I found myself writing a rather lengthy bio to him. Again, everything just flowed onto the paper. I told him about why I chose Stephens, about my family, about what I was interested studying, etc. (I'm sorry. I have all our letters together in a binder...except for this one. it's missing).

Stephens has a somewhat small campus, so every letter I sent him was dropped off in the same mailbox in the student center (no e-mail back then). By the end of the semester, I knew when the mail was picked up from the student center and I knew how long mail took to get to him...3 days.

He responded immediately to my letter. I always picked my mail up P.O Box 2464before going to lunch. This sounds terrible, but I would usually read his letter right then and there (and he would even sometimes decorate the fronts of the envelopes. He's very creative, that Adam) and then take it to lunch and read it to my entire table of friends (he always grimaces when he hears that part...and I don't blame him). So, imagine about 8 girls sitting around this great, big round table, eating in silence, listening ever so carefully to me reading his letter aloud, Oooing and ahhing at all the right moments (those girls were the ultimate...love you Jodi & Paige) and asking me questions at the end. They would ask me to re-read parts and would dissect it (as only girls can do). sweet memories.

So, the semester marched on. My days were filled with my small-sized classes, feminist professors, Brueger's bagels, late late nights talking and laughing and eating Papa John's pizza (which was only $4/large. those were the days) with all my newfound friends in Searcy Hall, studying for Humanities (which is still my favorite class I ever took in college. Our professor would actually play the pieces on the grand piano in our classroom, amazing), and secretly looking forward to Adam's next letter.

Now, Josh went to see Adam in October. He would always tell me all about Adam and how he thought so much of him. I told Josh that I was actually still in a relationship with someone back in Texas, so I couldn't (or shouldn't) be entering into anything with Adam (our letters were the friendly type. encouraging. upbeat). He understood and said that Adam was in a relationship with a girl back in Utah. Oh. Okay. I thought, "We're just getting to know eachother. A new friend. I like making new friends." Our letters went back and forth. We sent pictures of ourselves and our families, our favorite quotes, gorgeous red & orange fall leaves from Columbia, etc.

After returning home from the Thanksgiving holidays, I was feeling a little gutsy that Sunday night and decided to just give him a call. What?!! The girl doesn't normally do this. I know. But I did it anyway and I was nervous. His roommate (later would know as Todd)answered the phone, "Hello?" "Hi, is Adam there?" "No, He's actually not back yet. Can I take a message?" ummm. "Yes, could you just tell him that Alexis Rumsey called?" "Sure." "Thanks, bye."

He called me later that night.

to be continued...