On a Saturday morning 3 years ago, December 16th, I woke up just like any other day. Benj and I were dating long distance (he was in Bountiful and I was in Logan), and I would stay at his house over the weekends. After getting up, Benj asked me what I wanted to do that day. I asked him the same question. He said something like, "Mmmm, I don't know." After breakfast, he told me he had an idea but wouldn't tell me what we were going to do.
We left the house and he started driving toward West Bountiful. I pointed out an airplane overhead, not knowing that minutes later we would turn into an airport parking lot. He told me that we were going for a ride for an early Christmas present. Yes, I was starting to wonder it this was THE day. I started getting really excited. The secretary casually said there was a plane waiting for us, and we got into a little 4-seater plane. Our pilot was making polite conversation as I kept looking outside for a "sign".
We were able to see Benj's house, the Bountiful golf course, and the Bountiful temple. It had just snowed so it was beautiful and white. Benj had a video camera out (yes, that was a good hint). I wasn't seeing any sign on the rooftops and the pilot started us back to the airport. I truly started thinking, "I guess this WAS just an early Christmas present."
As we started descending, the pilot told me to look out my opposite window. I was shocked to see a red sign saying WILL YOU MARRY ME right along the runway. Benj's sister, mom, nephew and our 2 friends Tony and Chris were waving both arms as we flew by! Truth be told I didn't see all of the sign and we were going so fast I couldn't make out who the people were! I looked at Benj, who was smiling and holding something in his hand. Our headsets weren't working all that great so I saw him mouth the words, "Amanda, will you marry me?" I had imagined this day all my life, thinking I would just scream "YES, YES!!!" However, I was speechless . . . couldn't mutter a word. Literally couldn't breathe. When I could say something that's what I said, "I can't breathe!" I was in shock to the point that I hadn't even looked down at the ring yet! Finally I shook my head up and down and quickly hugged him and started crying. I looked at the ring as he took it out of the box and placed it on my finger. At this point, the pilot asked, "What did she say?" He saw us kissing, which I think answered the question. We flew around again and I got a better view at the sign.
When we landed we just stood there and hugged for a good 10 minutes. We motioned to the family and friends to come over and we got to share our happiness with them.
It seems so long ago, but it's still a very clear, wonderful memory in my mind. I couldn't ask for a better husband. We are a "perfect fit" as we've told each other many times. We have grown and learned so much about each other the past 3+ years. I look forward to sharing every special moment in my life with him.
I love you sweetheart!
Savior of the World at the Conference Center
Colton's favorite toy
Cameron's reindeer grin
A cute, little reindeer
24 Weeks - Christmas Eve
We don't have a fireplace so we opted for something different. We have one for baby too (but we haven't gotten his name embroidered yet).
I love having a real tree in the house. This year and last year Benj and I picked a tree that was a little big for our living room! We love it though. The first thing I smell when I get home is evergreen. It is so heavenly!
