Guest Post: The First Date

Okay, okay, so I don't have another awesome writer to write anything.  I am actually my own guest writer.  I have another blog that I rarely write in.  It is an autobiography of my life since meeting my husband.  So, here is my most recent post that I finished just now!  Feel free to check out and follow my other blog if you'd like... here.



The first date.  Nervous.  Excited.  Did I mention nervous?  Yeah, well, I was nervous.  How many boys had I dated?  Not many.  The plan was to meet Jason at his house, and he would drive us to Idaho Falls.  As I pulled up to his house (on time), Jason was still getting ready.  In fact, he hollered for me to enter the house, and I found him staring down at me through a little window that looked down from a room of a split level.  I'm sure I blushed, because he was not ready.

He motioned toward the couches and told me to sit tight, so I quietly sat down, avoiding the window at all costs, and I took in my surroundings.  There were these two very flowery couches, and the wall paper was covered in flowers too.  In fact, the whole house had the decor style of a woman, which I thought was odd for a couple of bachelors.  I knew that Jason was living with his brother... but he never mentioned that he lived with his parents too!!  What if I had run into them that first day?  I know that they would have been more than cordial to this unknown girl, because they are very welcoming people.  I suppose it is the pressure of meeting the family before anything become serious.

(This whole memory lane thing has me laughing...what good times).

He finally came down the stairs dressed in slacks, a white shirt and a tie.  I immediately thought, oh my, am I under dressed in my jeans, t-shirt and jacket?  So, I voiced my concerns.  His answer, "No, I brought clothes to change into.  I just have a job interview in Idaho Falls first."

I nodded my head.  Of course, a job interview!  Always thinking practically, Jason had tagged our date onto the tale end of his interview!  That was a first for me!  So we hopped in his white Jeep, and took off, to make it to his appointment on time.

We had an engaging conversation during that one hour long drive.  He mentioned how he was interested in being a financial planner, and the job he was interviewing for would be a step in that direction.  We talked about family, friends, drum corps. and volleyball.

He asked me, "So, what are your thoughts about going on a mission?"

That one surprised me.  I was fresh from high school, months away from turning 19, and hadn't put any thought into that particular option.  "Well," I said slowly, "I suppose if I wasn't married, and I felt it was the right thing to do, then I'd go."

Jason's response was something to the affect of, "Well, I'd hate to hold you back from such a great experience."

I'm not sure where the conversation went after that.  Those were just the main things I remembered.


The one thought that was on my mind during the drive was, now, am I going to wait in the car....?  That's me, always worrying about the details... even then.  But not to worry, because my concern was answered with a, "Well, come on, there are some chairs in the office that you can sit in to wait."

So, we went in.  He was very gentlemanly and opened the door for me, ushering me in.  I expected to wait away from the office, and the people who worked there.  To my surprise, Jason led me all the way to the receptionist where he checked in and we took a seat.

The interviewer finally came out, and introduced himself to Jason, and to my embarrassment, Jason introduced me to the guy too!  I would have been fine to just sit quietly without any attention being drawn to me.  It was very nice of him to include me though.

If my memory serves me correctly, the man asked me if Jason was a good guy, and if he should hire him.  I may have responded, "Sure!  Your guess is as good as mine!"  (Now, I don't remember if Jason was offered the job or not... I hope I didn't hinder him).

After the interview, we headed back to the Jeep, and headed across the Snake River and ate at the Chiles there.  The food was delicious, and I distinctly remember being very conscious of eating in front of him, somewhat unlike me.  Funny how dating someone new can make us self conscious.  Afterward, we went to the movie theater and watched the movie Signs, about an alien invasion.  Jason had already seen it, and he just kept watching me... I caught him.

After the movie, we continued talking, and walked around the Idaho Falls Temple.  It was gorgeous at night.  We may or may not have shared a kiss or two.  I plead the fifth, but he was a perfect gentleman!

My roommate/friend Terra took this picture.

Funny bit.  Jason hugged me, and I could feel something underneath his shirt going down his back.  My original thought was that he had some kind of medical thing on his back.  It was a little bit worrisome, until later I saw him pull the long cloth strap that he had hooked to his keys!  I felt sheepish afterward, because I wondered what was wrong with him! 


We drove back to his house, said goodbye and I headed back to my own house with my head in the clouds.  What a good day... even after its quirks!

An Update!

Well, school has started for our beautiful two daughters.  They are loving it, as am I!  The summer was great fun, but toward the end I was craving the structure that would come with the kids returning to school.

Big T and Little H are both looking forward to trying out basketball this fall (Uncle T, we thought you'd love to find that out).  They both wanted to do soccer again this fall, but we decided that with piano lessons starting up in a week or two, that we should add things a little at a time.  {Isn't that how we mix cookies?  Add the flour little at a time so it has enough time to absorb and be the most moist and enjoyable of cookies?}  I think that's a great reason to wait.  Both girls will be doing soccer again this spring.

There is something about this KFC dude that has the kids swooning.

Over the summer, Big T and Little H took swimming lessons... two sessions!  The loved it.  Their progress is impressive since they both wouldn't leave the steps or the three feet portion of the pool.  Now they are jumping in the deep and giving me a coronary!  I am not used to them knowing how to swim!

Big T is in second grade!  She is doing so well!  Her teacher often has her help out her peers when she finishes her school work early.  She is such a good girl, and she is very service oriented.  She loves to help others, including me... which I am so grateful for!

Little H is still her sweet little self with hidden attitude.  She is in first grade this year with an awesome teacher.  She even has a friend from church in her class, along with a few kids from her kindergarten class.  She loves school, and she is reading so well!  She can read the scriptures without much help.  I think she is developing a love for books like her mamma (Big T too!).  Oh, and let's not forget that Hailee celebrated her 6th birthday!  She got to have her Grandma Curtis over with her aunt, uncle, and three cousins!  That was the best gift really!

Baby K is six months old already.. and coming up on seven very soon!  We accidentally missed his four month check-up.  I didn't remember that babies had check ups at 4 months.  So, he is playing catch up with his immunizations.  He just had his four month shots a few days ago.  He is not too happy about them.  He has been super fussy and upset.  I don't blame him really.

Ever since August 15th, Baby K has been teething.  His first tooth started showing that Monday.  Just a few days ago, his second tooth started coming up as well.  So this doesn't help his grumpy scale.

Other developments for Baby K are that he is sitting up.  Sometimes he tips and teeters, but he is sitting up!  I look forward to when he can be in a forward facing car seat.  He is getting so long!  On Tuesday, he weighed in at 18 pounds 13 ounces, and 25 inches long!  I can't believe how big he is!  His eyes have been blue for the first few months of his life, but now we are seeing some green coming through.  We are not sure exactly what color of eyes he is going to settle on.  His hair has stumped us.  Some days it looks blond.  Other days it looks light brown, and occasionally we can see some strawberry blond in there!

Keep checking! 

The First Date

The first date.  Nervous.  Excited.  Did I mention nervous?  Yeah, well, I was nervous.  How many boys had I dated?  Not many.  The plan was to meet Jason at his house, and he would drive us to Idaho Falls.  As I pulled up to his house (on time), Jason was still getting ready.  In fact, he hollered for me to enter the house, and I found him staring down at me through a little window that looked down from a room of a split level.  I'm sure I blushed, because he was not ready. 

He motioned toward the couches and told me to sit tight, so I quietly sat down, avoiding the window at all costs, and I took in my surroundings.  There were these two very flowery couches, and the wall paper was covered in flowers too.  In fact, the whole house had the decor style of a woman, which I thought was odd for a couple of bachelors.  I knew that Jason was living with his brother... but he never mentioned that he lived with his parents too!!  What if I had run into them that first day?  I know that they would have been more than cordial to this unknown girl, because they are very welcoming people.  I suppose it is the pressure of meeting the family before anything become serious. 

(This whole memory lane thing has me laughing...what good times).

He finally came down the stairs dressed in slacks, a white shirt and a tie.  I immediately thought, oh my, am I under dressed in my jeans, t-shirt and jacket?  So, I voiced my concerns.  His answer, "No, I brought clothes to change into.  I just have a job interview in Idaho Falls first." 

I nodded my head.  Of course, a job interview!  Always thinking practically, Jason had tagged our date onto the tale end of his interview!  That was a first for me!  So we hopped in his white Jeep, and took off, to make it to his appointment on time.

We had an engaging conversation during that one hour long drive.  He mentioned how he was interested in being a financial planner, and the job he was interviewing for would be a step in that direction.  We talked about family, friends, drum corps. and volleyball.

He asked me, "So, what are your thoughts about going on a mission?"

That one surprised me.  I was fresh from high school, months away from turning 19, and hadn't put any thought into that particular option.  "Well," I said slowly, "I suppose if I wasn't married, and I felt it was the right thing to do, then I'd go."

Jason's response was something to the affect of, "Well, I'd hate to hold you back from such a great experience."

I'm not sure where the conversation went after that.  Those were just the main things I remembered.

The one thought that was on my mind during the drive was, now, am I going to wait in the car....?  That's me, always worrying about the details... even then.  But not to worry, because my concern was answered with a, "Well, come on, there are some chairs in the office that you can sit in to wait."

So, we went in.  He was very gentlemanly and opened the door for me, ushering me in.  I expected to wait away from the office, and the people who worked there.  To my surprise, Jason led me all the way to the receptionist where he checked in and we took a seat. 

The interviewer finally came out, and introduced himself to Jason, and to my embarrassment, Jason introduced me to the guy too!  I would have been fine to just sit quietly without any attention being drawn to me.  It was very nice of him to include me though.

If my memory serves me correctly, the man asked me if Jason was a good guy, and if he should hire him.  I may have responded, "Sure!  Your guess is as good as mine!"  (Now, I don't remember if Jason was offered the job or not... I hope I didn't hinder him).

After the interview, we headed back to the Jeep, and headed across the Snake River and ate at the Chiles there.  The food was delicious, and I distinctly remember being very conscious of eating in front of him, somewhat unlike me.  Funny how dating someone new can make us self conscious.  Afterward, we went to the movie theater and watched the movie Signs, about an alien invasion.  Jason had already seen it, and he just kept watching me... I caught him.

After the movie, we continued talking, and walked around the Idaho Falls Temple.  It was gorgeous at night.  We may or may not have shared a kiss or two.  I plead the fifth, but he was a perfect gentleman!

Funny bit.  Jason hugged me, and I could feel something underneath his shirt going down his back.  My original thought was that he had some kind of medical thing on his back.  It was a little bit worrisome, until later I saw him pull the long cloth strap that he had hooked to his keys!  I felt sheepish afterward, because I wondered what was wrong with him! 

We drove back to his house, said goodbye and I headed back to my own house with my head in the clouds.  What a good day... even after its quirks!

21: Trapped

Before I start, I just to mention a small change that I made in episode 20 toward the end.  Justin was to have kicked in the door to the warehouse, however, upon planning the next episode, I realized that I needed the door intact (you'll see why soon enough)!  So, just a few sentences have been changed on the 2nd to last paragraph.




Justin stood awkwardly next to the door as Sora and Witold had their reunion.  Sora was acutely aware of Justin's presence didn't know whether to question Witold, hug him... or kiss him.  As she approached him, her stomach fluttered with excitement.  Oddly enough, she had missed him over the last few weeks. That was a feeling she didn't expect to ever feel for him.

Heat spread over Sora's face, and after a brief hesitation, Sora closed the distance between them, and hugged Witold.  His embrace was strong; stronger than she thought it would be.  Being away from him since their new connection, Sora had forgotten that Witold had... changed... how he had, matured.  She pulled back and met his gaze.  The light from the door was dancing off his eyes.

"How did you find me?"  Sora whispered.  "Why are you here?"

Before Witold could answer, Justin tripped, knocking a metal wrack full of books to the floor.  "Sorry," he said, clearly embarrassed.  He wasn't sure what to do with himself and where he stood with Sora, and now she was in the arms of another man... er, Kiswan.  Justin stepped forward awkwardly, offering his hand to Witold.  "I'm Justin," he said. 

Witold merely glanced down at it, then back up at his face puzzled.  Instead, Sora reached out and shook Justin's hand to show him how to do it.

"How dare you touch her!"  Witold said.

"Witold!" Sora pleaded.  "Please!  He is my friend!"

"What is he trying to do?"  Witold seethed.  "Doesn't he know that you are promised to me?"

The door slammed shut interrupting Witold's rant, and through the little window toward the top of the door, Sora could see Cartwright peeking in.  She ran to the door and tried to open it, but it was locked. 

"What is going on?"  Witold seethed. 

"I don't know," Sora said as she walked back to him.  Justin began examining the steal door.  It was heavy, and well made.

Witold pulled Sora to the side and asked, "Who is this human?  Why are you with him?"

Sora knitted her eyebrows together.  "He is my friend, and and he is helping me!  Did you expect me to do this all by myself?"

"Well, that is why Leo sent me here, to help you."  Witold pulled away and walked toward a window at the opposite end of the building.  Sora followed.  The window was reinforced with bars. 

"I didn't know that you would be coming to help me Witold."  Sora reached for his arm, and turned Witold to face her.  "I was told that I would be on my own."

"Jess tricked me though.  How do you know that he isn't going to do the same?"  Witold asked.  "Jess knew so much about this... Justin."  The resentment was clear in his voice.  "She seemed to think that he was, courting you."  His jaw clenched together.

Embarrassed, Sora's face turned red again.  She reached for Witold's face and said, "He is not courting me, nor I him.  He has been my only ally here!  From day one, Jess was trying to find a way to take me away."


Witold pulled away, clearly hurt that I had bonded with another male.  "But how do you know for sure that he isn't in on the plan?"


"Because..." Witold was balling up his fists with his eyes narrowed in irritation.... "Witold!  Because, he is one of us!"

Witold snapped out of his emotion.  "What?  How can this be?"

"Can't you see the resemblance?" Sora asked.  "He told me all about his ancestors and how there is a legend that is passed down from generation to generation about another race called the Kiswan.  He is part of that line."

"What does this mean?"  Asked Witold.  "This would make him the closest to the true royal blood line."

Sora looked over at Justin and said quietly, "I do not know.  We need to take this before the counsel."

Witold seemed bothered by the situation.  Sora sensed that he was thinking about whether or not Justin was entitled to the throne.... would he be more eligible to partner Sora?  Butterflies fluttered in Sora's stomach at the thought.  She really had grown to like Justin.  She just wasn't sure in what way she likes him.

"Well, the counsel will have to wait."  Sora said, want to distract Witold from his thoughts.  "We have to finish this quest, or else there won't be a kingdom to rule."