15 Years and Still the Love of My Life

I'm late in posting for our anniversary. Time seems to never be on my side. I saw this on my friend's blog and thought it is definitely time to post.

Where did you meet?

Mike and I met when he became my Home Teacher in the singles ward we both attended. I actually already knew his older brother, John, who was dating my friend.

What was the first thought that went through your head when you met?

The first time Mike called me, I thought he was asking me out on a date, but he was actually making a home teaching appointment. My heart sank into my stomach. I was very interested...even though I had told myself NOT to be interested in anyone. I just wanted to date as "friends". I was recently divorced and determined not to marry anyone for a long time.

Do you remember what he was wearing?

He was handsomely attired in church clothes, with white shirt and tie.

Where did you go for your first date?

I invited Mike out on our first date (sounds like I'm really sticking to my goal of not getting serious about anyone doesn't it?). We went on a double date with Melody and John (Mike's brother) to Melody's house to ride quads in the desert.

Where was the first time you kissed this person?

In front of Mike's parents house. We had been dating a week and I was already long gone. I knew at that moment that he was THE ONE. I was incredibly shaken because I was not ready to get married again. I had only been divorced for five months.

When was the first time you realized that you liked this person?

When I first saw him! I remember asking John to set us up, but he politely refused saying that setting up his brothers might get him into trouble.

How long did you know this person before you became a couple?

A few months. He became my home teacher in May (my divorce was final in April). I asked him out in July after his birthday and we became a couple after that first week. I was so touched because he explained to me how he only liked to date one person at a time and asked how I felt about that. I surprised myself by readily agreeing. His next statement staggered me even more...he said he would like to take Samantha, my daughter from my first marriage, on half of our dates so he could get to know her too. Most of my previous dates were not interested in Samantha at all.

How did this person propose to you?

This is truly my favorite part of our pre-marriage history together. During our dating, we decided that since we were both worthy temple recommend holders we would attend the temple as our Friday night date each week. We managed to do this pretty much each Friday through August. On the first Friday of September, Mike proposed to me in the Celestial Room of the Arizona Temple after a packed Friday night session.

I remember that he was there before me and sitting in a single chair, he usually tried to get a couch so we could sit together, or we just stood together since Friday nights are typically very busy. He sat me down in the chair and gallantly got down on one knee to propose. By this time, people were whispering and staring a little bit. He asked me to be his eternal companion and I, of course, threw my arms around his neck and cried, "Yes!" I realize now what a tremendous amount of faith Mike had, since I was still sealed to my first husband. When I agreed to be his Eternal Companion, we had no idea that many people do not receive temple sealing cancellations. I'm happy to say that Mike and I were sealed together on December 6, 1993, just three short weeks after our civil temple wedding.

The chair in which I sat is still in the Celestial Room and I often try to sit there and remember that moment over 15 years ago.

Do you and this person have kids together?

We have two beautiful children together, Marly (14) and Chris (12). We have also raised my daughter, Sam (17), together.

Have you ever broken the law with this person?

Does speeding count? Maybe this Mullet Mike's wearing counts as breaking the law.

Do you trust this person?

With all my heart.

Do you see him as your partner in your future?

We are together "for Time and All Eternity"!

What is the best gift he gave you?

His love and support. Mike is my family. Where ever he is, I will go.

What are your FAVORITE things about this person?

Mike is very clean! Many women complain about socks on the floor and clothes not ending up in the hamper...but I never have this problem. In fact, I am the messy one. He is a fantastic organizer and keeps our home and family in order. He is also a great cook.

He is a wonderful father and very supportive of me and my goals, plans, and desires for the future. He has never stood in my way. (For anyone who knows my past, you will understand why this is such a wonderful gift to me.)

What is one thing he does that gets on your nerves?

Mike has a bit of a sarcastic nature sometimes...it seems common to the Batchelor side of the family. I can usually tell when he is serious and when he is sarcastic, but sometimes the kids cannot.

Where do you see each other 15 years from now?

Living somewhere other than Arizona! We will be grandparents happily loving our children, their spouses, and grandchildren. We hope to travel and serve a mission together.

What causes the most arguments?

I don't think this is a good question to answer....;-)

How long have you been together?

We just celebrated 15 years together this past month.

Who Do you Tag?

Everyone who wants to respond...