From TEARS to CHEERS

Friday, February 17th, 7:45 AM:
My cell phone begins playing the "Marah tune", which she programmed into it at Thanksgiving. I thought, "Marah must be bored and walking from her car to class", but NO. I hear a shaky, tearful Marah voice say, "Mom, I've been in an accident". NOT a good start to the day but especially THIS day. She was hit as she pulled out of her apartment to turn right onto the main road. Gratefully, she only got a bump on the side of her head. For the next week, she walked an average of 7-9 miles per day (and it snowed) while we waited for the insurance company to make a decision.

This picture was taken the day the final verdict was announced - TOTALED! Farewell little blue Chevy Cavalier with the most difficult stickshift known to mankind. (Megan hated that car - call it a 'beast'! Bethany never could master it...) Marah loved her beatup high school car and was buying it so she could have transportation for student teaching.

Friday, February 17th, 7:45 PM:
After getting estimates, unloading and leaving the car at an auto body shop, then walking home, it was supposed to be date night (in Park City). We knew Stephen's plan for that night but with the events of the day, we weren't sure if it was possible - especially on foot!

ENGAGED!!!! Marah was caught completely off guard After convincing Marah to let him go with her to get estimates, unload and drop off the car (she didn't want him to see her so emotional and teary), Stephen somehow managed to adapt his plan with assistance from his good friend/roommate Blake. They walked from Marah's apartment to a restaurant (long walk). As Marah finished her meal, a dessert tray was placed in front of her. She thought it was odd because usually the server will ask before bringing it. She looked down and saw the tray filled with an assortment of M&Ms (her high school nickname - Stephen's was 'Skittles'). Then she noticed the printing on the M&Ms.

Stephen proposed, and for the second time that day - Marah got teary. Of course, she said "YES"

Marah LOVES her ring - Stephen clearly understands 'hints'. After celebrating with sparkling cidar, Marah called us and the CHEERING began! We have loved Stephen since Marah was a head taller than him (which didn't stop her from having a HUGE crush on him).
Our first picture with both Marah and Stephen after his family moved to Tucson in 2000 - their Primary class did a skit for sharing time. Stephen is the King (with the crown), and Marah is standing 2nd from the right next to the Queen (Hillary).

June 22nd - Mesa AZ Temple. Marah Catherine Koford, it has a good sound to it!