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!
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. 
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!
Then Valentine morning at 5:35 AM, Bethany walked out to get in the car for seminary and found her car heart attacked. Add rain a few hours later while parked at high school and this was what it looked like when I saw it. 
Snow (and snuggies) on Valentines afternoon! Yes, in Tucson AZ.
Meanwhile, Kenna & Brian drove through a short snowstorm to meet good friends and have a 'getaway' in Sedona AZ.
Meanwhile their dog Camo (yes, grandma even babysits gigantic granddogs) stalked his love - our cat Mulan.
After Valentines, it is BIRTHDAY TIME in the Mikesell family! February 16th was Kenna's 25th birthday. She and Brian had to drive back to Texas on her actual birthday to be responsible working adults so we celebrated a day early. It was the first time since Kenna was 17 that she's been home to party with on her birthday :))
Next up was Princess Catherine's 1st birthday on February 18th, but the birthday girl's dad was away being a responsible Boy Scout Leader. Her party was delayed a day, but big brother Seth decided they still needed to have some birthday fun. Catherine got a balloon from the Dollar Store, French fries from Chic-Fil-A (mostly so Seth could jump in the balls), and then they partied at their library that has an awesome playroom. 
Party day - NOT a happy Catherine. Church and naps (hers and other party goers) did not correlate so by the time the party began, Catherine need another nap (or just to go to bed for the night). The only thing she was interested in was holding a bottle of Motrin. (I think her parents needed a few Motrin by the time the night was over...)
She did manage to cheer up later to place the crown from her cake EXACTLY where it belongs. She is, indeed, the PRINCESS.
On to February 27th - my baby girl turned 17. Yep, I'm feeling OLD!!!
Bethany started her birthday at seminary (she loves Bro. Evans), got out of class at 6:40 AM to drive to high school, and found her car decorated and filled with balloons!
February 18, 2011 - Sara Catherine Blood is born
February 27, 2011 - Bethany's turns the BIG 16
and becomes a licensed driver 
April 24, 2011 - Carnahan Reunion/Easter Sunday
and spends her summer in Maryland as a camp counselor/ropes facilitator
ALL CAUGHT UP - until Christmas 2011 anyways :))
