You are NOT going to believe this...
Back plug suddenly works.
Problem fixed. I've been around this house completely...checking closets for GFCI plugs, tripping the ones in the kitchen, pulling shelves away from walls (home theater stuff) looking for GFCI plugs back there...nothing.
BUT...since I couldn't find the plug...and since I hadn't plugged the rear lights back in after tripping the garage, I decided to go back there and plug them in...give it a shot.
BAM!
They are on.
So...I can only conclude that the builders of the house wired the front exterior, rear exterior, and inside garage plugs inline.
Everything works!
Bangarang and to everyone else, thanks a ton for your help. Honestly, I thought the plugs must have been messed up...but that's because I hadn't yet come across the tripped GFCI in the garage. HUGE help and now I know a bit more about my electrical wiring in the house!
Now...about that water heater that keeps tripping......
Seriously, I think I need to get someone out here to check that puppy. Might be a thermostat gone bad and in that case, our water heater has two...don't know how to figure out which one it is.