Happy 4th Anniversary

Happy 4th Anniversary

• 5.05.2011

I found a little red leather bound journal. Written inside was the story of how Bron and I met and married. I had so much fun reading and remembering! I’m such a sap. Our story isn’t all that unique or even romantic, but it’s special to me. We sometimes reminisce about those days, the events that brought us together, and the characteristics that we still love about one another. So, I am writing it here for all to see on this, our 4th anniversary, because I think it’s worth hanging on to.

P.S.  This is MY version of our story.  Bron's version is a bit different; he remembers every excruciating detail.  But since he is unwilling to write his version of "our story", this is the version that is going down in history.

Our Story: How Bron and I Met and Fell in Love

Our story began in the winter of 2005. I initially met Bron just after he returned home from his mission in Russia in March. He and his little brother, Talon, visited my apartment to flirt with us girls in Birch #103 at BYU-Idaho a few times. Strangely, neither Bron nor I thought anything of it.

But we soon met again. In September the following Fall Semester, Bron and I recognized each other crossing campus between classes. We chatted for a brief minute and I invited him to stop by my new apartment. And he did—several times. Sometimes he came by with friends and other times he came alone. We really hit it off! He was easy to talk to and I enjoyed his company.  It helped that there was absolutely no romantic pressure.  I had kind-of sort-of dated his little brother months back.  (Nothing serious.  In fact, I recall him dating three girls at once!  And I recall going on two dates with two different guys in one Saturday, so really.)  Ironically, these circumstances left Bron and I to become friends without all the awkwardness of early dating.

Enjoying the fall foliage in Provo Canyon (September 2006)

One day, between classes, Bron asked me if I’d like to see the Bar Jay Wranglers perform at Rigby High School. I was delighted! I knew I liked Bron, but was too stubborn to admit it for weeks.  I could tell he wanted to hold my hand, but I held it back... for a while at least.  I guess that was our first official date. 

Bron also went country dancing on campus every Wednesday night. I conveniently showed up every week at about 9:00PM hoping for some attention from him. And I got it! We usually danced several times—even learning the cha-cha together—and if I got lucky, he’d take me out for ice cream afterwards.

And thus began our courtship.

The Elk Refuge in Jackson, WY (February 2006)

We dated for a year and a half. Bron was super busy. He went to school full time, worked on the family dairy farm, and dated me. We did a ton of fun things together!  Bron knew how to "wine and dine" a girl.  I think he lived on five or six hours of sleep.

I ended up on the farm out in Ririe, ID at least once a week to “help” milk those bovine beauties. I often spent Saturday nights out there too, Bron graciously taking up residence on the couch or in his little brother’s bedroom. The Nelson home was warm, fun, and delicious. Plus, I fell in love with the Ririe Singles Branch. I went to church there many more times than at my assigned ward at school. Everybody in Ririe was real: what you saw was what you got, and that’s what I loved about it. Plus, I loved to see my handsome man all dressed up in his Sunday best teaching the Sunday School lesson. There’s a lot you can learn about a man just by observing him in his “natural habitat” (for lack of a better word) at work, at home, and at church.

An evening milking the cows! (Fall 2006)

The Mushy Stuff...

Bron is sweet, thoughtful, and selfless. He has many talents. He is smart, hard-working, and motivated. But best of all, he’s an honest, loyal, and dedicated friend. There were many things that impressed me about Bron when we were dating. He has a testimony of Jesus Christ and wants to choose the right in all he does. I am grateful to have a man like him!

He treats me so well. He knows exactly what to do for me when I am sad, frustrated, or upset.  It's amazing how well he can handle me because not many people can.  I’m also not expected to keep up with the guys. He wants me to just be me and appreciates the talents and the qualities that are uniquely mine. With Bron, I have always felt free to accomplish any goal or start any new interest.

He baby’s me too. I love to be held and he holds me. He’s also a tease and a goof sometimes. He makes me smile. He takes care of me and understands me like nobody else can. He is my best friend.  And even though our marriage isn't perfect, it's full of affection and "I love you"s.  I know he loves me no matter what.  And I love him!

Hiking Upper Palisades together (June 2006)

The Drama...

I knew back in September 2006 that Bron was my “Mr. Right”. We talked about our potential future together often.  My heart told me he was the right choice for me, but I just couldn’t commit. You see, my best friend from high school was getting home from his mission in November that same year. I just had to know—in my head and in my heart—who was right for me! I knew I could not live with any “what ifs” or questions or regrets. I had to know!  And I was being extremely stubborn about it.

The anxiety of those few months trying to decide whom I really wanted to marry nearly killed me. Worse, it stressed Bron so much it nearly tore him two. But he hung in there, telling me I was worth it. I prayed and prayed and prayed to know what to do. Then one day, out of the blue, it was crystal clear; I was at peace.  All of my worries and apprehensions about marriage were gone. I was finally able to analyze—in my head—what made Bron and my relationship so much better and why I was so frustrated with my missionary. The feeling didn't go away for days.  I felt giddy and light as air.  I think it was an answer to my prayers.

I told Bron I was ready to marry him over dinner at a local restaurant on a Wednesday night in January.  (He'd already asked me unofficially something like twice.  It was my turn.)

The next thing I knew Bron was sliding a shiny engagement ring onto my finger on my 22nd birthday. It was the most exciting birthday ever!  (Poor guy, he will never be able to beat that gift again.)

The picture on our wedding announcements.  Yes, please shake your head and laugh.

We were married on May 5, 2007 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. It was, honestly, the happiest day of my life. The feeling was one of pure joy. Words really aren’t adequate. There is simply nothing better than knowing that the man I love belongs to me forever!

And so began our happily ever after... We had our reception in a big red barn. We went on a five day cruise to Mexico and Belize for our honeymoon. And we've been living in newly wedded bliss ever since!  (Okay, that's an exaggeration.)  But we are most definitely happily married.  That's our story!

Bron is totally the best decision I’ve ever made.