This is long, but my love is longer!

[Engagement photo; Oct. 1998]
Nine years ago today, I sat in the Idaho Falls Temple. I didn't know anybody else in the endowment session except for my fiance.
We had decided to attend a session the day before our wedding to get away from the stress and focus on what we were about to do. I sat quietly, listening to the session, and feeling the shards of stress surround me. I had broken out in a rash all over my neck, we were dealing with some parental issues, all the planning was coming to a culmination of family, food, friends, and fun. Being able to sit, to sit still, and to sit quietly was a welcome activity. But as my body stopped stressing, my mind started reeling. What if I'm making a mistake? What if Brandon and I aren't meant to be together? What am I doing? I'm only 19 years old! Is this wrong? I pleaded with Heavenly Father to let me know what I should do. I had received my answer that this was right...hadn't I? How could I be doubting? Help!

In desperation, I turned and looked to where Brandon was sitting. He turned to me, grinned his gorgeous grin, and winked at me. I smiled back and immediately, a peaceful feeling washed over my entire body --a wave of relief that cleansed out not only my doubt, but my stress as well.

The next day, we entered the Temple again, only this time, we would come out as husband and wife. Being sealed to Brandon was one of the happiest moments of my life. I recall being giddy with joy, wanting to shout from the roof "Brandon is my husband!" As we knelt across the altar, Brandon's eyes filled with tears and it melted my heart. I had never been happier in my almost 20 years as I had at that moment.

Since it was January in Idaho, the weather was kind of nasty. Not a lot of snow, but tons of ice and sleet. It had been raining as we drove up there. Here is a quote from my journal: "The best part about the whole thing was that it stopped raining and we even had blue sky for about 20 minutes. Just enough time so we could get great pictures taken. As soon as we were done, it rained again!" I remembered the blue sky and I felt like it was a sign from God, smiling down on our marriage.

The rest of the day was filled with more joy. Everything fell into place! The luncheon filled with food, music, and (of course!) the Father's tribute and Groom's response (nice Canadian tradition). I even sang a song --dedicated to Brandon, but he was my accompanist, so he was too busy playing to listen. :)

Here are the words to the song:

In a Simple Way I Love You.

That's all that I can do.

I'll make music while you sing your song

I understand what you're going through.

In a Simple Way I Love You

When you're reaching out to me.

I will be there when you need a friend.

I'll help you be what you want to be.

I hear your voice sing out,

Just let it go.

I'll give you room to breathe

And room to grow.

In a Simple Way I Love You.

I'm here to see you through.

I'll make music while you sing your song,

While you do what you have to do.

I'll be beside you, rain or shine.

Love has many faces, and one of them...is mine.

[In a Simple Way I Love You from the Broadway Musical "I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It On the Road" 1981]

The reception was lovely --it was amazing what we could pull off on a limited budget. [side note: Who says you have to spend a lot to get a great wedding? Especially when one has not the fundage? Our cake was fake (except the top layer), our flowers were silk (thank you Grandma M!), my dress was a gift (love you, carrie!), and we had it at the church. And I don't regret a bit of it! ]

After the traditional meeting and greeting, we danced the night away. So much, in fact, that my Uncle had to remind us what time it was --oops! We were just having so much fun dancing!

Now, nine years later, I look at my life and am amazed at what has happened. Four children, several moves, two Bachelor degrees, dozens of vacations, three companies, and one cat make for a pretty awesome life.

Oh, and for more gushing, go here to read about why I love Brandon and a funny thing that happened at our wedding luncheon. The poor man can't live it down. But I think it makes for a memorable day and I laugh with joy when I think about it (or watch the video!). :)

I love you, Brandon. Thank you for marrying me and sticking with me throughout all the junk I throw your way. I know I make life harder than it needs to be, and your forgiving nature never ceases to amaze me. I'm grateful to God that you're in my life.