...And a Happy New Year!

January 6, 2013 marks the 5th anniversary of the day I met Stephen Wayne Murray. I had decided to start attending the singles student ward since I was going to start classes at BSU, it was my first Sunday. I went with one of my best friends Lauren Browne (now Mair) and the only person I recognized was one of my sisters best friends Sierra Kinney (now Davis). We sat by Sierra with no worries, Sierra knew everyone. I met so many people! It felt like a fresh start and I welcomed it as well as all the new faces with wide open arms! We were in Relief Society, and all the sudden to my surprise there he was. With a LOT of confidence he strolled to the front of the class and the President allowed him to make his announcement. He was having a movie night at his house in Star and called it “the star trek” since it was easily a 30 minute drive out there. Sierra said we should go and I agreed. When we got to his house there were a lot of the same faces from church but still new ones! I got the opportunity to get to know the new faces I met that day. Nate Thueson was one of those faces and also Stephens room mate. He decided to give me the grand tour. We made our way around the rooms and then headed up stairs and there he was again, at the top of the stairs lighting a candle. He greeted us with and when he turned to look at us he burned his hand on the lighter. Without thinking or having control of my actions I grabbed his hand and kissed the burn. I think I stunned all three of us. Then Nate took my arm and continued my tour. It was hilarious with the perfect amount and awkwardness; I still didn’t even know his name. We came back down stairs and later Nate introduced him as Mr. November. He was in a calendar for the Fire Department and was pretty proud of it. He continued to show me said calendar. I thought he was full of himself. Ha! Anyway the night went on, Nate asked me out and we ended up going on a few dates which complicated things with his best friend, Mr. November. But we continued as friends through 2008 and in September, when I gather the proper amount of time had passed, he finally FINALLY asked me out. I’m forever grateful for those 9 months of friendship. I grew up a lot, mainly because I was 18-19 years old. I got to know him in a non threatening way so when we started dating the transition was seamless. Though in the beginning I did not want to get married not just not to him but not at all! Obviously he won me over and changed my heart. Another thing I am forever grateful for. I always enjoy the beginning of the year even though I have never been into the whole resolution thing. I like to start new goals all year round, not just at the start. But this year my resolution is simple: Be the best I can be. For Stephen, for Charlee and Bear and for myself. 2012 was verrry good to me. Full of transitions and fresh starts. Right now its hard to picture the end of 2013 or where we will be, right now I look forward to everyday and surviving the chaos that I know is only going to increase! But I welcome the journey! And know there will be plenty of joy in it. Happy new year to you and yours.