July 2010 - I started dating Nicholas Spencer Martin.
February 2011 - Nick proposed.
April 2011 - we were sealed in the Washington D.C. temple for all eternity.
July 2011 - Ryker and Kaya were blessed to be adopted by him, therefore, sealing us all together.
December 2012 - I finally take an embarrassing moment to reconnect with my blog.
I've never kept it a secret that I am terrible about keeping a journal. In fact, this blog is probably my most successful journal (shamefully). However, I refuse to just quit. I could have quit on a lot of things throughout this life, but because I chose to fight, to stay strong in my faith, and to protect my children, I have been blessed with the most amazing husband. That's right... I'm MARRIED!!!
Our story - It's a good one too.
I had actually been friends with Nick since I moved back to Alaska in 2006, as I was going though some "life changes". He, at that time, was actually dating a mutual friend (who introduced me to the guy she was dating). If you're thinking that sparks flew back then, you're wrong. I was at a point in my life where I had extremely little hope in the male gender. Nevertheless, I wasn't bitter or mean about it. Just didn't want to open myself up to them. Because of our common interests and beliefs, Nick and I had a number of opportunities to have some healthy conversations. While I was pregnant with Kaya, Nick was actually working the gate on base. I would sometimes see him as I was going on base for doctor appointments. One day, my mom was in the car with me. As I came up to the gate where Nick was working, we had a brief (couple minute) conversation. Just the simple "hello, how are you". As I drove on toward the hospital, I remember telling my mother that I was impressed with him as a person. That he seemed to be a pretty nice guy. These chance encounters with Nick happened several times over the next 5 years.
In August 2009, Nick had a bright idea that went something like this, "I always have good conversations with Jenn. She seems to be pretty cool. Maybe I should date her." I wasn't sure I wanted to go out with Nick (even though by this time I found him very attractive - inside and out - I just wasn't ready). So when he asked me out, my response was, "sure, I have to feed the missionaries. Why don't you come over for dinner." This was my way of making the date another casual encounter like the ones I was so used to having with Nick. He was such a good sport. By the end of the evening, as he was leaving, Ryker asked him if they could have a slumber party. I was shocked! Ryker had never asked that of any of my friends before, even after he knew them for a while. Here, after meeting Nick for the first time, he wanted a slumber party? (that just proves to me now how in tune with the spirit our children are. Ryker definitely felt something). Over the next few weeks, I gave Nick the cold shoulder. I just wasn't ready, and I didn't want to screw things up by pushing myself. Nick took my bold hints and moved on. I was so torn. I knew I liked him, but I knew I needed to be more ready.
May of 2010, Nick and I are at a camping trip hosted by my bro, Tyler Best. No awkwardness, no hard feelings. In fact, it was another wonderful conversation like we were so used to having. I should let you know that 2 months before this activity, I had prayed and told my Heavenly Father that I was ready to move forward and find a companion. I asked that he help provide me with a worthy man. So, at this camping activity, as I was talking with Nick (for a LONG time), the spirit began to whisper to me. I felt something different about Nick. The next day, as I was talking with Tyler on the phone, Tyler spilled the beans about a conversation he had had with Nick that night. Nick apparently was talking to Tyler about me and how he might be interested. (Sorry babe, Tyler's my brother, and he ratted you out) I was elated to hear this news. By July 2010, Nick and I were dating.
We fell in love quickly. We knew that we wanted to be together forever. On February 12, 2011, Nick proposed. Want to know something crazy? On February 12, 2006, I left my marriage because I refused to follow the path that he was headed down. I insisted on raising my children in the gospel. Nick had no idea that he was proposing on the same exact day, 6 years later. And I didn't realize it until about a week later. Funny, the little details. Anyway, we were married on April 23, 2011, and the kids became Martin's in July 2011.
That's my wonderful story in a very shortened version. It's marvelous. It's a miracle. It's my dream!
