I have had countless requests to hear the story of "Mark and Heidi." So I figured I would document my side for all who care to read! It's long...it might take you more than one stop...
At the beginning of December, I had finally started to feel like I was back to my normal self. I was feeling happy, and I was making plans for the future. I had found a graduate certificate that I was scheduled to start in January and things were good. During a difficult period in my life, I heard a little voice tell me that as soon as I could be happy with myself again, I would be blessed with my desires. On December 19th a sweet sister on my temple shift stopped me in the hall to tell me how genuinely happy I looked. I remember walking away with tears in my eyes as I realized that I had done just that - I was HAPPY! Well, a few days later Jake asked me if I would be up for a blind date that his friend wanted to set up. Now I have been on my fair share of blind dates, and they always go about the same. "The boy picks me up. We go to dinner. We have an agreeable conversation through dinner. Then we participate in some activity. Typically we have a good time. He brings me home and the story ends." So I said, "yes" just expecting another typical blind date....
On December 23rd, Mark came and picked me up for dinner and bowling. We were having our family gingerbread house night, so we started early because I was bummed about missing all the fun with my family. We were just finishing when Mark came. I grabbed my coat and headed out the door. We went to dinner at Fong's. Mark will tell you that it was a less than desirable meal, but I thought it tasted just fine. We had good dinner conversation and then went bowling. The bowling was fun. We talked and laughed and learned a little more about each other. It felt like a typical blind date, and I wasn't about to let my guard down. We finished bowling, and I expected him to take me home and never see him again. But the boys decided we should get ice-cream. We ended up at Jack in the Box getting milkshakes. We talked more, and I started to see more of Mark's personality. He was telling hilarious stories about his life and just cracking everyone up. I loosened up a little bit...Then we drove out to see the lights at Bill's house. They were turned off for the night, so they decided to take us girls home. On the drive home, Mark started asking me about teaching and kids. I love my job, and I love the kids I work with. He found the one topic to get my guard down and I talked away. He had told me that he was going back to Cheyenne on Christmas Day, so I said goodbye with no intentions of ever seeing him again.
On Christmas Day, just as we were heading downstairs to open presents, I got a message from Mark telling me "Merry Christmas." I responded with a typical, "Thanks! Merry Christmas to you." The conversation continued, and I asked if he was still going home that day. His response went something like this, "If I stayed, would you be interested in going on another date." That was honestly the last thing that I expected! I, of course, said, "Yes." On Christmas night Mark came and took me to Ryan and Jodie's house. We played games for a few hours, and then we went out for a drive to look at Christmas lights. We talked A LOT and asked lots of questions. I felt so comfortable with Mark, and just enjoyed being with him. I had to work in the temple the next day, so we went to lunch in Idaho Falls and then came back to my house to play ping pong and a game with my parents. That night in the temple, I remember thinking how this was ever going to work out, how I would have the courage to get into another relationship, how long distance would ever work, how I could trust again. Then that special little whisper came and said, "Just do it." So, I stopped fretting and let my heart take control.
We went to Island Park on December 27th. I invited Mark to come to the cabin on the 28th for breakfast and fun in the snow. Surprisingly he accepted! He came up early on the 28th just in time to join us for breakfast. I was instantly taken back by how much the kids LOVED him. They were jumping all over him and playing with him, and he was just loving and playing with all of them. Cody took us out with the snowshoes. We went snowshoeing, sledding, and tubing behind the snow machine. We ate lunch with the family, played with the kids, and then headed home. This was the point that I started to realize that Mark was for real. He wasn't just milking some Christmas date - he really was interested in getting to know me better. We talked the whole way home, and this is where our "ask a question" conversations started. That night, Mark took me to Olive Garden for dinner. Then we sat and talked for hours and hours. We didn't ever run out of things to talk about. Mark was going home the next morning, and we were both a little nervous about long distance dating. But we decided to try it and go from there. That night was the first of many not-so-fun goodbyes.
Mark called on his drive home and we talked for a few more hours, and we haven't missed a daily phone call since. I am not much of a phone talker, so I was surprised that I was actually looking forward to his calls. And I was even more surprised when I found myself dialing his number just to talk. We talked about anything and everything. He wanted to know everything about me, and I wanted to know the same about him.
Mark scheduled his first trip back to Rexburg on January 17th. I was excited for him to come back, but I knew that this particular weekend would either make or break the relationship. It was Chelsea's last weekend before she left on her mission and we had family and company the whole time. Anyone who knows me, knows that I can handle people for a certain period of time, and then I need some serious alone time. Mark got here on Friday night. I don't think I will ever forget me opening the door, and him just grabbing me and hugging me. We spent Friday night talking. On Saturday, we ate breakfast with my family. Then we spent time playing with the kids. In the afternoon, we went ice-skating with Ryan and Jodie and their family. Then we headed to a high school basketball game to watch sweet Ali dance at halftime. After her dance, we came back to my house and had a big dinner with everyone. We played some games, and then my "too many people and not enough alone time" started to kick in. At this point, typically the only answer is to go away from all people and rejuvenate. Mark was sweet, and we left for some ice-cream. Surprisingly, I didn't feel the need to have some space from Mark. I wanted to be with him. Sunday was spent with Chelsea. We went to Sacrament Meeting with the family and then had family over for a meal after. Mark got to meet everyone, and he didn't seem too overwhelmed! We played games and just enjoyed being together. Sunday night was pretty relaxed. Sunday was Mark's birthday so we had cake and a few presents for him. Mark was going to travel home on Monday, so we went to breakfast early and then played a little ping pong before he left. The second goodbye was harder than the first, but at least I felt like I would see him again.
More phone calls every night. More talking and asking every single question I could think of. Then one night Mark surprised me. We were talking and he casually says, "So what do you think about going home to Portland over Valentine's Day instead of me coming to Idaho?" I didn't know what to say...what could I say?!? So I said, "Sure." Then my brain started going a little crazy as to what that meant. But I was so excited to see Mark again, that I was willing to go wherever I needed to go. I rescheduled my parent teacher conferences, so I could leave Rexburg on Thursday afternoon and head to Salt Lake for a flight early Friday morning. On Wednesday night, I went to Grandma Kunz's house to say goodbye. As I left Grandma's house, I remember calling Mark. He didn't answer, but called back in a few minutes. I got teary, and he was so kind and loving. I left for Salt Lake with the feeling that Grandma wouldn't be here when I got back. But I felt that I needed to go, and I knew Grandma wouldn't want me to stay.
So on Thursday I headed to Salt Lake. I stayed with Dan and Amanda on Thursday night, and then got up early Friday morning and headed to the airport. We met up at the airport and headed to Portland. Mark's parents picked us up at the airport, and then we went to their house. His parents were so kind. On Friday morning, Mark's sister Elissa came over. She brought her sweet kids, and we had fun visiting with her and playing with the kids. She went home after lunch, and we went back to Mark's house. We spent some time resting, and then we went to Portland for dinner. We went to a fancy restaurant called Papa Haydn's. We sat down, and I didn't have any idea what anything on the menu even was! So we did our best to order, and then just enjoyed laughing about how we were so different from all the other people in that restaurant. Then we drove around Portland, and Mark gave me the grand tour. We had a great time!
On Saturday, we decided to go to the beach. On our way, we stopped at Craig and Lily's house. We spent some time visiting with them. Then we walked to the park with them as they took their dog out. It was fun meeting them, and I look forward to getting to know them both better. After visiting Craig and Lily, we continued to the beach. It was raining really hard, and I got pretty car sick. So I was in and out of sleep for most of the drive there. We stopped at Tillamook Cheese Factory. We walked through the factory and then had ice-cream. After our ice-cream, we drove along the coast. It was really stormy, but so beautiful. We decided to stop for a late lunch at a little cafe on the coast. As we pulled into the restaurant, Jodee called to tell me that Grandma had just passed away. Mark was so good to park the car and just let me cry. We sat in the car for about thirty minutes before I was ready to go and eat. We went inside and had a bowl of clam chowder. After lunch, we stopped in a little town and walked through an aquarium on the beach. It was small, but provided a good break from the car! We got back on the road and headed to Heather and Won's house for dinner. I was again car sick, but Mark is a trooper and just kept driving through my on and off naps. We got to Heather and Won's house just in time for dinner. They have a pretty amazing family! I felt like I belonged and had always been part of the family. We had a tasty dinner, and then we listened to the kids play the piano. Later, we sat and visited with Heather and Won. Won evidently is known for his questioning. He asked lots and lots of questions of Mark and I. Some were awkward at first, but I didn't ever feel too uncomfortable! We had a great time with them. After spending a few hours with them, we headed back to Mark's house. As hard as it was to know I wasn't with my family during the hours after Grandma's death, I don't think I would have changed it. Because I learned that Mark could give me the comfort and love that I needed during that period of time.
On Sunday, we went to church, and then we went to visit Mark's Grandma. We spent Sunday afternoon relaxing. We had dinner with Mark's parents and Heather and Won and their family. Then we played games and just enjoyed the time together. Sunday night was the first time the topic of marriage came up. We had a very open conversation about what fears were present, what we needed to do individually to find answers, and what our future might look like. On Monday morning, we got up early and went for a hike. It was pouring rain, but we went anyway. I was soaked all the way through by the end, but I really enjoyed it. It was beautiful! After the hike, we went to get ice-cream. Then we stopped and looked at the fishery. We hurried back to Mark's house and got ready for the flight. Mark's mom dropped us off at the airport and we started our trip home. On the way home, we flew to Denver where Mark got off and then I continued to Salt Lake. It was pretty hard to get back on that plane in Denver and leave Mark behind, but it was the only choice!
More phone calls, more late night talks, more questions, and lots of answers! On February 27th, I headed to Cheyenne. I went to Star Valley on Thursday night and stayed with Jason and Jodee and their family. I got up early on Friday and started my trip to Cheyenne. I pulled into Cheyenne around 1:00 and quickly visited as many elementary schools as could. The principals were kind, but not very optimistic about me finding a job in their district. By 3:30, I was finished visiting schools, and I met up with Mark. We went to dinner and then met up with Thad and Raylene for Rayann's high school musical. After the musical, we went back to the Brown's house, and they told me all about Mark. The Brown family has been so kind to give me a bed every time I visit - I am so grateful for them! Saturday was cold, so we spent most of the day inside playing with the kids. I spent a few hours doing homework, then we had dinner, and then I did homework for a little longer. I went to Sacrament Meeting with Mark on Sunday, and then drove home. After making the drive to Cheyenne, I quickly realized what a sacrifice Mark was making to make trips to Idaho...It is really long and really boring!
The next week, Mark got to come to Idaho Falls for work. That meant we got to date like a real couple for a few days! It was so fun to get to see him every night for a few days! I had just started my block of six credits, so I spent a lot of time doing homework, but it was fun to at least have some company while I wrote papers and studied! We spent time with Ryan and Jodie and their kids. I got to see Mark fly his plane. We played games, went to "Rexburg's Got Talent," ate lots of food, went out for a Razor Ride, talked more, and just enjoyed spending time together.
Mark came back to Rexburg over Spring Break during the last week of March. He got here on Friday evening, and we mostly just talked and caught up on life. Earlier on Friday, I received a call from an elementary school in Cheyenne. I set up an interview for a third grade position at their school. On Saturday, we went to Idaho Falls. We looked at flooring at Home Depot for the bathroom in his house. Then we went to lunch at Red Robin. We were lucky enough to see Jodee and Jason and their kids while there! Then we came home and the topic of marriage came up again. We decided to go take a look at rings. I walked into that store and felt pretty overwhelmed. They were all so beautiful, and I would have been happy with anything he got. I left without making a decision, so Mark made me promise that I would go back until I found the one I loved. That evening was spent at the General Women's Broadcast. I left Mark at my house when I went, and he surprisingly got the courage to ask my dad if he could marry me. I was so surprised when he told me that night! We spent the rest of the night with Ryan and Jodie. Mark came to Sacrament Meeting with me on Sunday and then left to go home.
More phone calls, more planning for the future, and more questions and answers. I took mom ring shopping with me and finally decided on the ring I wanted. I headed to Cheyenne on Thursday, April 10th. I got into Cheyenne around 9:00. I studied for my interview for a few minutes, and then headed to bed for the night. I got to spend Friday with the Brown's. I did a little homework, played a little, watched a movie with the kids, and prepared for my interview. I went to lunch with Mark before the interview. I felt a little nervous during the first part of the interview, but I quickly warmed up and got feeling comfortable. The interview lasted about 45 minutes. I left the interview feeling okay, but not feeling like I had nailed it. I was told that with over 150 applicants and 16 interviews, there was no way they were going to make a decision that night. I left feeling like I needed to find another job because I didn't think I would get it. Mark got off work early and we went to the golfing range. He patiently tried to teach me. I think I got a little better! Then we went to Little America for dinner. After dinner, I looked at my phone and had several missed calls and a voice message. The voice message was from the principal at Saddle Ridge. He wanted me to call him back as soon as possible. So we left the restaurant, and I didn't want to call him. I was more nervous to call him than I was for the actual interview. I finally called, and he offered me the job teaching third grade! I was completely shocked! We were both pretty excited. We ran some errands for Mark and then visited some of his friends in Cheyenne. I had to drive back to Rexburg on Saturday for Sunday meetings, so we spent a few hours together on Saturday and then I headed home.
Mark showed up in Rexburg on April 18th around 7:00. He called around 6:45 and told me to quickly get ready and wear warm clothes. I got ready, and he picked me up. We started heading toward Archer. Mark was using directions from the GPS on his phone as well as a text message. As soon as we got to Ririe, I started asking where he was trying to take me. He finally told me that he wanted to go to the Cress Creek Trail. We got back on the right road and made it to the trail head. He pulled out a hiking backpack and we started up the trail. We got to the top of the loop and there was a little look-out, so we stopped and watched the sunset. After a few minutes, Mark pulled out a journal from his backpack. In the journal, he had written sweet memories of our relationship. Then about half-way through the journal, he had cut out the pages so the ring box would fit in. Once I got there, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was sweet and perfect. We hiked back to the pickup and then came back to Rexburg. We stopped at Ryan and Jodie's to tell them the news, and then headed to my house to share with my parents. What an exciting night! We got up early on Saturday and headed to Star Valley to surprise Jodee and Jason and their family. We played with the kids, held sweet Colt, and colored Easter Eggs. After spending a few hours with them, we headed back to Idaho Falls to run a few errands. Then we came home and started some wedding planning. We had dinner with Ryan and Jodie, and then spent the rest of the weekend talking and planning. Mark came to Sacrament meeting with me on Sunday, and then headed home. This goodbye was the hardest one yet...
Wedding planning is coming along quite well. It doesn't take much these days for me to feel overwhelmed with work, school, planning, packing, etc. But there is a happy ending to it all, so I am doing my best to keep moving forward with a smile on my face! I was thinking today about the path my life had to take in order for me to be prepared for Mark. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows what I need better than I know what I need. I am grateful to have met someone who loves me for who I am. I am grateful for the blessing of seeing a bright and happy future! Life is great!
