Questions Answered--Brad and Me

How did you and Brad meet? And what's your favorite thing to do together? (Besides THAT.)
 We were discussing this the other day--married almost 22 years and I can't really remember how I lived life without him.

June 23, 1989, Salt Lake City, Utah--"I love your sleeves"

Brad and I met when we were working in the Independent Study curriculum processing office at BYU. We were both manuscript proofreaders, and competitive to say the least.  I can in all honesty admit that he was better than me, but does that matter today?  No.  We dated for a semester without anyone in the office really knowing, then when he proposed I came to work sporting a diamond.  People asked, "Who are you marrying?" When I told them Brad, it created quite a stir!  Never underestimate the seductive powers of the pink oxford and black knit sock tie, gentlemen.  We were married that next June.  And I've never looked back.

Besides THAT (don't tell my kids we do THAT, please), we try to date every weekend.  Sometimes life gets in the way, but we like to do most things together--movies, dinner, shopping (especially Nordstrom Rack and Home Depot's nursery). I'm really lucky that I have a husband that not only has opinions about fashion, decorating, furniture placement, etc., he also has a keen eye and great taste.  He will move furniture and evaluate how it looks before retreating back to the couch.  He taught me more about clothes and fashion than I ever knew BB (before Brad).  We also like to travel when we can--not often enough to suit him, but I do have five kids still at home. One day, right?

How/ when do you and your husband make time for each other? I only have 4 children and it's hard to find that time to get away with each other. Also, in what ways does he contribute to the home/ child-rearing duties?

Like I said, date nights once a week.  He's pretty dedicated to them. I tend to let kid stuff overshadow date night, but he always brings me back to my priorities--one day, the kids will all be gone and he'll be stuck with just me.  We better remember we like each other. It's easier for us to get out, because I have babysitters under my roof.  But it's important to set that time aside at the beginning of the week or the time gets filled with other stuff that's less important.

When I read the question about how does Brad help, I thought, "Wow, now is his chance to shine."  Brad helps me.  He does dishes, he cleans the house, he gets kids ready for school on Thursdays when I'm preparing to teach, he does baths and bedtime and teeth and stories and songs.  He really does it all. And he sets that example for my boys to see, for which my future daughters-in-law will be grateful.

Who is your best son? Really now.
Usually I keep this information private, but since Tucker asked, I couldn't refuse to answer: