Meeting the kids...

Sunday was rough. I was so tired. We had stayed up all night talking and I was emotionally and physically spent. But there was no time for a nap. I needed to be in Church with my kids.

I love Church. I love the people in my congregation. I love that it has a smaller youth program so that my kids can be heavily involved. They give a talk at least once a year and when they aren't there, people notice. I appreciate that. After my divorce, I clung to my ward. I needed the stability and love from the people for myself and for my kids. I was a wreck. I tried very hard to keep my kids from seeing that but inside I was a wreck. I leaned heavily on the amazing people in my ward to show consistent love and acceptance of my family when I wasn't so sure I could do it. They were all amazing and I am truly grateful for that blessing. Every ward should be this wonderful.

After church, I needed to head to Spanish Fork to return a truck I had borrowed from my brother. My new 16-year old son/driver was going to follow me and bring me home. Zane and I had been texting throughout the day and when I mentioned my plans, he was quick to suggest that he meet me in Spanish Fork and bring me home. Hmmm, I hesitated slightly. I just met this guy and he wants to bring me home to my HOUSE? He will know where I LIVE? I liked the guy, I was falling for him. But what if he really was an AX MURDERER??

But that was just a fleeting thought. I was excited to see him again. So, yes, he can bring me home.

Zane met my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew that day. We still tease about the impression he made on them. I think we were all a little nervous and there were some funny jokes told that we still talk about.

On the way home, I expressed my anxiety about him meeting my kids. I wasn't sure if I was ready. My kids knew I dated and occassionally even participated in it. We had fun together scrolling through on-line profiles, chatting online, and they even joined me on a few dates. I didn't want to hide the fact that I was dating but I also didn't want to parade a bunch of guys in front of them either. I think I found a good balance. I guess I will find out when I see the therapy bills they will all need in the future.

I REALLY liked Zane and I knew my kids would like him too. He came into the house, performed a few magic tricks for my kids, and they were hooked. I'm sure the "turning a one-dollar bill into a twenty" helped with the first impression, too. Zane was so great with them. For a guy who professes to HATE kids (as do I, so I can totally relate), he hit it off well with my kids.

The next day, I told my kids that I was really interested in Zane and I wanted to pursue a relationship with him. This is how my youngest reacted...

Me: I think I want to start dating Zane exclusively. What do you think?

Shane: The Magician??

Me: Yes.

Shane: (pumping fist into the air) YES!!

I think they were okay with it. Time would only tell how things would turn out but I liked what I knew of Zane and I wanted to see what could come out of it. He is a great guy and I felt spiritually at peace with my decision to move forward with the relationship. I am a big believer of Fruits.

3rd Nephi 14:16-17: "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit."

I was willing to invest the time to see what our fruits could be. I was excited for the adventure.