Matt and Shantelle Cox

Matt and Shantelle are two of the most pure hearted people that I know. They have built a life together in which they seek to do good constantly. They are simply two people working together to do the right thing and have a good time while doing it! I love the Coxes and their beautiful family!

The dates and details!

What are your names? 

Matt & Shantelle Cox

When did you meet?

April 1995

In 8 words or less, describe where or how you met. 

Through Matt's mom at Fantastic Sam's

What was your first date? 

A missed movie, shakes at the Purple Turtle and getting to know each other while checking out the construction of the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.

When were you married? 

12/15/1995

Where were you married? 

Manti Temple

How many children do you share? 

4

Getting to Know You!

When and/or how did you know you wanted to marry each other?

Shantelle: I knew pretty early in our courtship (probably by our 3rd date) because he felt like an old friend.
Matt: It took me 4 months to know for sure but I always felt more like i was with a good friend than the typical stress of dating.

What is something that your spouse does (something they may not even realize!) that makes your heart skip a beat and brings you joy.

Shantelle: Its a lot of different things. Sometimes its just the touch of his hand, or when he helps me in the kitchen fixing dinner. And always when he shows unfailing love toward me and the kids.
Matt: When she smiles really big at awesome things. When she cries at sappy movies or romantic questionnaires (yes, she cried answering this question). When she gets upset and tries to be really tough.

What did you love about your spouse in the beginning that you still love about them now?

Shantelle: His plethora of knowledge, his "mama-boy" ways and his big BIG bear hugs! Matt: How she enunciates her words. And the tears. Her big smile and her caring heart.

Other than your children, what is an accomplishment you are your spouse are proud of?

We've never really argued, we have pretty good communication skills. Our constant support of each others dreams and aspirations. Our temple marriage.

What is one of your favorite dates you've been on as a couple?

Chris Ledoux Concert (the whole reason we started dating). Kurt Bestor Christmas concerts. And just dinner out is always nice.

What's the best gift you've received from your spouse?

We agreed in the very beginning of our marriage that we were not going to do gifts, there have been simple gifts given to one another over the years, but the best gift given or received is time together.

Why Marriage Rocks

What's one thing you love to talk about when you have nothing pressing to talk about?

Our dreams for the future. How our kids are doing.

Tell us about a trial you have faced together and how you feel you were successful in overcoming it, or what you have learned during it.

Finances have always been a struggle for us, we've learned that we're not very good at budgeting or saving but we've never let it cause problems between us, we both accept responsibility for our shortcomings and try to continually do better. We also recently faced the trial of losing our moms within just 6 weeks of each other. It has helped us strengthen our testimony of eternal families and made our family bonds a little stronger.

What makes your marriage unique?

Our marriage is unique in the fact that our roles are reversed in many areas. For example, Matt's a talker, I on the other hand am not. He likes to have deep meaningful conversations about feelings and I would rather bottle up my emotions.

What are advantages of marriage?

Sex. Having a best friend always close by to celebrate highs and lows.

What blessings have come into your life because of marriage?

Sense of unity and a common goal for life.

What miracles have you experienced together?

A "Loaves and Fishes" experience when we lived in Wellington. And sacred experiences we've had in the temple.

Advice

What's a practice or routine you've established that keeps your marriage healthy?

Laughing.

What's one principle you think is important in a healthy marriage?

Honesty, Communication, Forgiveness

What is a positive influence on your marriage when things get hard?

The examples of our parents.

If you had time to talk to newlyweds, what would your greatest piece of advice be?

Be spontaneous.

If you need a little marriage recharge, what's your trick?

Go to the temple. Taking time away as a couple. (Even if it's just to Wal-Mart)

As you look into the future, what do you see that will help keep your marriage strong?

Being willing to work on it.

What's the secret of a happy marriage?

Stay closer to your spouse than anyone or anything else.

What is a simple marital practice you would share with a friend who may say they are facing challenges in their marriage?

When you talk, listen to hear, not to respond.

THANK YOU!!

If you have any other tips, tricks, testimonials or input you would like to share, please do! Thank you for your time, inspiration and example!

Intimate connection is crucial, try not to let the busy-ness of life and kids become more important than the bond you share as husband and wife. 

"As in everything, Christ is the only one who got it all right, did it all perfectly, loved the way we are all to try to love. But even though we fall short, that divine standard is there for us. It is a goal toward which we are to keep reaching, keep striving—and, certainly, a goal to keep appreciating" (Jeffrey R. Holland, How do I love thee?, 2000).