Steve and Darlene Brown




I love the Browns and their fabulous love story. They met later in life, and the first time they met, Steve had no teeth! And Darlene still fell for him :) I love that they have hit the ground running and have accomplished so much together. They have so much wisdom and life experiences and I love learning from them. 

The dates and details!
What are your names? 
Darlene and Steve Brown
When did you meet?
June 3, 2004
In 8 words or less, describe where or how you met. 
Provo temple waiting room
What was your first date? 
June 5, 2004 We went to Steve's brothers Theater and out to dinner
When were you married? 
July 2, 2004
Where were you married? *
Provo ward house and sealed a year later (Aug. 13, 2005) in Provo temple
How many children do you share? 
12. 10 daughters, 2 sons 54 grandkids and 16 great grandkids
Getting to Know You!
When and/or how did you know you wanted to marry each other?
I had made a list of great husband qualities and he met and exceeded the list. But really the spirit gave me peace when I was with him.
What is something that your spouse does (something they may not even realize!) that makes your heart skip a beat and brings you joy.
Darlene: Steve does this crazy little wiggle dance with his hand on his hip. 
Steve: I love how infectious Darlene's smile is.
What did you love about your spouse in the beginning that you still love about them now?
Darlene: His righteousness and his love of the gospel 
Steve: Her goodness and kindness towards others
Other than your children, what is an accomplishment you are your spouse are proud of?
Our 3 missions and how much we supported each other in them and our successful therapy business.
What is one of your favorite dates you've been on as a couple?
Steve says it was when we went camping with my kids before we were married and our sons and sons-in-law asked Steve for help with our oldest son's truck and they all followed his direction with respect. Basically, it's always when we're with our children.
What's the best gift you've received from your spouse?
Steve: My camp chef 
Darlene: All his butterfly necklaces
Why Marriage Rocks
What's one thing you love to talk about when you have nothing pressing to talk about?
Our plans for our future and our great missionary expereinces
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.
Steve's strokes and regaining his health afterward. We've learned to see the warning signs and pay attention to help avoid another one. We really try to stay healthy without putting too much stress on each other.
What makes your marriage unique?
That we have found so much happiness later in life and it feels like we've always been together because we understand each others pains from the past.
What are advantages of marriage?
Darlene: That we always have each other there for us 
Steve: The obvious
What blessings have come into your life because of marriage?
Happiness in crazy times, the strength that we have in our commitment to each other
What miracles have you experienced together?
That Steve survived 2 serious strokes. Protection in traveling. Our whole experience of testifying of the Prophet Joseph Smith in Nauvoo and the spirit testifying in our own hearts.
Advice
What's a practice or routine you've established that keeps your marriage healthy?
We choose our battles and don't sweat the small stuff but hold tight to the important things like prayer and temple attendance and of course lots of hugs and kisses.
What's one principle you think is important in a healthy marriage?
Laughter and enjoying humor
What is a positive influence on your marriage when things get hard?
A true and sincere desire to make sure that each other is okay.
If you had time to talk to newlyweds, what would your greatest piece of advice be?
Treat each other like royalty because most of the time you'll feel like a slave--Always be kind and if you need to...wear ear plugs.
If you need a little marriage recharge, what's your trick?
Attending the temple
As you look into the future, what do you see that will help keep your marriage strong?
Maintaining a good sense of humor and keeping our health
What's the secret of a happy marriage?
Accepting the challenging events of each day and taking time to do self care
What is a simple marital practice you would share with a friend who may say they are facing challenges in their marriage?
Kiss often and with purpose and love

"Personal purity is the key to true love. The more pure your thoughts and feelings, your words and actions, the greater your capacity to give and receive true love" (Wendy Watson Nelson, Love and Marriage, 2017).

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