Look at these two babies from 1976! Both of us were born in Stanley, ND. Wade in March and Jodie in July. Wade's mom was also a nurse at the Stanley Hospital. INTERESTING FACT: Call it a coincidence or the first sign, but the house that Jodie grew up in (New Town), had originally been owned by a Trulson family member. hmmmmm. To think now, that we were only thirty miles away from each other...... from that point forward for many years. A1 Photo Edits by Lake Burr

THE INTRODUCTION...... Jodie and Angie "Meiers" Garrison became friends at an early age, while going to school in New Town, ND. Jodie and Angie became best friends in their teenage years. Teenagers, being teenagers, they loved to drive around. One night, Angie invited Jodie to go drive around in Stanley with her cousin, Wade. Jodie remembers this goofy boy with the greatest mullet Jodie has ever seen even to this day, pulled up in his 1982 blue and silver, T-Top Camero with Megadeath playing at maximum volume. Angie and Jodie jumped in and away they went. It was then, the first time Jodie met Wade, she learned he was the worst driver in Mountrail County, to this day. :) Anyway, these kids were driving all over the place, Jodie remembers stopping at Wade's house at some point during the night. However, while they were out in Ross, out by Gooners place, Wade got them stuck in a snowbank. Someone needed to walk for help, so Wade sent Angie down the road. hahaha. Angie always said it would give Wade some time to put the moves on Jodie, but he was a complete gentleman (or he was too nervous.... what a nerd), he did not make a move. There was also another time in the spring that involved skinny dipping, but we are not going to talk about that. Note: AI photo edits by Lake Burr

1993 - 2024 OVER THE NEXT 31 YEARS...... Wade and Jodie lost touch over the and went along their separate paths for 31 years. Along the way, they were busy learning how to be adults, figuring out what to do with their lives. College, farming, marriage, children, divorce, relocations across the country, successes, and failures. All of the above. Is it just a coincidence or a sign? Between 2010-2013, Jodie would drive through Ross as she commuted for work. She would pass by the Trulson Farm and say to herself "I wonder what Wade's been up to over the years". Every time she drove by. Jodie lived in Houston, TX from 2013 - 2024, In 2022, she decided she wanted to move back home (North Dakota). She and Lake were lonesome for family. Finally, in March of 2024 Jodie was able to commit to relocating back home. She landed back in ND (Bismarck) in August and decided to take a year or so to consider what her next career path was going to be. Jodie planned to live with her parents and even considered finding a family complex (neighboring homes) with them. Fast forward 2 months, and wow…..did the plans change quickly and drastically! HOLD ON, THIS GETS GOOD…

Jodie relocated back to ND in August 2024 and settled into Bismarck with her parents. Sometime in September, while Jodie and Angie were chatting on the phone, Angie inquired with Jodie about her potential interest in reconnecting with her cousin.......... "Wade". Jodie had no interest whatsoever because she sworn off dating for several years at that point. However, Angie worked on the other side of this equation and the next thing you know, Jodie had a friend request pending in her Facebook, from who? You guessed it. Next thing you know, it was non-stop texting and phone calls until finally, Jodie asked Wade, "Well, when are you coming down to Bismarck to take me on a date?” So, we made plans to meet that coming weekend. October 12th......To make matters worse, Wade had to come pick Jodie up at her mom and dad's house in Lincoln. Yes, at 48 years old, he had to "Meet the Parents" on the first date! Hahaha. They felt like teenagers all over again. But he walked right into their house, shaking her dad’s hand, and gave Jodie's mom the biggest hug! Jodie was the last person he acknowledged! Hahaha When Wade and Jodie finally locked in on each other, it was all over! It was an instant connection. Their first date ended up lasting 4 days! It was love at first sight. Literally.

Given Jodie has an entire 12 x 40 storage unit just for her Halloween and Christmas decorations, we decided to go all out and decorate for Halloween at Jodie’s parents house in Lincoln. As you can see, we had a blast!

A week after Halloween, Wade showed back up at Jodie’s parents house with a trailer. He told her parents “Either I’m moving in here, or she’s coming with me!” Jodie’s mom, Brenda said; “Move on in, there is an extra bedroom.” We will not tell you what Wade said next but use your imagination. Needless to say, Jodie moved in with Wade and started cleaning his house. She should have left then! hahaha! But she had fun digging arounds and finding this old high school gem!

Cash and Lake hit it off right away. Two pees in a pod! Have you ever seen the movie "Stepbrothers" with Will Farrell and John C. Reilly? Yep, those are our boys without the fighting!

Thanksgiving was the first time Jodie met Wades family. Wades sister, Hayley hosted the holiday at her home. Jodie felt right at home.

Early days of Jodie getting to know Cadyn! They have enjoyed getting to spend time together with and without Wade, just doing girl things.

Jodie and Wade spent Christmas Eve with Jodie’s family in Lincoln/Bismarck and then traveled to Stanley to celebrate Christmas Day with Wade's family at his Aunt Gladys' house. Getting to know both sides of the families has been so welcoming!

Wade and Jodie took a month off from reality and headed south to Mesa, Arizona in the motorhome. It was about 50 below zero when they left with little heat in the cab until they got further south. Wade drove like a lunatic, but he did get them there safely. If it is anything that will take a new relationship to its breaking point, it's taking a winter RV trip across the United States!

They made it to Nevada on Valentines Day and stopped along the way to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Wade and Jodie drove to Lake Havasu to visit Jodie friend, Lori Renbarger. They had a great time taking a boat ride in the sunset, went to dinner and danced, and went shopping. Lori was a great host.

Boat Ride, Lake Havasu

Yep! They did it. Couples tattoo! This was a big commitment... but there was never a third doubt.

Awe! So Cute!

Jodie's first time out on the tractor for spring farming! She was the passenger princess.

ND Country Fest, New Salem, ND 2025

ND Country Fest, New Salem, ND 2025

ND Country Fest, New Salem, ND 2025

ND Country Fest, New Salem, ND 2025 Jodie and Wade had a blast with Angel (Jodie's sister) Shawn (Jodies brother-in-law) and Tyler (Jodies nephew).

Jodie and Wade attended an estate auction in Wishek, ND on Jodie's birthday with Angel (Jodie's Sister) and Shawn (Jodie's Brother-in-law). They made out pretty good. It was the first time Jodie experienced an auction and she went a little bit crazy. But she learned from the best. You know who we are talking about, right?

Wade and Caydn.

Such a great day on the water with family!

The boys on the Jet Skis!

Wade, Jodie and Lake swimming in Van Hook off the pontoon!

Captain Wade!

Angie and Jodie at Camp Meiers!

Jodie and Blue went combining with Wade. Blue and Wade always dress a-like. He's a farm dog!

Harvest Season!

Harvest time forces a couple to get creative to stay connected due to the long hours away from each other. A little evening Facetime was always fun for these two!

THE ENGAGEMENT..... The official announcement of Wade and Jodie's engagement! Everyone wants to know that details about the proposal, but, that moment was perfect and sacred between Wade and Jodie. Fun Fact: Jodie will not see the engagement/wedding ring until Wade places it on her finger during the vows. Jodie wanted to keep it a suprise! Ahhh, isn't that so cute!