Forty-three Years Ago Today!

Yes, 43 years ago today, my life as a married woman began.

Not only were George and I married in the Idaho Falls Temple, George, also, proposed to me there on a beautiful star-filled night.  Later, we drove back to Rexburg to show my parents the ring.  (George had already asked my father for his permission to marry me.  He has always been very proper!)

Later, we took some fun engagement pictures upstairs in my grandparents home which had been built in the early 1900s.

My first remembrance of my wedding day began very early in the morning while driving the 30 minutes with George to Idaho Falls.  Being married in a temple had been a goal of mine, as had it been for George, since we were very young.  Now, this day had finally arrived.  We would be marrying, not just for time--but for all eternity.

As we were driving, we had the radio on and suddenly both of us tuned into what the announcer was saying.  He was talking about Kennedy dying.  We both wondered if they were re-enacting John F. Kennedy's death, but after listening more, we realized that they were talking about the death of Robert Kennedy.  I have never forgotten the day he was, also, shot because of that experience.

Upon entering the temple, I was amazed at its simplicity, but, also, was overwhelmed at the absolute feeling of this sacred edifice--truly a House of the Lord.   No pictures can be taken inside of a Mormon temple after it is dedicated.  Although its beauty was truly breath-taking, I will never forget the tears I shed as George and I entered the sealing room where we saw so many of those family members and friends we knew and loved all dressed in white.  I knew this must be what heaven was like. 

After the beautiful ceremony, we took this picture as we left the temple.  We certainly didn't take as many pictures then as they do now, I'm sorry to say.

After a wonderful wedding dinner at my Grandfather and Grandmother's home, we then spent a fantastic afternoon and evening greeting so many family and friends at a reception in our honor. 

Through the years, as life went on, we found that our happiest times were with our family.  We have tried very hard to raise them to love one another and to love the Lord.

(One of my favorite family photos taken at Pioneer Village in Lagoon, Utah)

We loved traveling with our kids.  We always had a van and would just throw them all in and off we'd go.  No seat belt law then!



And we've all still tried to get together in fun places even when the grandkids came along.  (Taken in Washington, D.C. when John and Alison lived there.  Look at how many strollers and little ones there are!)



It has become increasingly difficult to continue to take family pictures with children and their spouses living in four different states:  Washington, Utah, Texas, and Florida, and one daughter and son-in-law in China.  In addition, there are now 24 grandchildren, one of whom is on a Mormon mission in Pennsylvania for two years.  But, we still try to take lots of pictures with whomever we are visiting with at the time. 

So, through the years George and I have had together, has life always been easy?  Definitely not.  But has life together been worth it, definitely YES!   

So, on this, our 43rd year together, I say, "Happy Anniversary, George.  I truly love you and would definitely say, 'Yes' to the proposal again!"