two halves of one whole

June 16, 2009

















June 16, 1979
















June 16, 1989



















June 16, 1999














We're a good team. We're a little older and hopefully a little wiser. There is a little less hair, more grey, more chins, no glasses for distance seeing, a few more wrinkles and a few more pounds (and yes, I've had every hair style known to womankind over those 30 years.) We don't like all the same things nor do we accomplish a given task in the same way. We're comfortable with each other and our strengths and weaknesses compliment the strengths and weaknesses of the other person. We've been at it for 30 years now and we've figured some things out. Like, don't sweat the small stuff (and it's all pretty much small stuff.) One thing I know for sure is that I love this good man. That goes without saying, but another thing that I count as a tremendous blessing is that we're equally yoked. We both have similar desires and goals when it comes to spiritual things. One doesn't have to drag the other, or plead or be resentful and disappointed. We're both equally motivated and driven. We want it all and we're willing to work towards that goal of a bigger and better eternal life together. We believe it. We want it. I thought I had a small clue about this thirty years ago, but really, I had no idea. It takes living with a person to see if they are what they appear to be. He is. I'm a lucky, grateful, happy, blessed wife. We're in this for the long haul and I couldn't be happier.





He did it all....two dozen red roses...















...dinner at The Roof at sun down following performing sealings at the Salt Lake City temple...











...dessert served at nightfall...the creme brulee was the best I've ever had.

What a meaningful, romantic evening...I may swoon just remembering it all!



And still to come, an Alaskan cruise for a week in August! See what I'm mean? I'm a lucky, lucky girl.

June 16, 1979 - celebrating 30 years of marriage

Lightning strikes

Angel Moroni takes one for the team...lightning strikes the new Oquirrh temple. Ouch! (See the lightning rod sticking out of his head? He was built for such a mission!)

Elder Jones

Andy has been talking about an Elder Jones in his letters home who he has become friends with in Mongolia. Elder Jones is from our home town and they have become tight friends while serving in Mongolia. I don't think they knew each other before they left on their missions because E. Jones is a year older than Andy. Elder Jones went to the rival high school across town (you can see them showing the signs of their respective high schools in the picture of the two of them.) Anyway, Andy emailed us and asked me to attend the homecoming sacrament meeting of Elder Jones, scheduled for this morning. He gave me the Elders home phone number and asked me to call him and get the details for the meeting. I called yesterday and E. Jones' mom answered the phone. I identified myself and asked to speak to E. Jones. I chatted with him and he gave me the info. Later in the evening it dawned on me that this Elder Jones just might be the son of my old junior high and high school friend Diane. I always think of her by her maiden name and she thinks of me by my maiden name. I knew she lived in the same part of town as the address I was given by E. Jones. I went to my address book and realized that indeed, the kid is the actual SON of my old friend Diane Redd*kopp from Rupert. We haven't seen each other for about five or six years and we kind of lost contact. How amazing that our sons became close friends in Mongolia serving together as missionaries in the same area. How random is that? I went to the meeting today and surprised Diane when she saw me. I explained about our sons and the connection they had made and she was truly amazed. They invited us over to their home to visit and to talk about missionary work in Mongolia and the friendship of these Elders and their mothers. She and her husband went to Mongolia two weeks ago to pick up their son as he finished his mission. While there, Elder Jones introduced them to our son and she remembered meeting Andy, not knowing that he was MY son. Wow. Life comes at you fast sometimes. We're meeting for lunch next week to get caught up and to learn more about Mongolia. They were in attendance with their son when the first stake was created in Mongolia, just last Sunday. Since we're planning to go get Andy from Mongolia in 8 months, they will be great coaches for our trip. Again, wow. How cool is that?

Massage

Rick gave me a massage for Valentines Day to my favorite place - Remedez at University Mall. After finishing all my house cleaning, I finally made an appointment and went in for a great massage this morning. I love the spa and the service they give there. You would never know you were inside University Mall. I think their spa is very classy and they pay attention to service and details. Of the four or five massages I've had there, each one was done by a very good masseuse. Check out this article on the success they are having in the area. They also give a great pedicure with wonderful products. It is co-owned by a friend who serves with me on the SCERA board - Cynthia Gambill. She is Argentine and is a daughter of Angel Abrea who was a former member of the quorum of the 70. She runs a great salon/spa. I can't wait to go again. I would never tire of receiving gift certificates to go to this place. Wink. Wink.