Friday, December 20, 2013

anniversary

Today we celebrate our 59th anniversary.  Fifty-nine years ago we drove from Betty's home in Pocatello to the Logan, Utah temple.  Garold's parents, brother Keith and sister Ruth were with us.  We had planned to be married in the Idaho Falls Temple, but a few days before we left Oregon to go to Idaho, we learned that temple was closed, so we went to Logan instead.  This turned out to be better in many ways--especially because this is where Garold's parents and grandparents were married.
Our plans to celebrate?  This morning we are going to the BYU Museum of Art to see the new exhibit:  Sacred Gifts: the art of Karl Block, Heinrich Hoffman, and Franz Schwartz.  Norma's friend, Dawn Phesey, curated the exhibition and has spent several years travelling to Europe to get permission to borrow works of art from churches and museums for this show.  This evening, we will plan to go out to dinner, perhaps to one of the restaurants in the Shops at Riverside, because they have such a wonderful light display during the Christmas Seasons.
Grandpa asked me this morning which year of the 59 was the best.  I told him this year--because every year we grow closer to one another and treasure our time together more.  All of you--our children, grandchildren and their husbands and wives are the greatest treasure of our marriage.  Happy holidays to you all!

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Dear Family,
Like the beautiful and abundant snow shown in the photo of our home, our lives have been abundantly blessed this past year.  Not only at Christmas time, but throughout the entire year, we feel deep love and gratitude to Jesus our Savior who came as a little child to a lowly manger in Bethlehem and then died on the cross in order to secure eternal life for us all.  In our stumbling way we hope to emulate His example of kindness and love and give honor to the Holy Spirit and God our Heavenly Father.

May the Lord’s choicest blessings abide with all of you this Christmas and always.  And may He continue to do so in 2014 and comfort you through any challenges that may come in the New Year.
 
We love you all very much and treasure the memories of last summer in Talkeetna.
Grandpa Garold and Grandma Norma