Swept Away...

Last night, I was swept up into the arms of both my Harmony and Mr. Kerry!

Oh, it was so good to see them both come pulling into the driveway! I had stewed and stewed all week, worrying about their safety. Between the weather channel, weather.com and our cell phones, I got Mr. Kerry across America. I am so thankful for modern conveniences that help to keep us safe and in touch. He encountered some pretty ferocious winds in Nebraska (Betty and I were complaining about that all the way across the state last April) and some very heavy snow in Idaho and Oregon. At one point, he stopped in a rest area. But, he knew if he stayed very long in one place, the snow would bury the car. He saw three snow plows go by, and at 4:00 am (Ohio time), he called to tell me he felt he should continue driving.

After leaving Monday morning, he arrived in Oregon Wednesday afternoon. He helped Harmony take care of some last-minute things, ate a good dinner she fixed, and got a good night's sleep. Thursday morning, he was on the road again, this time with Miss Harmony and her belongings. He encountered snows and winds again, but nothing quite like he'd experienced on the way out. I was SO relieved when I saw those lights in the driveway.

And, my Harmony seems good. I warned her ahead of time that good old mom and dad are somewhat boring - we don't go out much, we're not on the run as much and we eat differently than when we had a large family at home, and simple things satisfy us.

My week was spent alone with Mr. Eddie. He and I fought for the covers and the heating pad every night. He rooted me right to the edge of the bed, even nudging the heating pad over where he could have it all to himself. But, it was comforting have him as my little protector. One of my sisters asked me if I liked being alone. I reminded her that I had grown up alone, so it didn't really bother me.

Kerry and I celebrated our 33rd anniversary this past Wednesday - APART! The only other time that ever happened was the year Harmony was born, for I was still in the hospital after having her. But, at least we were in the same town. This time, I'm thankful we were in the same country.

But, it caused me to reflect on the good years of our marriage. That will be in my memory section later...

We thoroughly enjoyed the First Presidency Devotional tonight, and enjoyed seeing nephew David as he sang in the choir. It's such a wonderful and tender way to go into the Christmas season. It seems like there are many more people focusing on Christmas in a different way this year - instead of so much materialism, they are focusing on home and family and love.

This month, we wish a happy birthday to:
Bryce - son of Kerry's brother, Steve - Dec 2
MerryNoelle - dau of Kerry's sister, Content - Dec 4
Danny - stepson of Kerry's sister, Content - Dec 6
Chris - Kerry's brother - Dec 8
Sydnee - granddaughter of sister, Jean - Dec 8
Holly - d-i-l of Kerry's sister, Content - Dec 14
Kieryn - grandson of Kerry's sister, Joy - Dec 18
Christina - dau of Kerry's brother, Chris - Dec 20
Cory - grandson of sister, Jean - Dec 20
Brendan - son of Kerry's brother, Chris - Dec 26
Anna - granddaughter of Kerry's sister, Content - Dec 27
Noah - grandson of Kerry's sister, Joy - Dec 28
Paul - son of Kerry's brother, Chris - Dec 29
And a happy anniversary to:
Kerry & Peggy - US!!!! - Dec 1 - 33 years!!!!!
Becca & Brent - daughter and s-i-l of Kerry's brother, David - Dec 5
Steve & Keri - son and d-i-l of sister, Jean - Dec 7

And now, it's time for another Peggy memory...

I never expected to ever get married.

As a young girl, I was always heavy. Heavy girls are usually poked fun at, laughed at, have horrible sounds made when they pass by. It can do a lot of damage to one's self-image and self-esteem. Hence, I not only had low self-esteem as a youth, I had no self-esteem.

The Washington Temple was nearing its completion, and my parents and I were excited for the open house that would take place in the summer of 1974. I had never been near a temple before, and I fell in love with it immediately. It was so peaceful and serene there - I didn't want to leave. I went through on the tour at least twelve times.

Later that day, we drove on into Virginia. We stayed at a beautiful campground. My parents and I were discussing where we should go the next day. I immediately piped up and said I wanted to go back and tour the temple again. We did, and I went on 13 more tours.

I couldn't get enough.

My parents moved to work in the Washington Temple in Oct 1976. I was in awe as I watched them prepare to sell their home and make a new one in the Washington area. I wanted to be like them so much.

In March of 1977, I was invited to also work in the Washington Temple. I couldn't believe it, for I thought you had to be really special to work there. I made a special trip for an interview and was told that I was hired.

Little did I know that my path had already crossed with Mr. Kerry's path several times. He was on security during the open house. He was there to check cars at the gatehouse when my friend, Janet and I drove there for my interview.

I moved there April 14. I went through the temple April 15. I met Kerry April 16.

Kerry and I met while I was greeting another friend of mine in the temple cafeteria. I didn't think too much about him. But, apparently he saw something in me that peaked his interest. He called around and found out who I was, where I lived, and made contact with me. I didn't even remember him. He asked me out on a date, and since he worked at the temple, I said yes - even if I didn't remember him, I figure he's probably be safe.

Our first date was April 30. We went to a movie (Freaky Friday), had dinner, and went to a Baltimore Oriole's baseball game. I had a nice time, but I really wasn't that impressed with him. He greased his hair down and reminded me of Bowser from Sha-na-na.

He continued to ask me out. I agreed, but kept saying to myself that I probably wouldn't go out with him any more. But, I kept saying yes. I didn't want to hurt his feelings.

Toward the end of June, we were watching "Rich Man, Poor Man" at my parents' apartment. They had gone to bed. Kerry kept hanging on and on and not leaving. I was tired. I was bored. I was waiting for him to leave. I would lean on my hand and leave one eye open while the other slept for awhile. Then I would switch hands and switch eyes so the other eye slept for awhile.

Finally, I got up to use the bathroom, thinking he would get the message and leave. When I came back into the living room, he was kneeling on the floor praying. I didn't know what to think. When he finished, I sat down and waited some more. He remained on the floor.

In the next few minutes, he quietly asked me if I would be his wife for eternity. Good grief! I had to hold my face together to keep from laughing. I told him I would let him know before long.

A week went by. Sisters Fern and Jean and nephews Dave and Steve had come for a visit, and they all seemed to like him. Fern got his head down in the kitchen sink and washed his hair. I'm not sure if she used something like a Brillo pad or not, for his hair seemed to have a lot of grease on it. She blew it dry and he looked great!

One day, my dad asked me if I had given that young man an answer yet. I said no. He wondered why not! It wasn't fair to keep him hanging on. Was I waiting on God to straight out tell me?

I pretty much said that I was. He wagged his head and said I should know how to get an answer to a prayer. I needed to make my decision, then take it to the Lord for confirmation. I knew that - I just needed to be reminded.

I listed the pros and cons of Mr. Kerry. There were far more pros than there were cons. He was a good young man, he was worthy in every way to enter the temple every day, he held the priesthood, he was active in our religions, he cleaned up real good, etc.

But, I didn't love him.

My dad - my own father - reminded me to consider just how many people would be willing to live with me. Both my parents really liked him.

I made the decision to tell him yes. I wrote my answer on a card and quoted a verse from the book of Ruth - "Entreat me not to leave thee or refrain from following after thee. For whither though goest I will go. And whither thou lodgest I will lodge. Thy people will be my people and thy god my god."

Little did I know that at the same time I was in the temple praying earnestly about this, he was outside near some trees praying, as well.

He flipped out. We told my parents. He called his parents. We told temple workers. Every one was thrilled!!

Except me. I didn't love him.

He gave me my ring on my birthday. We flew to Utah in August so I could meet his parents and family. Things were in motion as we set our date for December 1.

But, I didn't love him.

The date was getting closer. One day in October, we were walking to my parents' apartment from the temple through a beautiful neighborhood. Soon, we heard a car turn onto the street we were walking on with some boys loudly shouting. We both bristled as we heard what could have been a gunshot or the car backfiring. In the Washington suburbs, it could be either one.

The car approached us with the boys yelling and the loud sound that scared us. As that "shot" came very close to us, Kerry immediately pushed me to the ground and covered my body with his. The car drove on past. When they were quite a distance away, Kerry helped me to my feet and made sure I was okay.

I looked at him a little bit differently beginning at that very moment. He was ready to protect my body with his at the risk of being injured! It was truly a turning point for me, for I had always wondered what would happen if I married him and somebody better came along.

I have grown to accept the fact that it would never happen. Nobody could ever come along. As I look back on the 33 years we've been married, I now realize how much the hand of the Lord took part in all of this. Kerry was born in California, at 16 he moved to Utah, served his mission in the Delaware/Maryland mission, returned there after his mission to work in the temple. I'm from Ohio - and yet we meet in the Washington area.

This was not by happenstance.

He is truly the best person I have ever known in my life. He makes me laugh. He adores me and has never said one bad thing about my cooking. He still opens doors for me and pouts if I jump out before letting him.

He's the man of my dream!

Happy Anniversary, dear Kerry! I love you so...

The couch Kerry was kneeling and praying at shortly before proposing to me.
One of his missionary cards.
When we flew to Utah to meet his parents and family, they took us on a mini-trip to Bryce canyon with his baby sister, Harmony. As we were hiking in the canyon, I saw a beautiful scene, and prepared to take a shot. Right then, he jumped off a rock and "ruined" my picture. This has now become my favorite picture of all time.
His mom took some semi-formal pictures on their circular staircase.
Yeah - and we're still in love...
Our anniversary has always meant a lot to us - and to our children! They would always be celebrating right along with us. And, they have never failed to get in contact with us on our special day.

Snowbound!

Brrr! We are burrowed up in our warm, cozy home while the winds blow and howl and the snow piles up. This is truly winter in Ohio. And, it reminds me of the winters I grew up with.

I sometimes felt like Laura Ingalls Wilder, for there were times when the snow was nearly up to the top of our long, skinny windows. My dad had to burrow a tunnel out our front door one time so he could get out to his truck and put chains on his tires. He was not one to be late for work. He just made sure he got up earlier if the weather was bad.

This was Miss Harmony's first full week at home, and I have been so grateful to have her here. She has been very helpful and easy to get along with as she finds her niche with us again. This afternoon found her out shoveling the walks and the driveway. She was a machine!

We have also enjoyed some shopping, some really good meals, and the Christmas party at the church Friday night. And, while Kerry and I were at the temple on Friday, she took care of some things around the house for us.

Yep, it's good having her here.

We spent a long and cozy afternoon at home today, for church was let out early today due to the snowstorm. Our evening was spent wrapping presents.

I am thank Kerry's sister Joy let me know about her grandson Garin's birthday on Dec 31, I didn't have him on my list!!! Thank you so much for that, for I really want to know if I'm leaving anyone out. I may be a genealogist, but the living are important to me, too!

And now, for this week's memory missive:

Jordan, our third child, was an absolute doll. He was cuddly, bright, charming, and could worm his way into just about anyone's heart. To see him was to love him.

One of the things I remember took place around our dinner table. It was a place of a lot of festivity and talking. We would ask about each other's day, about the best part of their day, Kerry would ask questions about US History, the Gospel, give them math problems, etc.

But, each meal began with a prayer - asking the Lord's blessing on the food and showing our gratitude for it.

One day, it was Jordan's turn to say the blessing on the food. Like many little children are prone to do, he folded his arms on the table, plopped his head down on them, and proceeded to pray. The problem was that his mouth and voice were pointed toward the floor.

No one could hear or understand anything.

At the end of it, he raised his head up and looked around. I had one eye open, so I knew the prayer was over. Everyone said "Amen" except me.

I told him, "Jordan, I'm not going to say amen because I didn't hear a word you said."

He looked at me and said, "I wasn't talking to you!"

Jordan. You gotta love him...
A happy little feller...
At just about the age the "prayer" happened.

He and Erik have always been close - just 10 months apart in age.
On a trip to Utah.
Loving his Aunt Harmony.
He can still give you this look when he's sizing you up.
I caught him reading all the time.
Sizing up his new baby brother, just 10 months younger than him.

And today, he is a really good husband to Melissa and a fun father to the three little grandboys.

You gotta love Jordan!