50 Years

This year my parents celebrated 50 years of marriage. They met in Mexico while serving missions for our church. Then dad returned to the States and mom stayed in Mexico. They courted each other through letters until being apart wasn't an option any longer and my mom hopped on a bus to be with her man, despite not speaking any English.

When I asked my mom what attracted her to dad, she said she loved how smart he was -- he seemed to know everything. And that he had the biggest arms covered with hair that she loved. She also gave high praise to his mustache, because as she always said, "Kissing a man without a mustache, is like eating an egg without salt." (Personally, I don't care for salt on my egg and prefer just a little stubble on my man)

I knew why dad loved mom. He was an innocent little farm boy who spent his teenage years milking cows. Then he met this hot Latin woman -- he didn't stand a chance.

While going through old pictures I found love letters he had written to her and I must say, they were a little risque. They were dated 1979 and dad had given her a coupon book of romantic favors he would do for her. He giggled when I showed it to him and I was impressed at how romantic he was.

They survived living in the small desert town of Barstow for over 40 years, raising six children, dad teaching at the local community college, mom staying home nurturing her babies.

If my mom were able to, she'd totally yell at me for posting these pictures. But I think they're adorable and I love seeing them together.
It was a very special anniversary, not only because they celebrated 50 years together, but because all six children were able to be there with them. I'll forever be grateful for my amazing parents who gave their children the best gift of all -- loving each other.