15 Years

Today is our 15th anniversary. Rusty and I met when we were 15 years old. I don't remember it but he does. Then a year later he moved into my ward and the bishop asked me to show him to our Sunday School class. My friend Karen Olson liked him, so I had to just be "friends" with him at first. I was the Laurel President and his sister who, let's just say wasn't particularly active in the Church at the time, was in my class. I really magnified my calling and "fellowshipped" her (okay, I'll admit, it was to see Rusty). Anyway, Karen moved on to a different guy and on New Year's Eve 1986 we danced our first dance. It was love.

We dated on and off for the next two years and we went to each other's proms. When he was a freshman in college and I was a senior in high school, we dated other people. He graduated when he was 17 and had an entire year before his mission. As both sets of our parents will attest, we had a rough patch at this time. We argued and "broke up" more times than I can count. But right before his mission we were dating again and I diligently "waited" for him. By diligently I mean I wrote him at first a ton, but then began dating a ton, and the letters got fewer and fewer. This was okay with Rusty because he totally got into his mission and thought my tapes were annoying (as, he reports, he threw one out a 30 story window).

Rusty's Senior Prom May 9, 1987. Which hair do took more time?

He got back from his mission on October 26, 1990, exactly two years to the day that he left. I was there with his family waiting in my new outfit and ready for a ring (I had just broken up with a guy "for" Rusty and thought I was going to be engaged in a matter of weeks). This was not the case. For the next two years, yes I said TWO years, Rusty strung me along. Whenever I decided I was done with his "playing around" and started dating someone else, he would reel me back in. Finally, in December 1992, I was going to go to Washington state over Christmas to meet a guy's family that I had been dating for about 4 months and Rusty asked me not to go. I didn't and on January 8, 1993 we got engaged (Elvis' birthday--Rusty fondly recalls). It really stunk telling that guy when he got back from Christmas break that I was engaged to someone else.

How we got engaged: We were in sweats eating pizza and talking about marriage on Rusty's bedroom floor (don't tell BYU housing--my diploma might get revoked), and Rusty said, "Let's be engaged." So romantic!!! However, I was thrilled! I wanted it in writing, but. . . Then about a week later Rusty took me to a Chinese restaurant and when the fortune cookie came my ring was inside with a fortune saying "Will you Marry a Marvelous Man." My patriarchal blessing says that I will "marry a marvelous man." How cute/clever is that?

We got married in the Provo Temple on April 29, 1993 and I was the only bride of the day. The man who married us also gave both Rusty and me our patriarchal blessings and was also my neighbor. We had our luncheon upstairs at the good ole' BYU Wilkinson Center and our reception in Rusty's mom's NEW cultural hall (can you get any more Mormon than that?). It was nice, and our entire family was there, as well as all our good friends. That's really all you need.

Our engagement invitation and picture.

Don't you LOVE the matching tie and dress?

Our Wedding party

The traditional gift for the 15th is Crystal and the modern is a watch. Well, Rusty has the watch he has always wanted. No it's not a Rolex--it's a BYU Cougar watch. He LOVES it. And I know that if I gave him anything crystal he would look at me and say, "What am I suppose to do with this?" Therefore, I will decided to surprise him and take him to lunch. Our big celebration is in June. We are going to Vancouver for a 5 days. He gave me a bouquet of flowers with the card reading, "I'm good for another 15. Happy Anniversary!"

Rusty knows these are my favorite kind of flowers.

Rusty's the true romantic?!?! I love this actually. It's totally him.

April 23, 1993

15 years ago today I received my endowment at the Provo Temple. It was such an amazing evening. I was super nervous and it wasn't at all what I had expected. It was so peaceful inside and also very reassuring to know that all these loved ones that came with me had experienced the same feelings that I was feeling: Rusty, my parents, brother, his wife, other family members, my maid of honor (Lois), and Rusty's family.


I'm grateful for my testimony of the temple and am especially grateful that my mom encouraged me to go back just three days later with her so I could spend more time asking questions and really trying to understand those principles (of course, I still am trying to understand). It was such a surreal time. . . just days before I married Rusty I was so excited.

Talking Politics

Today Rusty and I had our first "political" conversation with Meg and Ben. We were driving from Salt Lake to Provo (we're here on Spring Break) and Meg wanted to know all about the first woman who is running for President, the first black man who is running for President, and what is means to be a Republican and Democrat.

It really hit us that we could (for lack of better word) "influence" our kids. I know that a lot of people outside the Church have accused Mormons of doing just that with their kids, but we as parents (and the leaders of the Church) encourage our kids to "find out" through study and prayer for themselves what they believe as far as the Church is concerned. But this whole political thing was a little different.

Meg kept asking, "Who are we voting for?" "Are we Republican or Democrat?" "Do we like the woman who is running for President?" I realized that we could totally tell her what to think. It was weird. I haven't been able to do this with clothes, music, movies, etc. but I seriously saw how at this point and time in her life I could do it with politics. We decided to take the highroad and tell her the facts (the best that we knew). We presented her with a lot of information on her level and she kind of made a few conclusions on her own.

Ben was very interested in the conversation as well, but kept wanting to compare the candidates to the founding fathers (he has read a few biographies on Ben Franklin and George Washington; we also just went to Philadelphia last fall). I want to ingrain in my kids a trait I am grateful that I learned, the ability to study the facts and think for yourself.

Utah Day 6

Today we had to squeeze in hiking the "Y" Mountain. This was also a family favorite last year, and another thing we did without Molly (she loved the attention she got from Grandma and Aunt Julie at home). It was the ONLY "warm" day during our spring break and so we saved the best for last.

The bottom of the "Y" trail; the start of our hike.

Meg and Ben leading the way.

The bottom of the "Y" looking out at the valley.

Sam tracking a cougar.

We left around 9 a.m. and began our hike (it was about 50 degrees). Luckily the sun was shining and we even ended up taking off our sweatshirts during the hike. After getting to the top of the "Y" we like to go even higher up the mountain to where there are some HUGE rocks. We stopped there, had a snack and then headed back down. Three falls, one six year old being carried piggy-back, and 2 hours later we were back at Grandma's.

Hiking a little past the "Y" on the backside of the mountain.

Sam needed a little help getting down the mountain.

Then we went to my niece, Cassie's baptism. We figured out this year we have three cousins (on both sides) that will be baptised. I love attending family events with my kids. It helps them to see that all their cousins have the same goals as they do.

My brother Mark and niece Cassie.

All the Thompson grand kids (minus two nieces). Look at all those red-heads.

Meg and Abbie had almost too much fun together. They were sad to say goodbye.

Utah Day 5

Rusty went skiing today at Deer Valley with his friend Brooke, so the kids and I were on our own for the first half of the day. I asked what they wanted to do, and they wanted to just hang out at Grandma's (I think we've scheduled them a little too much).

I ended up taking all the kids to see Ashlee and Alicia Rose (twin sisters who grew up in Louisville and are my good friend Judy's daughters). They are about to graduate from a hair salon school and we thought it would be fun to get Meg's hair cut (Meg WORSHIPS those girls). They cut her hair and then styled it with a ton of ringlet curls. She loved her hair, but loved being with the girls even more. While Ashlee was working on Meg's hair, Alicia painted Molly's fingers and toes. The boys were getting bored so I ran them back home to Grandma's house, but not before Alicia had given them homemade cookies that she made the night before for us. Those girls are too darling and sweet.

Ashlee cutting Meg's hair.

Alica painting Molly's nails and later toes.

Meg is in HEAVEN!!! Both Ashlee and Alicia giving her attention. Her hair looked so cute when they got finished with it.

Sam and Ben with Alicia

The finished product. We loved spending the morning with the twins.

When Rusty got home we headed to a must-eat in Provo, "The Brick Oven" for a late lunch. When we were planning our trip to Utah I asked each of the kids what they really wanted to do when we got to Utah. Ben said he wanted to go to the BYU Bookstore and buy a football jersey and then go bowling. So we headed to BYU. After an hour of shopping and bowled. I started out with the game of my life. First a spare then two strikes. It went down hill a little after that, but it was still enough to SPANK Rusty. It was awesome, but did bruise his ego a little.

Molly "helping" Ben pick out a ball.

Meg and Ben waiting for their turn.

Ben took this picture of us.

Molly completely ignoring us bowling, and decided she wanted to play in the arcade.

Sam was wicked while bowling. I'm truly surprised there isn't a hole in the floor.

That evening we took our kids to play video games and watch movies with their cousins while all my brothers and sisters and parents went to dinner.

Spring Break--Utah Day 4

After coming home from Park City we decided to just hang out in the afternoon around Provo. We went and ate at Hogi Yogi (my kids could not grasp what a "Hogi" or a "Yogi" were, even after we showed them). And then we went and saw "Horton Hears A Who." Because it's not spring break here there were only two other families in the entire theater. Molly could roam all she wanted and Rusty could comfortablly take a 90 minute nap. . .which he did.

That evening I hooked up with some of my high school friends, so Rusty took all the kids to the Lehi rec. center to swim and play with their cousins.

Cassie, Abbie, Molly and Meg

Ben and Sam trying to take down their cousin Marshall

It was like a time warp to be with my high school friends, some of whom I haven't seen since high school. My 20-year reunion is this summer, but I can't go because Rusty has a law conference in Vancouver (which I get to go be alone with him) so this was a mini-reunion for me. Also, since many of them live in the county, they were able to fill me in on a lot of the other people I went to highschool with. Only a few of us stayed (the girls I was the closest to from high school) for almost 5 hours. Meg wanted to meet the friend, Lois Mae Decker Brown, who was maid of honor at my wedding, so Rusty brought the kids by to say "hi." Since he went to school with us, it was fun for him to see them and them to see him.

Spring Break--Utah Day 3

We decided to go to Park City with Meg, Ben and Sam. They have never been and we wanted to see the Olympic Park. Molly stayed with Grandma and Aunt Julie to play and watch "Enchanted" (her favorite movie. . .this month).

We left around 10 a.m. and were so excited to drive through the canyon to see the mountains. Well, about 10 minutes into the drive there was a major snow storm. We were still able to drive but, due to the clouds, couldn't see much. So the entire morning Rusty and I were "talking up" these amazing shakes at "Granny's" in Heber Utah. We told the kids we would stop to get one. When we pulled up the sign outside said, "Closed until May." BUMMER!!! So we just drove onto Park City.

When we got there we ate at a restaurant on Main Street and then walked up and down the street and did some window shopping/shopping. It's such a "quaint" little place and was so fun. Also, it snowed the entire time we were there.

Main Street in Park City

The next stop on our Park City tour was the Olympic Park. This museum and tour were AWESOME and I highly recommend it. The tour guide knew EVERYTHING about the 2002 Olympics and the museum had many "artifacts" from the events, as well as tons of footage on different t.v.'s, and my favorite -- actual medals. Again, the snow almost ruined it for us, but there was about a 20-minute lull as we were on top of the ski jump and luge starting lines and were able to see down them.

Riding an actual 2002 Olympic bob sled. They may not be the Jamaican Bob Sled Team, but they're not too shabby.

I fear that this "pose" isn't far from the truth in a few years when Sam is going down the slops.

Meg holding the Olympic Torch.

Ben in front of the Ski Runs for the Ski Jump

Then on to the outlet mall. After a little shopping the boys got bored and drove around a little while Meg and I camped out at Limited TOO and the Gap. And finally the thing my kids were most excited for. . .the hotel. We just stayed at the Best Western, but it had an indoor pool, hot tub, "candy shop," and arcade games. The first (and last) thing my kids always do when we go to a hotel is jump on the beds. This is the best thing for them because they can't do this at home so it's like they get to be a little rebellious. We swam, ate and watched American Idol. It was a great day!!!

I NEVER let them eat in bed--but at a hotel. . . if you don't mind crumbs in your bed, who am I to stop you?!

Great action shot. And if you can believe it, only one injury.

Spring Break--Utah Day 2

Today Rusty took Meg, Ben and Sam skiing at Brighton. That resort has a great package deal that includes a three hour ski school. Ben really, really, REALLY wanted to try snowboarding this year, and we told him for the last two months that he could. Then Meg found out that he would be put in a different class than her. She BEGGED him to ski, so he would be in her same class (she's super out-going, but not super adventurous). Ben did end up going with Meg to ski instead of snowboard, and because he was so willing we promised him that Rusty would take him to Perfect North next November to snowboard.

Sam, of course, didn't hesitate and went to "Little Rippers ski school" with a couple of other kids. He told me his ski instructor kept calling him "Dude." Sam thought this was great. The instructor also told Rusty that Sam was the only one in the class that wanted to go back up to the top of the "big" lift.

The 2014 U.S. Olympic Ski Team?

Riding the ski lift like pros.

Rusty forgot to put sun screen on their faces, so the bottom half of Sam's was sunburned and peeled for the next four days.

Meg showing off her skills.

Ben and Sam attempted some of the jumps.

Molly and I went shopping with my mom. It's so fun for me to go to stores like Down East Outfitters, Shade, and the like to find clothes that you know will "work." We also hit Deseret Book, Seagull and a few scrap-book stores. I spent way to much money, but at least I saved on shipping:) Rusty loves when I tell him how much money I "saved" him.

That night we went to see Rusty's aunts and cousins. Many of his almost 50 first cousins on his dad's side, live in the area and we had cookies and ice-cream while we visited for a couple of hours. Aunt Cindy is so nice every time we come into town to get everyone together to see us.

Spring Break--Utah Day 1

After beginning at 4 a.m. (Rusty got up at 3 a.m. to get a workout in--I know he's nuts!!!), we got to the airport a little after 5 a.m. (thanks Zane for taking us). Our flight left at 6:20am to St. Louis were we had a 2 hour layover (just enough time to eat breakfast and play a mean game of Skip-bo) and then we landed in Utah on time at 10:20 a.m. No lost bags, no delays, no one crying. It was a HUGE success for air travel with four kids.

On the layover before Molly would let me get her dressed. She just loved watching the planes

Enjoying a glass of orange juice and bagel in the St. Louis airport. Getting ready for take off. Don't you just love snacks, video i-pods and earphones?

We next picked up Rusty's mom (she was there for General Conference) and met my parents at the restaurant on top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. After a yummy lunch we went and saw "Joseph, Prophet of The Restoration." This was our third time seeing it, but we felt the spirit just as strong today as ever. I love to see Salt Lake/Utah with my kids because (obviously) they didn't grow up here and they think it's so cool that we are walking around the "block" that we just saw on t.v. the day before while watching conference. They kept asking, "are all these people Mormon?"

Molly trying on Gramma's glasses.
Ben and Sam in front of the Joseph and Hyrum statue.
Our little family with the SLC Temple in the background. It was little too windy and the sun was in our eyes, but it was a great day to walk around Temple Square.