What could be more important than writing for this blog?
Well, actually, quite a few things in life are more important than writing blog articles but to be specific, I have been preoccupied.  Traveling to a conference in Rock Nest Ranch Bible Camp, B.C. and then visiting missionaries and connecting with the Selke family in Edmonton and area.  And of course, once back home, Walter and I immediately threw our energies into preparations for our big anniversary celebration.
How did we prepare?
Walter spent several hours a day in the garage working on his 1928 Dodge Bros. sedan, hoping to have it running for June 1.
I bought groceries, planted annuals in pots and flower beds and cleaned the house.
Sometimes all our best laid plans don't come to fruition.
Sometimes the outcome has hidden blessings.
Our friend, Larry, is a heavy-duty mechanic.  He caught wind of Walter's project car and offered his services.  At first I thought it was just the obsession of these two guys to get this car done; then I realized Walter had really hoped to have it finished for Sunday so he could drive me to church for the renewing of our vows for our 25th anniversary.  I was so blessed and humbled to know of my sweetheart's desire to do something so special for me!  And that Larry would sacrifice his off-hours helping with the carburetor and other odds and ends that Walter needed.
Meanwhile, I was busy trying to get the yard spruced up.  We had been away when people are usually doing yard work and so I was behind! I got the last of the bedding plants in before the rain and was pleased with the results.  Then I moved indoors and planned the menu and the set-up for the BBQ.
Another blessing came in the form of our good friends, Don and Elaine, offering to come early and begin cooking the burgers and organizing the kitchen.  I was so happy to have that pressure taken off so we could enjoy our guests.
Saturday morning dawns and Walter and Larry race against the clock to have the Dodge starting and running without leaks.  Excitedly, Walter drives down the driveway and I run out to take pictures of this maiden voyage.  He motions and I jump in the car.  We sputter and start along Cormorant Drive, stall at the intersection but get going again on Jenkins Drive.  Kids run out and wave to us, men look in awe and ladies turn to look and then turn back to their tasks.  We made it back home but determine she's not running well enough to make it to church and back.
Sunday morning dawns grey and rainy.  All the work on the backyard seems in vain as we go to plan B-host the BBQ inside.  And I hadn't really done much housework.  Oh, well!  Soon enough, there will be so many people that they won't notice some dust and dirt.
The beauty of the day was those special moments in front of the church, with our children standing with us, as we spoke the vows to one another.  How blessed we are to have Pastor Bob lead us and pray with our leadership team over us!
Then after church, we rush home to our BBQ fired up, the kitchen well in hand and sixty-five people eventually filling up every available chair!  Relatives, friends and church family came to support us and celebrate with us.  We had plenty of food, delightful laughter and some special gifts.
The hidden blessings are really not so hidden as we realize we are rich with family and friends willing to cram into our home, some driving an hour or two in order to share in our special day.
The car wasn't quite ready; the weather did not cooperate.  But our celebration went on...
And so will we ~ for at least another 25 years!