61 + 4

Today is my Grandparent's 61st wedding anniversary.

Their story is one of my favorites so sit back with your favorite mug of coffee and be blessed by this story of classic love and a bit of humor.

When Russell Ribb met Marilyn Shock they were at a newly assembled Student Counsel for Mt. SAC University in 1945. The four local high schools picked a few students from each school to make up this first student counsel. La Puente High School picked Mr. La Puente himself, and Bonita High School picked Ms Bonita High. Is that just the makings of the cutest movie you've ever seen!? I couldn't agree more.

After striking up a conversation that led to a wonderful friendship, they were officially dating after only a few short months. A few cute stories of note: Grandpa was at a school dance with another girl and he didn't know that one of Grandma's closest friends was at that same dance. And boy word traveled fast!! The next day, Grandma went to....discuss....this issue with him and threw his basketball pin and said something to the effect "we're over!" I can just see her with all her fiery emotions, with all those feelings of rejection and humiliation throwing that pin back at him. The pin that meant she was his and he was hers. The pin that she would wear to school to let all the other boys know they were too late. The pin she would proudly don at Grandpa's basketball games or track meets, cheering him on like all good girlfriends do. How could he? Why did he? Didn't he know that girls talk!? Even big towns get small when there is news like that! So sweet Marilyn did what any girl would do--show up to an event with another guy! And not just show up to any event, but to a gathering where you know Russell would be--a student counsel meeting. Grandpa took one look at that fella and decided to take the bait and went over to her and said "you may have come with him but you're leaving with me." Grandma's response? "Ok." They left the meeting and went to a malt shop and shared a meal but Grandma tells us that she couldn't eat a thing, they were too busy starring into each others eyes. Couldn't you just DIE from all the cuteness?! I mean, come on!!

They were married June 10th in 1950. Grandpa graduated college that same morning and rushed over to the church to marry his beautiful bride in a simple and sweet ceremony. Her dress was a gorgeous satin with a hoop skirt, gloves and gorgeous lace veil. Grandma's bouquet was made by her mother, my Great Grandma Irene. The happy couple honeymooned in Tahoe.

Russ and Marilyn have three children: Ken, Dan and Janet. And, to date have 9 grandchildren and 17, count them 17 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way!!

Great Grandkids (not pictured: Julia, Nicholas, Rylan, JJ)

Grandkids (not pictured: Brandi, Aaron, Ryan, Kristen and Wil)

Grandma and Grandpa's marriage is so very important to me. Not just for the obvious reasons of how none of us would be here if it weren't for them, but because it's a marriage Josh and I observe and strive to be like. The way they speak about one another, honor and respect one another and love one another is so evident. And so sweet. They get up early and stay up late. They play card games well into the night. They love to laugh and make others laugh. They are up to date on TV shows. They love music. They embrace technology and even in their 80's have email accounts and cell phones. They travel. They stay connected. They choose each other every day. Grandma cooks all their meals and Grandpa eats all her meals. Every single night after Grandpa is done eating he will take his plate to the sink, kiss grandma and thank her for the meal, complete with a love pat.

But the most envious aspect of their marriage is how Christ is the center. They know where their home is. Grandma and Grandpa worship the Lord. They lean on Him. They sing praises to Him. They study His word. They pray to Him. The Lord blesses them. Those that know them are equally blessed. They are giving and gracious and forgivers.

Happy Anniversary Grandpa and Grandma!! Enjoy celebrating 61 years of marriage + 4 faithful dating years. We ALL love you so very VERY much!!