Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Nine Years of Pure JOY


On this day (June 23, 2001), George and I got married!! We usually take an Anniversary trip--but this year, we are enjoying our Air Conditioned home while I continue to improve from my recent Knee Surgery... Here's a little of our story!



On August 5, 1942, this little girl was born in the small town of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. Her name is Elizabeth Bruce Banks.




AND--on March 9, 1942, this good looking young man was born in Gary, Indiana. His name is George Emery Adams. I put this picture of George (who was the oldest of 4 children) with his parents, both of whom are still alive and living in Hendersonville, Tennessee. (Dad will be 98 in August and Mom is 90. Amazing couple!!!!)



Well---this couple didn't find each other until we were 59 years old. Both had led very different lives for many years before we met. Between us, we had 5 wonderful children and 7 grandchildren. BUT--God led us both to new employment opportunities in the fall of 2000 to Hendersonville, TN... We met in January of 2001, had our first date in March and were married on June 23 that year. Here are a few more pictures from our wedding, held in Knoxville, TN.



We wrote our own vows --which were very meaningful. We were married outside along the Tennessee River, on a gorgeous Saturday morning with only the family present.



The most important part---the KISS.... The person on the left is my oldest son and the giggling lady on the right is Rev. Nancy Wilhite, who married us.



Here's the family surrounding us ---as we all sang "Amazing Grace".



The reception was under the pavilion --and of course, both of us loved stuffing cake into our mouths!!!! If you want to see more pictures from our wedding, click HERE.

I cannot express in words just how much George means to me. If you have read my blog for awhile, I'm sure you KNOW. He is the most wonderful man I have ever met --and our love just continues to grow, as we also grow in years. I hope and pray that we have many, many more years together. Thank You, Honey, for marrying ME and for being the best friend I have ever had.

IF you have not met the 'love of your life' yet, don't EVER give up... It can happen!!! I never dreamed it would happen to me!!!! WOW!!!

Hugs,

79 comments:

Jane said...

Good morning Betsy,

I always look forward to your anniversary story every year. So glad that you and George have each other.

Jane

Kirigalpoththa said...

Joyful reflections indeed!

You were born as Elizabeth Bruce Banks. When did you get the name - Betsy? :)

Joe Todd said...

Congrats to you and George.. What a wonderful story. Linda and I have been married 15 years and she is my best friend. She and I know the importance of that. Thanks for your post

penny said...

A touching post to celebrate your nine years together as man and wife, congratulations. I never tire of hearing your beautiful story, Betsy.

June said...

Congratulations to both of you!

Darla said...

What a celebration of your love! A darling post Betsy. Congrats and many more years of wedded bliss for the two of you.

Susan Tidwell said...

What a great story, congratulations!

Jayne said...

Happy Anniversary Betsy!

Beth said...

Happy Anniversary, Betsy and George! I love the story of how you and George got together, Betsy---such wonderful evidence of the sweet grace of our Lord. You are both greatly blessed.

Just catching up after an extended computer hiatus. I have been thinking of you and praying for your healing, Betsy. I know it must be difficult at times for someone as active as you to be unable to do all the things you want to do. But I think that extended periods of rest can also be wonderful times of reflection and even revelation.

A late Happy Blogaversary to you, too, Betsy. Even when I don't comment every day, I hope you still consider me your "real" friend. Sometimes, I'm short on time and sometimes, I'm just plain tongue-tied. But I still think of you and enjoy reading of your life.

Beth

Tabor said...

Clearly you said Yes to the right person 9 years ago because you are soooo happy.

Harriet said...

Happy Anniversary! Have a good day and stay cool!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary. Such beautiful pictures of your special day. I hope you and George have a wonderful day and may God richly bless you both. Love, Mildred

Rita said...

Betsy,
If I would meet the love of my life at age 59 which I am I would consider it a miracle. So very much enjoy your blog and your anniversary story. Please keep telling us about the things you enjoy and enrich our days too. Best Wishes to you!

Arkansas Patti said...

Happy Anniversary to a delightful couple that prove true love can happen anytime if you are open for it.
Have many, many more.

nanny said...

Happy Anniversary to a wonderful couple....
Amen, never give up on finding happiness..
Our anniversary was Sunday, 13 years of happiness.....

Vicki ~ FL said...

Betsy, George,

HAPPY, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

Enjoy this wonderful day that God has given you.

Janice K said...

Betsy, I am so happy for you and George. God is so good!

Happy Anniversary, and thank you for sharing your "special day" with us.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Congratulations.Whenever I see pictures of the two of you,I can see the love in your eyes.I wish you MANY more Happy Anniversaries.
HUgs,Ruth

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Congratulations Betsy and George...the two of you continue to be inspirational to me in your love for each other and God!!!

Jen said...

"Love brought you together
As husband and wife
And gave each of you
A best friend for life
Happy Wedding Anniversary"

Karin said...

Wishing you a HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and many, many more exciting years together! What a blessing you are to me! Love your story and all the gorgeous photos! Lots of day lilies in that one shot! Have a fabulous day! ---- Hi ho, hi ho, it's back to work I go......

MadSnapper said...

happy anniversary to both of you and waht a happily ever after story. great phtotos and beautiful wedding.

Sunny said...

Happy Anniversary to you and George and may you be blessed with many more.
Love has no age limits!
☼ Sunny

Susie said...

Betsy I was fighting tears and smiling thru the whole post. Such a sweet, sweet story!

Hope you are continuing to do better.

jlshall said...

Happy Anniversary! Lovely post about a lovely event. And what a beautiful wedding dress!

Glad to hear that the knee is getting better. Hope that continues!

Happy Wednesday!
from Joy @ Joysweb

Loran said...

You are one of the sweetest couples ever! Happy Anniversary and best wishes for many more years together!!

Fred Alton said...

Great post here! Loved reading your story. About the cabin: it's on Fingerboard road, just ten miles from Webb's store at Reliance, TN. The local's call it "Towee Mountain". It's about half way between Reliance and the "town" of Coker Creek.

Pedaling said...

your words, those pictures...
I can feel the love!

you made a beautiful bride!

Here's to many more years of pure joy, ahead!

Happy Anniversary!

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Congratulations on your anniversary, you are indeed a special couple, and God certainly had a hand in putting you both on the same path in each other's lives.
A lovely, lovely wedding, everyone so happy ( and giggly) and you are such a joy, always positive, always smiling, and always declaring your love for George...
I don't know who's the luckiest, he or you ;)
Enjoy your cool day together !
Hugs,
Jo

Big Dude said...

What a great love story. There's nothing quit like finding your soulmate.

Becky said...

Happy Anniversary! and still on your honeymoon..How sweet!

RoeH said...

You are very blessed! Great post. Have the best day ever!

Cicero Sings said...

Happy anniversary and congrats Betsy. You surely are deserving of one another and such a lovely romantic story.

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS! Yes, I shouted this virtually from the roof-tops! Wow! Happy Anniversary to both you and George. Fantastic. Have a great day. I enjoyed seeing the pictures.

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary Betsy and George. I loved seeing all your wedding pictures and I am so happy for you both. Hope the knee is doing well and you are recuperating more each day. You make such a neat couple but I'm sure you know that!

Reanaclaire said...

how sweet and wonderful.. i m 50 this year.. i wonder i can meet a nice man like just you and george! :)

Busy Bee Suz said...

Happy Anniversary to you both!!!
I admire your love for each other...and I think you are both so lucky to find LOVE again in life. You are richly blessed.
Hugs to you both.
Suz

Betty said...

A very Happy Anniversary to you.
You two always look so happy.
I wish you many many more happy years.
Love Hugs and Good Thoughts ♥♥♥

I Am Woody said...

Happy Anniversary!! Being out of the loop for the past month, I missed that you had surgery. Hope you are recovering well!!

DayPhoto said...

Wonderful!!! Happy Anniversary to both of you!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Sey said...

Hi Betsy,

George and you looks gorgeous on those pictures. You are indeed a lovely couple and an example for everyone. Don't worry, I will never ever give up. Love is a miracle and your story is a living proof of it.

I am happy for you and George and may you continue to be blessings for each other.

Clap-clap-clap...Happy Anniversary!


Lovelots,
Sey

Ginny Hartzler said...

These wedding pictures are just delicious!!! You can see the love in George's face as you are saying your vows. The laughing minister lady picture may be my favorite, that just seems to epitimize the joy of your marriage. It looks like little Georgie is wearing a sailor suit! I think it was a requirement for all little boys formal pictures back then! You were both such cutie pies. You remind me of Phil and I, the four of us are just so blessed. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!

DeniseinVA said...

Awwww, Betsy, Happy Anniversary!!! I loved looking at those beautiful wedding photos, you both looked so very happy and still do. Congratulations, I am so glad you found each other, a beautiful story!

An English Girl Rambles

carolina nana said...

Congratulations,you two look so happy isn't it wonderful how God works Blessings to you for many more years of wedded bliss Marilyn

Becca's Dirt said...

Congratulations Betsy and George. You two make cute love birds. Love the way the family surrounded you and sang. Very special.

You give me hope Betsy that I'll find someone special too.

Ya'll have a great day together. Becca

Diane AZ said...

Beautiful pictures! So glad you and George met each other, what a wonderful life you two have together. Happy anniversary!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Happy Anniversary Betsy and George! I enjoyed looking at your photos so much! What a lovely cermony and recption you had ..your love just shines through on every picture.

This has been a week of routine doctor visits for me..I am amazed by how many of my parts have different doctors...lol! Sorry if I have been slow to visit, I'm so glad I didn't miss this wonderful post!

Many more x 100 years of love to both of you!

♥ Pat

NCmountainwoman said...

A big HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to both of you.

Its Time to Live said...

Congrats! We just spent our 27th anniversary in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National parks. Great places, great trip.

Roses and Lilacs said...

Betsy, it's wonderful to see such a happy couple. Not everyone learns how to be happy, even after 50+ years. You and George have obviously learned how to be happy and how to make each other happy.
Marnie

Betsy Brock said...

What a sweet story! Enjoy the celebration today! :)

LV said...

What a happy, blessed day for you. Best wishes on this special occasion and many, many more. I enjoyed seeing your wedding. Simple and sweet. I have no doubt you two were meant to be together and will make it through a lifetime. The world needs more couples like you.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Betsy: A wonderful look from way back to a neat wedding, it was a pleasure getting to know the both of you.

Kay said...

Congrats on your anniversary! May you have many more.

Anonymous said...

Wow, there are 55 comments ahead of me; that's a lot of scrolling down!

Happy anniversary to both you and George! I enjoyed looking at your wedding pictures. Bob and I will be celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary in September.

Snap said...

Oh, Betsy! Happy Anniversary to you and George and many, many more!

The Retired One said...

Happy Anniversary you two lovebirds!! I am so happy for you both.
I am more in love with my hubby than when we were married...we married so young and it was stressful raising the children and having careers....about 10 years ago, we found each other again emotionally and have never been happier, EVER...going on 38 years for us this August..right on your birthday is our anniversary!! Best wishes to you both!

Connie said...

Wishing you two lovebirds a very happy anniversary, Betsy! I hope you celebrate many, many more!

Neal said...

Congratulations on your anniversary. May you have many, many more!!

Rosa said...

Awww, happy anniversary! What wonderful photos and what a lovely couple you two make. May you have many more happy years of love, health, travel and waterfalls. <3

GeneaDiva said...

Congratulations on your anniversary! Love to read your story over and over. It is like a magic fairy tale.

Leedra said...

Happy Anniversary. Hope you get to enjoy many more together.

Catherine said...

Betsy,

What a touching wonderful post. How wonderful that you and George found each other in the prime of your lives and are enjoying each other so much ~ traveling ~ exploring ~ growing together. You are both truly inspirational.

I hope you have the happiest day and all the best to you and George both in celebrating many many more years to come.

xo Catherine

Dar said...

How ever did I miss this~~~Happy Anniversary Betsy and George. Look at you glow, girl.
It's wonderful to find your soul mate, isn't it.
BlessYourHearts

Diane said...

Happy Anniversary Betsy and George. Many, many more. I'm glad you're so very happy together.

Carletta said...

Oh Betsy this brought tears to my eyes as I finished that last paragraph.
I'm here at the end of the day almost but I hope you and George have had a lovely day celebrating.
Happy Anniversary to you both!

Glenda said...

What a beautiful, straight-from-the-heart post and tribute to a beautiful marriage that leaves no doubt of your love and commitment to each other! I enjoyed seeing more of your wedding pics. I wish the two of you many more years together!

Lola said...

Congratulations on your Anniversary. May you have many yrs to make each other happier.

Unknown said...

G'eve Betsy ~ Hope you heal quickly ...

What beautiful pictures of your blessed day ... such love comes thru. May your days be full, warm & loving.

Have a beautiful summers eve ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Julie said...

My goodness! Happy Anniversary!!! You guys are the coolest couple on earth!!!
xoxo- Julie

Peggy said...

look up soul mates in the dictionary and you will find a picture of you two. Happy Anniversary

Pat Tillett said...

Happy anniversary my friend!
that was a great story to go along with the fantastic photos...

Small City Scenes said...

Oh MY!!! What a lovely post.

Happy Anniversary Betsy and George. May Happiness follow you forever.

Love your pictures. MB

SquirrelQueen said...

Happy Anniversary Betsy & George!

I enjoyed all of the photos, you were both adorable children. Your wedding looks so beautiful, and happy.

There is nothing like meeting the person we were intended to spent the rest of our lives with, a best friend and soul mate.

Mary said...

Happy Anniversary and blessings for many more years together! You and George always seem to happy, so I know that God meant you to be together. Enjoy the air-conditioning...it is awful hot here, too. Keep resting the knee and you and George will have many more trips together! Hugs!

Adrienne Zwart said...

Loved this post, Betsy! Happy anniversary!

Dorothy said...

I'll add one more comment, as though you really NEED another one! I love this post and pictures of your wedding! Like you, Jeep and I found true love after the death of our spouses. Some people don't think this can happen, but we know it did happen! Happy Anniversary to you and George!

Rose said...

Betsy, I am so sorry to be late wishing you Happy Anniversary...but Happy Anniversary anyway. Even a day late.

Janie said...

You and George make a remarkable couple, so happy and active and content with your lives. I loved hearing your story again this year.