Roger and I (Karen) met in college and instantly became close friends. We studied together, hung out around campus and slept in his family's barn on weekends home. We never kissed, as that would be like kissing a sibling, so we kept our relationship at the friend-only level. It has been a great journey!

We met tragedy in our marriages to respective others. We always stayed close during those hard times, and after both marriages left us alone, we started "hanging out" once again. Roger came to help paint and renovate the church I had obtained (a miracle story) but we did not stay at the friend-only level for long after that! We finally kissed! That was it. Roger had three children at that time and I had five. Our kids petitioned family and friends that we get married (it wasn't too hard to convince us) and that was it! Marriage bells rang at The Gardens!

"Happily Ever After" is exactly how it remains. We have added two more children to our household and live in what we believe is heaven on earth! The Gardens has been the result of a never-ending vision and work on the behalf of all of our family. I believe our youngest, LillyMay, could give a guided tour herself as she has come on so many tours!

Marriage is something we strongly believe in. We believe when a man and a woman become one, that it is the beginning of a new family unit. Within the family unit children often come, and bless the lives of those parents. When you become one, you have the opportunity to share joys that fill every essence of your being. Having a family and having a spouse you cannot envision being without, is the greatest thing in the world. Joy comes, strength happens, and respect for each other's differences builds. Including your Heavenly Father in this relationship can only strengthen it, and we encourage all to develop a relationship with Him. To center your life on your Savior and to love your spouse with all your heart is our wish for everyone! It is also our belief that our relationship as husband and wife does not end at death. Thus, we are sealed in Temples for time and all eternity. We believe that families really are forever! (and we work hard at our relationships so we all want to be together forever!)

It is our belief that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are three distinct beings. We believe that Jesus Christ appeared and was born in the Eastern Hemisphere leaving His word (The Holy Bible) among His sheep there. We also believe that Christ visited 'other sheep" here in the Western Hemisphere, and left His word here as well (A compilation of records called The Book of Mormon). We know these two books both testify of His mission, and give us direction in this life. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we feel it is important to testify of His mission, and to respect all other faiths and wish for people to worship how, where and what they may. Don't worry though; we leave the testifying out of your wedding plans and ceremony! Please know that our beliefs make us who we are, and we feel the multitude of miracles that have happened here at The Gardens have happened because of our unwavering belief and faith that light comes at the end of every dark tunnel, and if you ask, you will receive!

Have a wonderful day and remember ..... To Love is to Live!