Why Arthur & Molly were not in the Order the first time around

[shwanalynn]

No: HPFGUIDX 83614

Laura again:
...this is a war we're talking about here.  Are you arguing that 
there was *nothing* either Arthur or Molly could do to help the 
cause?  I repeat, no one was safe while LV and his little friends 
were powerful.  Getting involved in the fight against the force that 
threatened everyone's lives would have been the best way to make sure 
your kids grew up.

Hickengruendler:
I think it is also a question of connections, who is in the order, 
and who isn't. I am sure there are several wizards and witches who 
want to help, but don't know about the order...

Now me, Shwanalynn:
First of all, if they really weren't in the Order the first time, 
maybe it wasn't an issue of safety.  Maybe the child suggestion was a 
matter of time, and the lack thereof.  I don't know if I fall on 
either side of this fence, yet, though.  I realize it had to have 
been a bit lower on Molly's list of things to do in a day; but 
really, if things are desperate, you can sometimes find ways of 
fitting a couple of desperate things in.  And Arthur still went to 
work everyday, so I agree with the suggestions that he could have 
been undercover at the Ministry.

Secondly, I don't remember exactly where it says Arthur and Molly 
definitely weren't in the Order the first time.  Is this an inference 
based on Moody's picture and the fact that Molly and Arthur weren't 
in it?  Am I forgetting something else?  I just keep thinking about 
how quick and natural it was for Dumbledore to hand out tasks to 
Molly and Arthur at the end of GoF, and include them in the plan to 
get the Order active again.  It really seemed like they were familiar 
with it.  I think the toddler/baby consideration is a good one, but 
maybe that just kept Molly busy and less involved than Arthur.