Birth Day, Birth Day -- Coming to Earth Day

I can't imagine what is like for these new spirits to make their entrance on earth. It seems like such a hectic day for them! I wonder if at first they wish they could go back to the peace. But, for all of us already here it is such a BEAUTIFUL experience. Welcome to Brody Jack Mendenhall.

Happy 65th Wedding Anniversary!

This past Monday was my parents 65th wedding anniversary. Here is the most recent close up picture I have of them that is nice with not a lot of background distraction. Since both their birthdays and their wedding anniversary are in October, we invited them over for a little celebration. Like my kids said, "We got to have them all to ourselves!" It was a lot of fun for us and they seemed to really enjoy themselves. Some of us worried that they might be a little overwhelmed, but that was not the case at all. Mom was in her glory and even though dad could not say a lot at one time, he was able to carry on short conversations with his grandkids.

Some of the great-grandkids who got there early got to have "one-on-one" with their great-grandparents. Jenna took right to them and wanted to play. Catie was tentative, but did get on my mom's lap for a short moment. Most of the grandkids got to talk to them and hug them. Some of great-grandkids were a little concerned watching how hard it is for my dad to walk, eat and talk.

We put my dad on the sofa downstairs in the rec room, where he pretty much stayed. It was the most comfortable place. Before everyone came over, they watched a Doris Day movie. Dad watched it in between little catnaps. Just the getting ready and getting here from Olympia kind of wore him out. Mom, on the other hand, was laughing at the movie and kept saying how fun it was to be there. They both love a good day out and about. Mom, with all her energy, helped me out immensely making a salad, frosting cupcakes and preparing the table for dinner. We had a very casual and easy dinner -- Little Caesar's pizza ! It was delicious and simple.

We tried not to wear them out, but dad fell asleep in the car just a couple of blocks from our house. He had leaned his head on my mom's shoulder and we had to actually shake him to wake him up when we got to Rose's home. On the other hand, mom was wide awake telling me how much they had enjoyed everything. When in the car one of my favorite things with her now is to turn on CD music that she knows and listen to her sing along with her still beautiful alto voice. That night she sang with Anne Murray, Celine Dion and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Being the oldest of the children, I think I have seen their marriage and relationship evolve over the years more than anyone. Their greatest strengths are their strong determination, their ability to work hard, their being content with very little material things, their humility, their affection for one another, and living the gospel the best they know how! Even now, I hope I can be like them in my aged years. They are an inspiration to me!

The Dash

Mark's sister, Ilene sent us this and I think it is sweet.

"The Dash -----

In July 2006, a short 3-minute movie was launched on the
Internet called The Dash. Since then, over 40 million people
from around
the world have watched it; and over 20,000 a day
continue to watch it as a
result of people passing it along .


The movie has been more
successful than anyone could have ever
imagined. More importantly, however,
it has inspired many,
many people to reflect on their lives and ask that all
important question, 'Are my priorities where they should be?'


I
hope you enjoy this movie and share it with those who are
close to you."


Click This Link to View: http://www.dashpoemmovie.com/

Happy Birthday to Me!

This is me on my first birthday!

I had a G-R-E-A-T birthday thanks to Mark and my children and my mom and dad. Thanks to Becca for inviting Mark and I over for dinner and inviting everyone over for birthday pie (Chocolate). It was very nice. And Rebecca, also, makes the best cheese, ham and potatoe soup!

I got cards, a gift certificate, bubble lights (for Christmas) and my very own laptop. I feel so blessed!

When I was visiting Jason and Jenn in Pennsylvania, Jenn and I did some shopping around and I saw these bubble lights that I have always wanted. They remind me of my childhood. They were popular back in that day. I never could bring myself to buy them, because I already had so many other lights. But, Jenn -- in her very observant and thoughtful way noticed that I really liked them and sent me some for my birthday! Thanks so very much! And I got to talk to them all on the phone -- I love Jaylee and Jenni's cute conversations! Those little calls usually keeps me cheerful for quite awhile!

Oh, I am so excited!!! Over the past year I have mentioned how nice it would be to have my very own laptop. I am so looking forward to sitting downstairs on my nice comfy couch and doing family history stuff on the new family search website! Mark said he did a lot of research (so like him) and found one on sale, but when he went to get it, I guess it was such a good deal that they were already out. They told him to come back on Sunday they would have more on sale. When he went back early on Monday, they were already sold out, again!! So he went to Circuit City and found this one which was nearly as good a deal after a rebate. He has been so busy at work that I was surprised he found the time to hunt down the perfect computer for me. He then was up until 1:00 AM getting it set up for me. I'm someone illiterate in these things! I'm still getting used to it!


My mom and dad called me on my birthday and sang happy birthday to me. Well, mom sang. She kept trying to get dad to sing -- but I think she forgets that he can't get phrases out very easily (because of his decreased lung capacity), much less sustain a melody. But, in my minds eye, I could see him trying. I'm pretty sure his mouth was open. It made me smile!



On Saturday I got to attend one of Jenna's soccer games which is such a treat for me. Here she is (in the blue/purple uniform) actually taking the ball away from the other team! The first few games she (and most of the other players) wasn't quite sure where her team's goal post was, but she sure learned fast. She has short little legs, but she works her hardest at keeping up with all the others.

It was a super weekend!! And I still get to go sometime this week and use my gift card!

The Economy -- Yikes!

I don't know about you, but I have had a few sleepness nights because of the economy. We are old enough to have been able to put away a food supply, pay off our house and other debts and Mark probably won't lose his job! However our retirement is surely being affected! And this isn't a good time in our life for that!

THE NEW DOLLAR BILL
A friend sent this to me!



I got this from Becca.

I think they say it all!



Editor's Note:
(To Comments)
Oh yes, General Conference was so good and so hopeful! I guess I was just lamenting that our retirement years may not be as comfortable as we had saved and planned for -- but you are all correct -- why worry -- since we are promised we will have whatever we really need to do our part.

This was not a breeze, I barely did it!

I named 50 US states in 10 minutes

I saw this on Jamie's blog and finally tried it. I waited a long time because in school I was always terrible in history and geography! I remembered Wisconsin just in time! And I had the hardest time spelling Louisiana. I had to share because I was so excited to be able to get them all!