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!

Peaches and Pears

This is what usually keeps me busy in August. This year I was only able to can a couple batches of peaches and three batches of pears. Home canned fruits are so flavorful! It's hard to go back to commercially canned fruits. And you do get a little more for your money. Mark and I don't eat as much as we used to. So I wonder why I keep canning. I think, mostly out of habit, and I can use as little sugar as I like and no preservatives. Besides, I like having my cupboards full, and we have several grandkids, VT/HT families and neighbors who love them so we give some away!

Memories!

This past week we were in Idaho Falls for the funeral of Mark's mom! It was a beautiful funeral and a great tribute to the loving person she was!! She had a grandchild from each of her childrens' family speak! They each honored her in their own special way and we all wept or laughed and sometimes both! Jason represented our family and did a beautiful job. For those who know him, his talk is posted on his blog. Just click on the link on my side panel for Jason and Jenn.



Mark laying his boutonniere on his mom's casket!



Here are all of her children and grandchildren (except Jason Besendorfer who was at the MTC in Provo) under the same tree where we had our last Stringham photo 17 years ago at Grandpa Stringham's funeral! A lot of the cousins we hadn't seen in many years. Some of my kids hadn't seen one or two of their cousins since Grandpa's funeral! We are the family that lives far away!



Grandma Stringham's children: Nadene Reich, Mark, Ilene Franck and Lila Besendorfer! I've noticed that all four of them have the same gentle, kind, and loving demeanor just like both their mom and dad!



These are the fields that Mark grew up with! He planted, changed sprinklers, and harvested along with his mom and dad! They grew a little of everyting, but a lot potatoes. That farm paid for all of their childrens' way through college and two of them on missions! I guess they had some not so good years, but mostly good years as far as crops were concerned. Some of you may not know, but Ashton, Idaho is the potato seed capital of the world! So even if your potatoes say they're from somewhere else they may have gotten their start right here in Ashton, Idaho as seed potatoes!



Rebecca loves to capture the old fashioned things in her pictures! These are the run-down farm machinery that his dad used. There were no air-conditioned cabs on the tractors like you see now! They hand carried the sprinklers -- no sprinklers on wheels! I think their generation could teach us a thing or two about hard work!


Our children spent many hours riding three wheelers, or walking down the little roads on the farm!


Mark and I spent many hours watching our kids play at this little canal -- they loved throwing rocks, trying to watch as the dried leaves or weeds they had thrown in went from one side to the other side, or hanging their feet in the water. I even seem to remember some of them accidentally slipping into the water! This is one of their absolutely favorite memories of the farm! It proves to me that the things that bring us the greatest joy and the greatest memories are not fancy things!



This little farm brought so many happy memories into my children's lifes that they all get emotional at the thought of it being sold! This was our little corner of the world and our safe haven! But, of the course, Grandpa and Grandma Stringham are what made it all so special!

God Be With You ......

Mildred Hannah Hillam Stringham
July 13, 1915 - August 31, 2008

She's our Queen! Ours hearts are full and heavy and we will miss her more than words can say! She was more than a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and mother-in-law. She was our friend! Thanks for your loving and Christlike influence! ..... 'Til We Meet Again!

Empty nester, again!!

When we got home from our vacation last week the first thing I did was check on the little birdies. I was shocked to see they had already left the nest!! They grew up and left home in 2 weeks! I was so hoping to see them a little more grown up and was so disappointed they were already gone! I wanted to watch the mommy bird teach them to fly! (I was right that only 3 of the 4 little eggs hatched!)

So now what do I do with my life? Hmmmmm! Look below at a link I found on a friends blog?

This is interesting! It just tells you what you have an interest in and the temperament for. Too bad I went into nursing. I could have been on the Supreme Court! (I see myself as logical, but never thought of myself as driven or ruthless!) So, should I go back to school? I don't think so! I'm pretty sure you have to have a good memory!

You Should Get a JD (Juris Doctor)

You're logical, driven, and ruthless. You'd make a mighty fine lawyer.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

In The Winter of Her Life!

We're back from our trip. We love going to Idaho Falls, because this is where Mark and I started out our lives together. We were married in this temple 36 years ago. It is beautiful! I hope Becca posts some of her and Jason's photos of this temple, because they were spectacular.





But, our main reason for visiting was to spend some time with Mark's mom who is now 93 years old and living in an assisted living home. She gave us a scare a couple of weeks ago, so Mark and I, Maria and her family and Becca and her family drove down to see her. Here she is with Becca. When she gives you a hug hello or good-bye she holds on for a long time!




Here are Becca and Maria reminiscing with her about old times and telling her all about their children. She holds on to every word and wants to know everything! She was also able to talk to Jason, Brian and James on the phone. (She unfortunately, was not having a good afternoon the time she talked to Jason and we intended to call him back later in the week when Maria and Becca and their families had left. But, she was having bad days, was breathless, and not wanting to sit up so we didn't get to phone him back) Maybe we just plain wore her out!




Doesn't she look lonely? But, I was told she was just the last one finished at her table! She just doesn't like to eat these days! It was sad for me to see this because one of our favorite memories is her big farm-cooked meals, cooked from scratch and most everything came from her garden and/or the farm! We would all crowd around her table!



Each time we would go visit, she would be sleeping in the bed or in her wheelchair! Her most frequent complaint was that she was just soooo tired. She repeated several times that she is so ready to go to the other side and be with grandpa. She said, "I just can't figure out how to go!" And we always say, "There must be something left for you to accomplish!". Her response: "Well, I wish someone would tell me what it is so I can be doing it."

She is well taken care of in this place. It is a modern, clean, friendly, active center and best of all it is near her daughter, Ilene, who looks after her with so much care!




Mark having a "heart to heart" with his mom! But, she made him a little emotional when she said, "You are our only son, and you have fulfilled all our dreams." He replied, "Well, I had a good mom and dad!'" She kept telling us how wonderful we were and when we started feeling undeserving of all of her praises, I said, "Well, we're not perfect, yet." Her response: "I know you're not, but you'll manage." I told her that sometimes we get a little discouraged and she said, "Everyone gets discouraged, but everything will come out in the wash. You just keep washing."



Saying goodbye is always hard. When we gave her the last hug (mind you, I was bawling by then), I reminded her that she has never made it easy for us to leave and go home from our vacations with her. I told her that each time we left, our whole family driving out of her driveway, was teary-eyed, had a lumps in our throats and said very little until we were halfway to Pocatello! She chuckled, but still didn't make easy for us!

Becca and Maria said it well, when they said she is so beloved by us all because she has such a genuine interest and love for each individual!

We are all honored to have her in our lives!!

A Sunday Afternoon!

Here's Jenna just before church! Earlier she was asking me about Audrey's church and something about the "water pool". I realized that she meant the time we all went to Ethan's baptism. I said, "Oh you mean the church where Ethan was baptized in the water?" That's what she meant, because a little later she said, "Grandma, when does Jenna be 'watersized'"? Wouldn't you love to be in the mind of a 3 year old. I think church to her means a long boring meeting, followed by fun primary class, a building where sometimes you have to be quiet and other times you can run and play in the recreation hall, and on special days you get to be dunked in a good-sized pool of water in front of a crowd of people!




Jenna always likes to help me get Sunday dinner ready for grandpa who stays later at church! Later we had James, Jamie, Ryan and Emily come visit and play. and after that Brian, Mary, Catie came over. It was just a nice relaxed evening. Sorry, no pictures. I forget the camera when everyone is here!




Here are the little birdies, with a lot more feathers and down. They weren't very awake when I looked at them. In fact, I had to shake the planter a little to get them to wake up, then of course, they woke up with their beaks open. I'm not sure, but I think there may be only 3 birdies out of the four eggs. It's hard to tell since they are all snuggled together.

I'm curious what they will look like 10 days from now when we return from vacation!

Hatched!

The babies must have hatched yesterday some time after noon or early this morning. I can't tell if they have all hatched or not. They don't even have their down growing yet. And they are all snuggled together and laying on top of each other. They also seem to be laying face down because I don't see any open beaks.




This is mommy bird keeping a close eye on me. She flew around me making her clicking noises. She's quite tiny! Anyone know what kind of a sparrow this is? I've never heard her sing, just "click" at me.

Scary!!

I was driving down 212th Street, in the valley, behind a truck that was carrying a load of stuff. I couldn't tell what it was exactly. Suddenly as he was going over the railroad tracks, something flew off the back of his truck and landed not too far in front of me. I was able to stop! It was way too big to drive over it. I got out and saw that it was a thick board with a very heavy metal pipe on top of it. Several cars were honking at me to "go", but stopped when they saw me carrying the big board to the center island. Then I got a thumbs up from the driver right behind me.

I also noticed that the driver of the truck carrying the load of loose materials had turned around and came back for his board. I think in the future he will be a lot more careful about his load and it reminded me of how important it is to pay attention to these kind of things!

Guess I'll have something to be very grateful for in my prayers tonight!

Mark Has Skin Surgery, Again!!!

The last two days Mark has been having some pre-cancerous skin cells removed from his eyelid. They did it in two sittings. The first doctor removed the questionable skin cells, and the second doctor stitched him up. They had a different doctor stitch him up because he is an aesthetic skin surgeon. After the first surgery, they bandaged him up pretty good so as to keep mild pressure on the eyelid. Looks impressive, huh?






They only removed about 1/2 inch from the eylid so the stitches didn't take very long. He was under anesthesia so no pain during the surgery, but he is experiencing some mild pain now! He has been dealing with skin cancer for 30+ years now. He is very conscientious about having his skin checked regularly. So over the years he has had around 50+ surgeries! (I'd guesstimate!)

Birds and Babysitting Grandkids

Remember the bird nest and the 4 little eggs? While watering it (carefully, I thought) I accidentally knocked it over and two of the eggs fell out. I couldn't find them, but Mark did and scooped them up with a spoon and put them back into the nest. One of the eggs was a little cracked! The mama bird was going crazy at first, then just perched on bush and waited!



The next day when I looked there were only two left. At first I thought she had disposed of the two eggs that had fallen out. Not so ... after a few days Mark and noticed that she had not been around for a few days. I took the nest out and noticed that it was the cracked egg and one other that was left. I'm guessing she must have moved the other two eggs somewhere else. But, I'm not sure! I'm tryng to figure out how such a tiny bird could transport two eggs to another location!



Then Mark noticed that there was a bird flying in and out of another planter I had hanging on the back deck! I looked today and sure enough there is another nest and four new little bird eggs! The birds surely like the flowers!



However, this time they are safe. You see, the flowers are plastic and silk. (I usually put them out in the winter just for color). Hopefully, we will see little birdies soon.



Now on to the grandkids. I'm always amazed how busy little ones can be. Here are Emily and Ryan! In less than 30 minutes they had played with playdough, created some art projects with glue and scissors, had a snack, jumped on the trampoline and played in the sandbox. Then they started all over again! These two are very good at keeping themselves entertained and only needed help once in awhile. Therefore, I was able to do a lot of laundry. And, by the way, so far I love my new washer/dryer.

Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Lady!

Mildred Hannah Hillam Stringham turned 93 on July 13th!

She has been such an influence on our family! Our children had just as much fun visiting her, grandpa and the farm as they did at Disneyland! She's just the kind of grandma every child should have. And I have a long ways to go to be as good, patient, and loving of a mother-in-law as she. She has yet to meet three of her great grandchildren, Jennibelle, Catie and Emily! She has met Brian's wife, Mary, but SADLY I have no photos of the occasion!

I remember her as the hardest working woman I know! She was always cooking, cleaning the house, canning from her garden, working on the farm or doing church work! I always appreciate the story about her when she and grandpa were wanting to buy their farm. She would only eat 1 meal a day to help save money! She always told the men folk that she would eat later! They were able to pay cash for their farm! Now that is a lesson in staying out of debt! Now we know where Mark was so well trained in matters of money!

Amy's Visit With Mom, Dad and Rose!!

Just a short review in pictures of our visit with my sister, Amy! She accompanied her husband on a business trip here. We're at Rose's in Olympia. It was a delightful day!