#56

The past 3 days have been a lot of fun for me.  As much as I don't look forward to another birthday- it definitely is better than the alternative, right? So how did I spend my birthday? Exactly like I wanted- with family and friends! Saturday I had dinner with Brooke, Evan and McKenzie,Chris & Bill, Shannon & Jeff, Brianna & Courtney, and little Marcus, Kelly and Marcus' son. We had dinner at Campo de Bocce. The food was great- the service was horrendous!!!! But I enjoyed being with everyone. I spent the night with Chrissie and Bill. Then Sunday, after a great breakfast- I went over to Menlo Park  to go to church with Brooke, Evan and McKenzie. After hanging out with them all afternoon  I got home in time to see the last half of the Academy Awards! Today at work was another fun day! My cubicle at work was decorated! I went to lunch with friends, Lynn, Roni, Theresa and Bryan. Then they brought me a cheesecake and sang Happy Birthday to me in the afternoon. Tonight I had dinner with Marcia and Tiffany, my Monday night dinner friends. A great way to end the day.... or the past 3 days I should say. I also talked to each of my kids and grandkids, my 3 sisters, and Chrissie and Joanie on the phone! I'm not used to getting so much attention in such a short period of time but I definitely have been reminded how blessed I am.

            Bri, Courtney, Shannon and Jeff at dinner.

                Brooke, Evan and McKenzie at dinner.

            Chrissie with Kelly's son, Marcus Jr.(MJ)

           Lunch with Lynn, Bryan, Theresa, and Roni.

          Tiffany and Marcia after dinner tonight.

Causes I Care About

There are so many situations around the world that are desperate for attention and resolution. Sometimes when I am learning about a conflict going on it is so overwhelming, I will change the channel or stop reading. Sometimes I stick with it and learn more. Some I have learned about because of personal experience. We have things that are close to our hearts that we get involved with and take up the cause. Most of these organizations need our money to help towards their cause. I have at one time or another donated to all the causes I am listing here- Not necessarily very much money, but if everyone took on a cause and donated a small amount it could make a difference. Organizations such as these help me appreciate my circumstances all the more. As trite as it sounds- we are so lucky to live in country free from oppression, to have the medical facilities available in case we need them, and resources available for support and information when we need it.

So what is your cause? Remember- it's bigger than each one of us individually- and also bigger

than all of us together. But together we can make a difference.

www.savedarfur.org/content

www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

this site you can donate just by going on to the site and clicking where it tells you- its free on your part.

www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

www.kiva.org/

www.motherswithoutborders.org/index.php

www.bdsra.org/bdsramr.htm

Happy Birthday Brooke!!!!!

28 years ago today I was in San Diego's Kaiser Hospital having my second child- Brooke Elizabeth. We were so excited to have a little girl. Ian was 2 1/2. Not only was she a girl but she had different coloring than Ian did when he was born so it was a totally different experience. Her hair was blond peach fuzz and she had very fair skin! She was a quiet baby with the sweetest disposition. When she was 2 she developed a strong willed personality that has been with her ever since! I remember my sister, Patti, and I went out and bought the book The Strong Willed Child because both Brooke and her cousin, Leslie, were constantly pushing the limits!

I am here to testify that every second of her strong willed moments were worth it! Heavenly Father knew exactly what he was doing when he sent her precious little spirit to our family. She taught me what true patience is all about! But I also learned to appreciate her passion for life, her drive and determination, and her crazy sense of humor. She is so funny. When she was little and I would get mad at her she would always do something to make me laugh - so that I would forget about being mad! And it always seemed to work.... When she was in college and started to row for the Women's Crew I thought she was crazy. Who, in their right mind, would willingly get up at 5 am 6 days a week for 4 years, to work your body harder than anyone could imagine, in the dark on the water! Well, not only did she stick with it - she ended up as an All-American for UC Davis. That is one great example of her drive and determination.

Now at 28 years years old she has become a gorgeous young wife and mother. She has a fantastic husband and and adorable 2 year year old. She loves to run and even at 5 months pregnant she is running! I love to be with her and her family. I talk to her almost every day- sometimes twice a day! One of the great things about your kids growing up is they become your best friends.

This past weekend was really fun. I was able to be there with her, Evan, and McKenzie when they found out that they are having their second little girl! So exciting! We were all really happy to know and think it is a perfect fit for Kenzie to have a little sister. On Saturday we went to Pleasanton for awhile- we hit the Farmers Market which I always have loved to do. We went to lunch with Kathy. Then we went shopping for awhile. I had a blast with McKenzie helping her pick out her Mom's birthday present. She found the funniest card- the kind that plays music when you open it. So what do you think Kenzie would pick out? Yep- A Mickey Mouse card- that plays Mickey Mouse Club song when you open it! She was so proud of it! And she found a cute flower magnet for her gift. So-- nothing profound but it was what McKenzie picked out and she was so happy to give those goodies to mom. Then when Brooke and Evan went out for the evening we made her birthday cake. She is at that stage where she wants to do everything by herself so it was a messy and fun night.

So I hope this next year has a lot of wonderful things in store for you Brooke. One thing for sure- I know it won't be boring! Happy Birthday!

                             Brooke and McKenzie in San Francisco.

                       Brooke's birthday cake I helped McKenzie with!

Happy Birthday Sis!!

Birthday season is among us again! One in particular can not go without notice--- My older sister, Leigh, is having a milestone birthday. If anyone in the universe deserves a happy birthday it is Leigh. I have to say I am feeling guilty and sad that I can't be there for her birthday. For reasons too numerous to list I can't get to Houston to be there to celebrate with her. But I am there in spirit and thought with her. Leigh has experienced more than her fair share of bumps in the road. She continues to be an example of what courage and determination can do for you. She never complains, she never gives up. She is so smart. She was a nurse for a long time and moved over to the health  insurance industry. She is now recuperating from a stroke and is making fantastic progress. I am proud she is my big sis and wish her a great year to come.  Happy Birthday Leigh!!!

My sisters, Patti, Leigh, Susie and my brother John at a family gathering in Texas.