Tina

"Needed are...[souls] filled with compassion, that we might communicate not only eye to eye, or voice to ear, but in the majestic style of the Savior, even heart to heart." --President Thomas S. Monson

My mother-in-law, Tina, has the gift of compassion and I have been the recipient of that compassion on multiple occasions. Thank you for your love and understanding.  I love you and wish you the happiest birthday today! 

Meet Olivia

Meet Olivia. She is my younger brother's wife and she is lovely. One of my favorite things about Olivia are her thoughtful notes. I always love being a recipient to one of her graphic design savvy cards but the best part are the words written in her pretty cursive. They are rich with yummy details that make it personal and real--so much so that I've tucked a few away for safe keeping and later reading. It says a lot about her. Happiest birthday to you, Olivia! Love you.

Mysterious and Not So Mysterious

Upon seeing this photo, my mom said: "He's so mysterious, isn't he?". And that is after 36 years of marriage. I think we are all mysterious in one way or another. But there is one thing that is definitely not mysterious about my Dad--he loves his family. All my siblings and I can attest to that. We grew up watching him love my mother in his quiet, gentle way which naturally transferred into love for us. I count it as a great blessing that I had the presence of my Dad at home while growing up. At the time, I didn't realize it was such an oddity. I could usually know exactly where to find him just by listening: the gushing sound of water through pipes meant he was working outside watering the pool-turned-into-a-garden of Shirley's Poppies or the humming of his sander meant he was in his studio creating his folk scultpures/paintings/lamps. I treasure those memories talking to him side by side while he worked. There is one other thing that is not so mysterious, and that's my love for my Dad. Love you, Dad and happiest birthday to you!

Ben the Father

ME, MY BROTHER, AND OUR BOYS!

My (not so little) brother, Ben and I are only 15 months apart. We shared everything from an 8:30PM bedtime as grade schoolers to an old white Mazda 323 as high schoolers. Now we're sharing what's it's like to raise a baby boy. Although we live miles apart I've had a few occasions to watch Ben father his cute Cohen. He was so attentive and tender with his boy checking on him every few moments while he swung in the swing, offering to burp him after nursing, or baby-talking to him. Cohen and the kids that follow are blessed to have gentle Ben as their father. Happiest birthday to you, Ben! Love you!

An Open Heart

One of my earliest memories with my mother-in-law, Tina, is of the two of us walking in the backyard of 2000 North. We had just finished dinner and she put her arm around my shoulders and told me that she wanted me to know that I could rely on her, talk to her about anything and that she would be there for me. I was touched by her willingness to open her heart and arms to me. Tina has a big heart that is eager to love. I appreciate her example. She has been very patient with my shyness and I am so grateful to have her as my mother-in-law. Happiest birthday to you, Tina! Love you!

Dear Katy,

Do you remember inviting me into your closet-room for Velveteen Rabbit tea and a half piece of gum? You were a good older sister and made me feel wanted (you still are!).

Do you remember after the car accident when you couldn’t walk how Ben and I would pull you around the house on the big, purple, plastic sled filled with pillows and blankets? That was hard time for our family and we were amazed by your resiliency and resolve to get better.

Do you remember when the three of us came to see the seven of you in Florida? We still talk about how fun that was and how we loved your house filled with happy, busy family life. We’re impressed by the life you and Ryan have created for yourselves.

Do you remember when you stuck rubber Hulk Hogan up your nose and giggled and giggled until it fell out? You’ve got a great sense of humor (with or without children, I might add).

Do you remember after MD was diagnosed, how you and Clover came out to visit us and spend a week? You helped to mend my breaking heart, thank you.

Do you remember when we teeter tottered last August? It was so fun to feel like a kid and play-pal-sister again. I am grateful for our sistership and friendship.

Happiest birthday to you, dear Katy. I love you!

Love,

Ann

Dear Katie,

Do you remember when you got up and danced in front of everyone at the Polynesian center? You’ve always had guts and amazing moves!

Do you remember when we talked for the first time over the phone when Brendon and I were dating? I appreciated your kindness and for making me feel so welcomed into your family.

Do you remember when you gave (and give) Brendon such great boyfriend/fiancee/husband advice? I owe you girl!

Do you remember when we picked you up from work at Baskin Robbins and you, Brendon, and I were all crammed in the backseat? It was hilarious to watch you and Brendon friendly bicker.

Do you remember when you put together that fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis? We were touched by your thoughtfulness and innovation.

I’m excited to make even more memories with you as time goes by.

Happiest birthday to you!

Love you!

Ann

I Got to Kiss the Birthday Boy!

I love having any reason to celebrate Brendon and a birthday is no better reason! We were happy to have the Mangums stop in to share in birthday wishes and Brendon's birthday feast--Navajo tacos, pomegranate Izzes, corn on the cob (which no one ate due to the massive tacos), watermelon, and of course Baskin Robin's oreo ice cream cake. All of which was made at his request. He hardly makes any demands during the normal day to day living so I am always eager to sit him down and have him tell me exactly what he wants. And then, selfishly, I enjoyably watch him get excited in anticipation and then I get to watch him actually enjoy it.

Mary Deane made sure to add her adulation throughout the day by singing her version of Happy Birthday-- "happy day, daddy, to you".

He deserves praise not just as a husband, father, son, brother, and friend but simply for the good man that he is. He is good to the core and we love him!

Celebrating Brendon

Brendon at Hard Rock Cafe with an Elvis robe in the background.

Me, same place with an old 60's (?) car in the background

Lunch for the iron deficient pregnant lady.

The HUGE turtle

Sea beauty (doesn't this look like the one you made for me, Katy?)

My One-and-only turns 27 this month and my parents were more than gracious to watch MD an entire day to let me celebrate him without distraction (a million thank-you's to them). We snuck out before the sleeping babe awoke for the day and headed northward. Brendon has a fascination with sea life and with the Baltimore National Aquarium so close we made a birthday date of it. We held hands as we went from pier to pier enjoying the sea creatures and occasionally gave empathetic looks to those with screaming toddlers (although, we did miss our little Miss Mary Deane and kept commenting on how much she would enjoy it). The Jellyfish invasion exhibit was my favorite. I have a fetish for these fish! We were lucky enough to get there before the field trip crowds and finished our tour in time for a lunch of burgers, fries, and onion rings at the Hard Rock Cafe (which we leisurely ate).

The 100+ degree air permitted only a quick walk along the harbor and then an escape to the cooler Barnes and Noble where we meandered through the book-lined shelves--another favorite pastime of Brendon's. As we headed back to Virginia we drove through Baltimore's Little Italy, stopped for ice cream and watched a movie. We finished the date with a light dinner and headed home to say goodnight to our chickadee and thank you to her grandparents.

I love this man and was so grateful to devote a whole day to revel in his being born!

Dear Craig,

Do you remember courting Jordan with huge poster board signs of your love in front of her bedroom window? I do, mine was the window below hers. You’ve always been a romantic--the perfect man for my sister.

Do you remember how we can’t get enough of your stories, ER or otherwise? You have a knack for telling a good one and it’s proof of your zest for life.

Do you remember how impressed we all are by the chicken coop? You’ve got talents galore!

Do you remember sitting on the back patio at 2000 North with me and the corpse of a baby pig? You were helping me get ready for my physiology test. You are always willing to lend a hand.

Do you remember how sad we all were (Jordan especially) that you would be the only one not able to make it to my wedding? And after a 10 hour drive overnight and with a beard to prove it, you showed up that morning and surprised us all! A party’s never complete without Dr. Gooch!

Do you remember how you have nicknames for everyone? Flanders is mine. You make it a point to make everyone feel special and loved. And we love you and wish you the happiest birthday!

Love,

Ann

Ben is the one with glasses

Dear Ben,

Do you remember when you were 5 and I was 6 and we climbed out through the bedroom window onto the second story roof? Boy, did we get in trouble! It was fun to be your partner in crime.

Do you remember when you pulled your blue knit sweater over your 6 year old knees and spun around on the wooden living room floor pretending to be a turtle? It was the talent you shared for the Christmas program. You still amaze the family with all your talents.

Do you remember when Brendon called to ask me out for the first time and you answered the phone? He was appreciative of your kindness. It’s why we call you the gentle giant.

Do you remember how you taught me to not double dribble when playing basketball? You even let me play with you, Brian and Peter. I’m grateful that we were able to grow up together.

Do you remember how we’d get the whole neighborhood to ride bikes and pretend they were cars? We had a gas station, a fast food drive-thru, a police man etc. We had a blast!

I love you, Beaner Boy and happiest birthday to you!

~Ann

Happiest 50th!

Dear Tina,

Do you remember when you, MD and I walked down to a local Mexican restaurant and ate lunch together? We had a good time as we talked about when we met the loves of our lives and other life topics.

Do you remember when you stayed with us for a week after MD’s diagnosis? You were such a comfort and a help to us.

Do you remember how MD loves it when you sing to her? She has such a wonderful grandmother!

Do you remember how Brendon asked you if we could skinny dip in your pool? I’m glad we can laugh about it!

Do you remember how glad I am to have you as my mother-in-law? I love you!

Love,

Ann