Today is my Dad's 88th birthday. I honor him for his hard work and unwavering discipleship to his testimony and love of God & Jesus Christ. His life gives me hope.

My Dad is not without imperfections.

As each year passes, he becomes more polished and perfected.

His influence reaches people from all walks of life.

Always a missionary of the gospel.

Always reaching down to offer his hand to help others up.

 He loved and honored my Mother. He took care of her as she got weaker and unable to perform daily functions. Through their faith and righteousness, I believe Heavenly Father blessed my Mom with a quick decline and peaceful passing. Caring for my Mom was a blessing for my Dad. Watching him be gentle and nurturing was a wonderful experience. He had not always been that way.

I am so thankful that my life and choices have been a source of joy for my parents.

Fred and I have been blessed with a posterity that has brought joy to my parents, although

there has been some sorrow. But their example gives us the strength to know

that there is more joy ahead. That each day is another step

toward eternal life and joy.

I love You Dad. Thank you for cherishing me.

just stuff

My favorite spot in this house is leaning over the couch and looking out the front windows of the living room. It's my perch to look out over our neighborhood world. This time of year my "flower garden planter" is in full bloom. I don't have a fancy camera so my pictures are very humble.....yet I still want to capture all the blooms for my memory. I will miss my perch when we move.

Another thing....it seems more people are going private with their blogs. I may go there someday, but not yet. I have decided that one of the main purposes of my blog is simply to record what's happening in my life. My life history! Much more fun than writing it down. Yuck! So for my memories sake....here are a few pictures of the flowers Fred gave me for Mother's Day. He is very good to get me flowers often. Again, my camera is nothing super so my attempts to capture the wonder of blossoms is weak. I wish I had the talent of Doranda and Cindy or at least their cameras! 

Just one photo

The finished product. Only two more weeks until we see our new home in person.

Brian's baby blankie

Brian's Mom Shari was able to stop by on Sunday. She brought Brian's baby blanket. It was made for Brian by one of Shari's very good friends. Shannon said this morning that Brian got a little twinkle in his eye when she brought it out of her suitcase last night when she got home. 

 Here is Shannon & Shari.

 Brian's blanket definitely was well used.....what a sweet surprise and gift from Shari.

a few more pictures

The house was very full.

 Here are the deviled baby carriages

 Here is my next heirloom that will hit the can. Shannon's preschool plate. It's all bubbled and blistered from putting it in the dishwasher. Isn't it cute?

Shannon's Baby Shower Extravaganza

Thank you new blogger format. I put all of these pictures in exact opposite order so they told the story. I'm not going to redo it. I am posting a lot of pictures so Corinne can get a good feeling of what the morning was like because she could not be here.

The gift pile:

 Phylis Sargent made this set. Applique tie with matching, burp clothes, swaddling cloth & receiving blanket. Doggie bone fabric.

 Shannon was very excited about little shoes.

 The lighted mirror to see the baby in the back seat.

 Hooty Hider, Booby Barrier, Titty Tent......

Here is a gift for Brian from Tina San Fellipo. Tina is always so sweet to bring a gift to the siblings at baby showers. Since there is no sibling for Baby Boy Drees, Daddy gets the gift.

 Tricia Fisher brought a gift for me.

 Rosanna & Shannon comparing baby bumps. Due dates are 20 days apart.

 Shannon With Corene Hawk, Elizabeth Calhoun & Rosana Lampano. Elizabeth is a childhood friend and Corene & Rosana from Junior High.

 A small Drees Family reunion. Angela with daughters Aurora & Calyssa and Jill and Kaiti.

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 Found the cutest balloon at Party City.

 We were all working on frosting the cupcakes.

something I think is fun

I bought this at Costco for $20. Lips glosses (I don't like any of them), eye shadows galore and four colors of blush. It is a steal and I am having lots of fun with all the colors. I use all four colors of blush with one brush stroke mixed together. I am very thankful for make up, clothes, hair products, my hair and face.