Exciting Times

March 7th marks a special day for our family. Our little Rachel will be five years old. On that day five years ago, we sat beside a brave, selfless young woman who handed us the greatest gift anyone could give. She gave us our baby girl. You're busy, smart and the happiest little person I know. Happy Birthday, Rachel! --Love, Mom

Rachie Lou. Wow, you've changed! And for the better. From screaming during your first 6 mos of existence, to smiling almost perpetually, you are a different girl. You are a special girl. Not many people I know can look up into the sky and see Jesus' legs hanging out of a cloud. Blessed child, God's hand of grace is upon you--has been long before we knew you. What a wonder to watch His providence in your life. You've been on this earth only 5 years, but I feel like you've been in my heart forever. Indeed, I know you will be. --Love, Dad

Well, the word is in. We are headed to Washington, D.C. this summer. Andy was selected for an AFIP (Air Force Intern Program) assignment. We are excited to head back east. We are already looking forward to traveling back across this great land. Hope to see some of you along the way and lots of you back in the Promised Land (below the Mason-Dixon). Take care and give your families our love.

That Tears It!

For anyone who thought the US should not be engaged in a war, take a look at this: Ronald McDonald being pummeled! Poor guy . . . just sitting there, minding his own Mcbusiness, and then being attacked (obviously by the kitchen crew from Burger King)! If it were the Hamburgler I could understand--he's unsavory. Or even Mayor McCheese, whose lack of dietary discipline has contributed to American obesity. But Ronald?! This cannot stand! To the barricades . . . or the drive-thrus! The dark side has really done it this time. Its time to take their order and supersize it!!

Hills that is, swimming pools, movie stars...

A December Sunset from our patio- wow! We can't believe it is already February. The holidays came and went. We enjoyed some rest and a visit from Leigh's mom. We took her to historic Solvang and Pismo Beach to see a Monarch butterfly grove. It was good to see her. The girls loved their time with MaMa.

In January we had the rare opportunity for a night away without the children so we chose to spend it in Hollywood. We drove around Beverly Hills and Bel Air oohing and ahhing at mansion after mansion. The one we wanted to see was completely blocked- the Beverly Hillbillies mansion. It is located right next door to the Reagans- not the Dryesdales. Our minds wondered back to days gone by when Lucille Ball lived next door to Jimmy Stewart, etc. What must it have been like? Raquel Welch and Jack Palance seemed to have modest homes by today's standards. Of course, I'm sure they have more than one. The most interesting thing we did was visit several "famous" cemeteries. We saw the tombstones of many a famous folk and were surprised to see the simplicity or complete absence of others. Roy Orbison is buried in an unmarked grave. A small patch of grass marks the spot. Family members never returned to purchase a headstone. George C. Scott is also in an unmarked grave. The grumpy old men (Lemmon and Mattheau) are buried together. Marilyn Monroe's plaque had people's lipstick kisses all over it. Dean Martin had a fresh dozen roses in his vase. Donna Reed was noted with a small plaque on the ground reading "Wife and mother" with a small, withered plant beside it. It was striking that one could have it "all" and still die with nothing. Another cemetery actually backs right up to the Paramount Pictures studios. The irony was too rich. The contrast too stark. Funny, I don't think Hollywood gets it.