Family Photos

My parents got to drive up to Michigan's U.P. to visit my maternal grandparents at what we affectionately call "The Farm" near Calumet, MI. Growing up I spent most every summer there with my grandparents. I have nothing but the fondest memories of being there with them and spending many a day picking berries, delivering berries, going on walks, building forts, splashing in the crick and many other activities. I miss them so much and wish with all my heart that we all lived closer. I am so happy mom and dad were able to go up for a visit, I know it was a blessing for all of them. Wish I could have been there too!!Ben and Bonnie Rendel, May 2009
Uncle Brian, mom, Grandma, Grandpa
Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Brian

Happy Graduation, D.D.S!

This past weekend found us in Loma Linda celebrating our SIL, Lindsey, graduating from LLU School of Dentistry. After four years, she is finished and on her way to the working world! The weekend was jam-packed with events.

We decided to take an early Friday morning flight from PDX to SFO which would give us some layover time in SFO. C's co-worker from San Carlos had been in Portland for a few days and was hosting a poker tournament at his house. C did not want to miss it and thought that since we were flying into SFO, it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. His co-worker was kind enough to allow me to use his car so that I could drive over to Woodside. My turn to do the surprising! It worked out well as I was able to see Stacey, Sonja and Tracy and C was able to spend some time with his previous co-workers and friends as well. We made it back to the airport in plenty of time to catch our flight down to So. Cal.

Saturday morning was a special service at church for all the graduates, then off to lunch at Spaghetti Factory. After dinner and a nap we were on our way again, this time to Andy and Danielle's house. Though the beans had been spilled earlier that day (it was supposed to be a surprise), the baby shower was so much fun! Much of the Anderson family was there along with my big brother, sister-in-law, and niece. More wonderful memories with family, fun and festivities!

Sunday evening brought graduation and the celebration afterward. Lindsey looked beautiful and oh so happy as she crossed the stage to accept her diploma and be congratulated by her mom (also a dentist and LLU graduate!). Congratulations, Lindsey! We love you and are so proud of you!

29 Weeks!

Just a few photos we took this afternoon in the back yard. We're at 29 weeks and counting...

More surprises!

I woke up on the morning of my 30th birthday to the wonderful aroma of breakfast floating up from the kitchen. Soon after, I was greeted with a birthday serenade from C and a strawberry waffle breakfast -in -bed! We both had taken the day off to relax and celebrate my turning another decade older. During breakfast we reminisced about all the wonderful opportunities and adventures we had in our twenties and tried to predict what was going to be the defining event in our 30s (becoming parents, of course!!).

As we ate our breakfast C casually slid another folder my way and told me to open it. I couldn't imagine what more he might have up his sleeve after the previous weekend. Inside the folder was another flight itinerary....to St. Louis. We were flying to see my family!!! I couldn't believe it and was so happy I cried! It was more than I could have ever wished for, to be with my family on my birthday and celebrate Mother's Day with my mom. Not to mention the opportunity for my family to get to see and feel my baby belly! So exciting!

I was overjoyed the entire day as we worked in the yard, ran errands, packed, cleaned, and took some time out for a relaxing couples massage.

The following morning we were up bright and early and on our way to the airport again. The flight seemed to go quickly and the best part- First Class seats! Once we got to STL, my parents and little brother were there to pick us up. Big hugs all around!! We passed the time talking and catching up until it was time to go to a nearby restaurant for dinner. We were met there by family friends Reggie and Amparo and their daughter, son-in-law, and baby grandson. A little later my big brother arrived from Springfield. Again I was surrounded by those I love and feeling so incredibly blessed. We had a delicious dinner and were serenaded by our waitress who happened to be the best waitress I've ever had!

After dinner big brother K had to go back home because of prior obligations, but the rest of us drove to R and A's house where were were to stay the night. At their house we got to have yummy strawberry birthday cake compliments of mom. Yes, I have had strawberry cake for every birthday since turning a year old...and I never grow tired of it!

Mother's Day began with breakfast followed by a shopping spree with mom! The boys kept themselves occupied elsewhere while mom, Amparo and I shopped ourselves silly. Gotta do that every once in a while! We had a wonderful lunch at a nearby Mexican restaurant and too soon had to be at the airport and on our way home.

Again I just have to say that I have the most wonderful husband, family and friends a girl could ever ask for. Thank you for making my birthday and every day so special.

Cheers to 30 years!

What a lucky girl I am. Turning 30 is not everyone's idea of fun, but I have to say my husband sure knows how to soften the blow. It began with a surprise trip to San Francisco. At dinner the weekend before I was suppose to fly down C handed me a wrapped box. I opened it to find a folder inside with my itinerary for the weekend. Not just the flight itinerary, but hotel reservations and plans for Friday afternoon with my girlfriends at Woodside, an early morning run on Saturday (the annual Woodside May Day Fun Run!), and a yummy dinner on Saturday night at one of the best vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco, Millennium. You can imagine my excitement!

On May 1st we headed to the airport and off I went. I was greeted at SFO by my MIL and we headed directly to First Watch, a yummy breakfast cafe in San Mateo. Once there and seated I was surprised with a visit from my friend, Andrea, who had driven down from St. Helena. What fun! It was so good to see her and have some time to catch up. After brunch, Andrea had to be on her way again and Janet and I had an appointment at Woodside. Each year that I have taught, Janet has come into my class and talked to the kinders about keeping their teeth healthy. It's quite a show! Usually C even makes an appearance as "Mr. Molar." This year was a little different, as she was unable to come to my class in Portland, but it was very fun for us to be able to continue the tradition at Woodside. The best part, of course, was seeing "my girls!" How I've missed them!!


After school we were "invited" to attend the TGI Friday that was supposedly happening at a nearby restaurant. Upon arriving, however, I soon found that it was a surprise baby shower for me. I have the bestest friends and family a girl could ever ask for!! What a wonderful moment to step inside and see so many friendly, smiling faces that I hadn't seen in much too long. It was a wonderful party! Fun games, yummy food, friendly faces, and lots of baby goodies! I am so blessed.

Soon after the party ended it was time for me to go to dinner at the home of one of my previous families. I was joined by Janet and three other Woodside teachers. Dinner was delicious and we had the best time!

Saturday morning came bright and early as we headed out from our hotel in San Mateo on our way back to Woodside for the annual May Day Fun Run, Parade and Carnival. We arrived in time to start the run, which was more of a walk for us but still very fun! After the run we had a yummy pancake breakfast and then we joined the crowd for the parade. I loved seeing so many friends and families and the opportunity to chat. The rest of the morning and early afternoon was filled with lots of activity before Janet and I headed off to the hotel in San Francisco.

After a nice Sabbath afternoon nap we got ready for our dinner out. We were not disappointed at Millennium! The food was amazing and the company even better. We were joined by Stacey M., Tracy, and Stacy C. I couldn't have wished for a better evening. What fun to be out celebrating in the city with my beautiful friends.
Sunday came too soon. Breakfast was at the nearby Starbucks, a quick shopping trip on Market Street and then off to the airport. I was excited to return home to C, but sad to leave knowing it would be a while before I got to see everyone again. It was bittersweet, but the memories still make me smile and get warm and fuzzy all over!