Happy 60th Birthday, Elaine!

Remember how Marisa's Jessie doll was stolen in Barcelona?  When I was retelling my mother-in-law, Elaine, how our robbery happened just soon after the incident, I began to tear up when talking about the part of Marisa's reaction to her doll being stolen and my heartache of hearing her sadness and fear. Elaine knowing how much it not only affected Marisa but me as her mother, without any hesitation quickly reacted and said, "Do you want me to send her a new Jessie doll? I can send her one." Such a simple act yet spoke volumes to me. She still manages a way to serve and love from even far away.

So those of you who have asked me if Marisa was able to get Jessie replaced; she did. Thanks to Grandma. :)

So, Happy Birthday to the best mother-in-law ever! I really hope you had a wonderful birthday!

The family got together in Colorado and threw Elaine a big 60th birthday party. We sure wish we had been there!
Thank you for being the kind, thoughtful woman that you are. Thank you for your righteous example and sweet hugs.  Thank you for raising a wonderful son and being an amazing mother and grandmother. Despite the fact that you have 16 grandkids you never, never, miss a birthday and you are always aware of what everyone in the family is doing. You make each grandchild, child, and in-law, even those across the pond, feel so special and loved and I admire so much about that in you.  Our girls are so lucky to have you as their Grandma!

We think of you often and look forward to our weekly chats on skype. At random times Marisa has cried in the middle of the day for no apparent reason and when I ask her what is wrong she says, "But, I just love Grandma and Grandpa", or "I miss Grandma and Grandpa." We can't wait to move back and be close again. We love you!
I asked the girls what message they wanted to say to Grandma and they said,

Marisa: "I love you."
Natalie: "Grandpa!" (I'm sure she wanted to say "Happy Birthday".)

Happy Birthday!!