Happy MLK Jr. Weekend!

Dear Family and Friends, I can't believe it is already Wednesday! I guess that happens when you get Monday off work. This Monday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and I personally spent the day appreciating Dr. King's achievements and the federal government for making it a holiday. The holiday reminded me of a time when I worked on Capitol Hill. My former boss, Anne Northup, submitted legislation to get a marker placed on the Lincoln Memorial to mark the spot where Dr. King delivered his famous, "I have a Dream" speech. Once Congress approved Anne's legislation, a great ceremony was held in August to unveil the engraving. To be honest, I was not looking forward to staffing my boss at this event. It was a HOT day in August and we were going to be outside in our best suits for a long time! But Coretta King came for the ceremony and as the ceremony began, we sat where many stood and listened over loud speakers to Dr. King's voice giving the "I Have a Dream" speech. It was incredibly moving. I closed my eyes and listened to his powerful voice boom across the National Mall with such power and conviction. By the end of the speech I had goose bumps! I truly felt like I was in the presence of Dr. King's spirit. To think that so many of his dreams came true - and how sad that he was not able to live to see their effects as they rippled through history. Part of what brought this to mind was my HUGE weekend accomplishment - cleaning our home office! Now when I say clean the office, I don't mean just dust and vacuum, I also mean going through all our files and drawers and organizing and labeling! While going through old files, I found the picture posted here of the engraver, marking the spot, at the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. King spoke. On Sunday Chris and I went to Mass and then to Chipotle for lunch! (YUM) We then had friends over to watch some football. We all planned to go to the same party for the second playoff game so I baked brownies to take with us. I was SO excited to get to use my Christmas gift from Dad Supple - A Perfect Brownie Pan - As Seen On TV! Well, like most "As Seen On TV" items, this pan was everything the commercial promised! Each little brownie square turned out perfectly! We tried a chocolate and peanut butter brownie recipe and everyone devoured the brownies. I wasn't the only one excited to try this gift. Chris was so excited that I "let him" do the unveiling. That's the part when you remove the divider and drop the sides of the pan so you just see what's pictured! On Monday, Chris and I mostly relaxed. We also went shopping and I helped Chris pick out some work clothes. He looked really sharp on Tuesday in his new shirt and dress shoes. In closing, I would like to say a prayer for those in Haiti. I heard on the news today that toothpaste is one of the most coveted items because people are using it to rub under their noses so they don't smell the dead bodies. How terribly heart breaking is that? I honestly cannot even imagine how horrible it is there. For this reason we are sending donations to Catholic Charities and saying lots of prayers. I love you all, and I'm so thankful for all of my blessings! ~Bethie Prayer: Loving and compassionate God, You understand the pain of loss, the heartache of bereavement, May we hold in our hearts all those whose families or friends have died. You are a light that shines in the darkest times, Guide us and heal our brothers and sisters in their sorrow. You comfort us in times of fear, May we comfort each other, even across the miles that keep us apart. You console and lead us in times of doubt and confusion, May we follow the light of your love, and spread hope. You move our hearts to acts of generosity, May we be led to share what we have with those in need. God of Life, may we be signs of your compassion in the heart of your world. Amen