29 years ago

29 years ago today, in a farming community of eastern Washington, I was born to goodly, godly parents and one big brother. I don't remember much about it. But I have heard lots of stories. Probably my favorite one is that that a week later I got to go with my parents to the Seattle temple dedication. cool, huh.

23 years ago. First Oct. 19 I actually remember. A peach pizza for "cake." And my last day in Snowflake, before we moved to Mississippi for the beginning of my life in the south.

21 years ago. (unbelievable it's been so long!) the day I had waited for for FOREVER finally arrived and I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I do remember a lot about that day in Durham, NC and they are all wonderful memories. I was happy and warm and felt the Spirit a lot. I didn't want it to ever end. Especially the ordinances part--the baptism was way too fast and then the confirmation, when hands were laid on my head and I was given the gift of the Holy Ghost. I still remember being protected in that circle of tall men and feeling safe and warm and protected from the world. I can't always have a circle of men protecting me but I'm grateful for that most wonderful birthday gift of the Holy Spirit that can always protect me. And I'm grateful for my father, who did little things to make the special day even more special. I'm so blessed!

19 years ago. I got the set of the Little House books!!! And a cake with Grandma's flowers on it.

13 years ago. I wanted my license, but had to wait. But since Oct. 19 was a Saturday that year, my parents asked what I wanted to do. What kind of question was that? I always knew what I wanted on a free day. So, father and the teenagers went to Washington, D.C. to the temple and did baptisms for the dead. 8+8 and another day in a font with my father. Wonderful. That evening the branch had a dinner; it wasn't for me, of course, but I felt like it was. :)

11 years ago. I became an "adult." It was a wonderful, fun day. My siblings made awesome things for me during school that day (they were being homeschooled that year). And I had my pretty cake. And Sandra and Mrs. Nowell (the head florist at my job and my boss ) sent me a large boquet at school. And, I don't know why, but it stands out as one of my bestest Oct. 19ths.

10 years ago. Freshman year. I was so far from my family but many people made it a wonderful day anyway. Just two examples. Jordan M. (my cousin) called to see if he could do something with me at 4. I said sure. At 4 there was a knock on the door, but when I went to open it there wasn't just Jordan. There were 10 or 11 Muhlesteins, singing Happy Birthday to me. Because I was missing my family so much that day, I could not have asked for a better present. It still makes me cry. And then that evening Deanna made me stir fry. She worked for a long time, during a busy mid-term week, because I'd told her it was my favorite. And it was delicious! And (thanks for the reminder) Emily made carrot cake and her hands turned orange. (no, we did not have an electric grater in our freshman kitchen.)

9 years ago. Lots of love from roommates and friends. Flowers. gifts. Celebration. And Roland came from far away to join me and Rachel and I had a family again!

8 years ago. Bittersweet. Mostly sweet. An awesome birthday at a great time in my life. Fun party and many kindnesses. Rachel's beautiful cake. (The tinge of bitter was becasue this Oct. 19 I was supposed to be going on a mission and I wasn't.)

7 years ago. Finally on a mission--should have remember that was a most wonderful gift. Terrible day. People should not cry themselves to sleep on Oct. 19.

6 years ago. Home with my family!! Pumpkin pie for "cake." Sunday, my favorite day. The day of the week and the day of the year I was born on.

4 years ago. 25 is a big number! I was home again with family (fewer and fewer family). It was a very, very warm (90s, I think) fall day so I got to have summer foods for my meals. Cool! The best story of that day was the ice cream. One of the summer foods I decided to have was homemade strawberry ice cream. Well, I mixed it and the little boys helped churn it. Later, we got it out and started to eat it. It was so, so sweet. We were struggling to get it down. You know if my brothers can't finish their bowls of ice cream something is wrong! Suddenly I remembered--I'd forgotten to add the milk!! [I told you 25 is a big number. It's time for senility.] So, we were trying to eat pudding, cream, jello and whatever else. Yuck. We all dumped our partially eaten bowls back in the churn (no, we do not have germs in this family), added milk and a short time later had delicious ice cream. And yes, it's still a family joke.

3, 2, 1 years ago. Busy days. Happy days with friends and now lots of family. Good October 19ths.

2 years ago. Deserves special mention because on the day itself the traveling musicians of Bremen visited me. It had been a rough day (although I had gotten flowers from Mother/Nancy--so not all bad). But Sherilyn&crew to the rescue--at some hour of the evening I heard a knocking on my window (high, 2nd story window) and looked out to see a tower of people. When I went to unlock the outside door, the told me to go back inside. Then when there was a knock on my inside door, I opened it to find several singing puppets. And eventually friends and family came in to visit and cheer me up and get me ready for my party the next day. :)

Today. 29 years. It's a lovely fall day in Rogers, AR. I've had some favorite foods, gotten texts and emails. Got a card that was a great surprise (at church). And after yesterday's Sacrament meeting feel like a new person already. Even if it hadn't been Oct. 19, I would have felt like it was a rebirth day. Life is good!