Happy Birthday, Mike!!

March 24th is a special day because it is my husband's birthday. There are a few things that I'd like to share with you about Mike. First, Mike is a very dedicated person. When he is excited about something he is dedicated to it and gives 100%. He then spend all his energy and time making sure he is completely dedicated. He has shown his dedication to me by being my number #1 nurse. Throughout all my health issues, Mike was dedicated to helping me feel better and doing whatever he needed to do to help me rest and relax. He fixed numerous meals, cleaned the house hundreds of times, and sat with me and waiting for me at doctors offices and hospitals for thousands of minutes. I always tell him--he is a much better nurse than I will ever be. Next, Mike is constantly thinking of others (especially family, including his six nephews and one niece).

He loves to spend time with them~which is one reason why I fell in love with him. I love how he wanted to be with family and spent time with them. We rarely go on vacation without other family. If we are on vacation, you can probably find us at Disney World.Finally, Mike puts up with my sports obsessions--well maybe I should say deals with--He is dreading the upcoming baseball season(Go Rays), but sometimes I think he responds just to see how I will react. He's always a good sport and takes me to some games.

Happy Birthday, Mom

I wish I could be with my mom to celebrate her special day. So I thought I would chose some of my mom's favorite things to highlight. (Notice I said highlight and not likes.) First, my mom does not like birds. She even doesn't like those cute pink flamingos. However, my dad enjoys flamingos so several years ago my brother and sister decided to get some flamingo "yard art" for my dad. Of course, my dad loved it, but my mom wasn't so happy about the flamingo. Soooo. . .that just started something. Every year for Christmas an Elf always brings mom or dad a special gift having something to do with a flamingo. Over time we have even named the flamingos that have joined our family.

(Notice she is even having a hard time smiling and looking at the camera.)

Next, my mom loves to travel and last year I was able to travel a lot with my mom and family. Over spring break, we went on a cruise together. We had a great time. I was so blessed to be able to go on a cruise with my parents. Even through the rain we were laughing and creating memories.


Over the summer, I went on a road trip with my mom and grandma. I flew to South Carolina and then drove to Ohio and Kentucky to visit family and friends. I got to meet some family and long time family friends that I had never met before. I have now meet all of my grandma's siblings--praising the Lord--all of her siblings are still living. They all love to get together. It was a grand memory that I hope I never forget. I love to hear the stories and what life was like when they were growing up.

I also traveled with my mom and family to Disney World. My family is NUTS about Mickey Mouse. We celebrated July 4th at the Magic Kingdom and spent a week celebrating birthday's and being together. There's no better way to enjoy the magic than to eat with the characters. When they come to your table, it just makes you feel like a kid again. Even my mom got a special hug from Tigger!!

We were waiting for the speechless 360 degree fireworks on the 4th of July. (Yes, it isn't dark yet, but we wanted to make sure we had a great view of the castle for the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.)

Happy Birthday, Mom!! I hope you have had a special day just as you have brought me a year full of special memories!
I love you!!