Happy Birthday Chickadee

Anyone born on New Year's Eve must know what it's like to combine the past and the future.

Not only do you share your birthday celebration with everyone using the Gregorian calendar, but also your special day signifies the end of another year; with hopes for a bright tomorrow.
Endings and Beginnings.
Laying down the Past and looking towards an unknown Future.

For me, 33 years ago, that happened to me.

Until then, my life was uncharted, unsure.

But on the 31st of December, my oldest daughter was born.
She changed my life.
Once I did the rudimentary 10 fingers/toes check and took a deep breath, it was down to business for me.
I was determined to be the best Mom out there.
I had so much love to give and couldn't wait to share it.
By the next day, January 1st,
I knew just which direction I was going in.
And what a beautiful journey it has been.

Of course I can't take full credit for the
wonderful woman she is today.
I think her Dad was just as excited about being a parent as I was.
She'll always be his little girl.

Now I could go on and on about all Melanie's attributes :
Caring, Conscientious and Considerate.
Meticulous, Kind and Helpful (to name a few).
But, I am a tad bit biased.

Anyone who knows Melanie, however, will agree with me that she is
Sensitive and Compassionate to others needs.

Most times before her own. 

And silly? Yes, she can be silly.

But there probably isn't a sister alive who cares as much about her siblings as she does.
In fact, she's almost like a second Mother.
Protective and Vigilant.

What you may not know is that she is rather dainty.
Yea, she plays Volleyball, Spins, Runs and Mountain Bikes, but not in an all-out-there-knock-'em-dead way.
It's one thing to be competitive. It's another to sacrifice your body.
When she played basketball, she would rather beat her opponent with graceful agility than block with a sweaty box out.
Ahhhh...she knows how to put a touch elegance into everything.

I am so happy she has found the love of her life.
She is happy and it shows.

In fact, her optimistic view about EVERYTHING is contagious.
It's intoxicating just to be around her.

The word I think of when I think of Melanie is:
Bubbly.

Yes, I am so fortunate to have such an inspiring daughter.

My daughter.

My friend.

She got stuck with me, but I learned from her.

Happy Birthday MelBel
I Love You

MERRY CHRISTMAS

May the

JOY & PEACE

of the Christmas Season

be with you throughout the coming year

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Eddie

OK. This post is gonna be a bit long and... yes, mushy and gushy.

(Now's your chance to close out if you wish)

It's Eddie's Birthday.

Although he's already heard all this before, I can never repeat it enough.

I consider myself one of the fortunate ones.
After 33 years of marriage, my pulse still quickens and my heart pumps harder when I’m with Eddie. It’s not hard, though, to love him.
Everywhere I go, the women all love him and the men find him slightly silly and sappy.

Early on in our marriage, Ed would ask me,
 “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
And I’d always answer,
 “Eddie’s girl.”
It was our mantra and made us smile.
We’re not just partners in a journey; we’re friends who share smirks and giggles.

 He once cooked me a heart-shaped meatloaf for Valentine’s Day, an other time rented me a convertible for a day to drive to “no where”, and once rowed me around the lake in Central Park on my birthday; he tries to make special days memorable.

But when it comes down to it, it’s the everyday things that endear Ed most; drawing us closer as the years go by.
Each morning starts with freshly ground, whole bean, prepared the night before, brewed coffee.
And after we leave for our respective occupations, the occasional “I’m just thinking of you” call keeps us connected.
These “ordinary” gestures are reminders of his daily thoughtfulness.

In addition, he is not ashamed to say he loves me; often.
Or that I am beautiful; and I instantly feel so.
He begins each day whispering in my ear a quiet, drowsy-eyed, “Good Morning” – good to begin a new day together - and ends each one with, “I hope I see you tomorrow” – because we both know, first hand, sometimes tomorrow never comes.

But even more often, Ed’s actions speak louder than his words.
The way he looks at me, unexpectedly reaches for my hand, or softly pushes a strand of hair behind my ear. He can speak wordlessly to me from across a crowded room with just a wink.
He has cried for me, sighed for me and prayed for me.
He tickles, teases and spoils me.
When life gets me down, he knows how to turn my up-side-down,
in-side-out fears and emotions into calmness; always there with a listening ear and an understanding heart.
In his arms I feel secure, enclosed in warmth.

As a result, many a hug has cheered me and convinced me to go forward. It is because Ed has such a selfless attitude that he is able to bring out the best in me.
And his kiss…..well, it’s bliss.
Yes Kaitlyn, I still think he's HOT ;)

(OK. I warned you.
This is like the seventh inning stretch.
You can still X to leave.)

In this age of liberation for women, I like it when he holds the door for me or carries the groceries into the house. I consider him a gentleman when he pulls my chair out at a restaurant or offers his hand when stepping out of the car.
Chivalry isn’t dead with Ed.

Together, we tackle chores around the house.
There are no “his” and “her” lists because we are a team.
As a result, often, Ed washes the dishes while I tackle the bills, he throws in a load of wash, I lay down the lawn fertilizer.
Our lives revolve around each other.
Although we have our separate interests, we always consider each other when making plans; it is a courtesy that has grown out of mutual respect.

When it all comes down to it,

We're Just Better Together.
I'm so grateful to spend my Life with this man..

   And, of course, you know by now, I’ll always want to be 

Eddie’s girl.

Happy Birthday Eddie.

I love you

Happy Birthday Russell

Tomorrow, December 11 is my little brother's birthday.

Although I'm not willing to tell you how much younger he is than me, let it suffice to say, most people think we're twins ;)
When he was born, my first reaction to this familial change was, "What? Are you kidding me? Another brother?"
But since then, he's proved himself to be an integral part of our family.

Most of you know that he is a very busy guy.
Studying, Studying, Studying.

Fortunately, he's found a wife that can keep up with his schedule...

And he obviously knows that all work and no play makes
Jack Russell a dull boy.

He has a wonderful sense of humor; quick to laugh,
but never at any one's expense.
He is kind, thoughtful and
(although he may not want me to share this)
has a sensitive side. 

On the serious side, he takes his position as pastor
with the respect and earnestness it deserves.
I'm proud to say he married my daughter.

Although as the older, more mature, intelligent
(I could add beautiful but might be pushing it)
aged-to-perfection sister,
I must admit there are some things he just does
better and knows more about.
For instance, whenever I have a computer dilemma
(and I'm sad to say the questions are usually rather dumb ones)
he's always there to point me in the right direction.
OK. I'll admit it.
He's SMART.

I'll admit I never pictured him as a Dad.
But along with everything else he does, he parents with patience and warmth.

All around, he's a terrific

Father, Uncle, Pastor, Husband, Son & Friend.

But to be honest with you, to me, he'll always be

My Little Brother.

Happy Birthday Russell

Happy Birthday Katydid!

 My baby is a Quarter of a Century old today.

She was born on her Grandmother's birthday and so I must admit she's always been a bit spoiled...

Always impish and seldom shy, she tried her hand at athletics early.

And we all know where that took her....1000 point High School shooter in Basketball.

Now you know she had to push and shove her way around the court to reach that goal, but don't let that fool you...

she can put on the charm when she wants to.

Hasn't she got a Beautiful Smile?

She's also musical (cello, violin & piano) and has always loved singing...

especially in the bathroom (Star Spangled Banner, anyone?) 

She's also adventurous; 

Traveling to Mexico and Europe on her own.

And open to trying.....well, just about anything.

Are you really mopeding  in a dress?

But we cannot leave out the sassy side.

(To few time outs, I guess. Did I mention spoiled?)

Confidence? Oh Yea. She's got it. 

Don't even think about arguing with her if she's convinced she's right.

She is the Debate Team and you're gonna lose.

Fortunately, we can still get a few snuggles out of her. 

And I still enjoy lounging on my bed with her.....

even if she hogs all the covers. 

And the pillows. 

And stretches to fill all the space.

She is also competitive. 

In Scrabble, Puzzles, Monopoly and....... the list goes on;

in just about everything now that I think of it.

And she beats me every time.

Oh! Did I mention sassy?

Hmmm. A little soap might be appropriate here.

Don't let that stern game face fool you.

She's downright silly at times! And doesn't care who see it!

It hasn't always been easy being the youngest.

Older brothers can be rough.

But that's what has made her tough.

But there's also a softer side of her; contemplative.

She's comfortable spending time alone.

What a wonderful young woman she's become!

Now I could go on and on about how considerate, kind and loving this beautiful daughter of mine is.

But to avoid her any more embarrassment, I'll just let you know that I will always be proud that she is my little girl.

Happy Birthday Katydid. 

I love you.