the birthday girl

i will very soon become an age of which i cannot even say out loud. if wisdom comes with age i should be so wise now! alas, it does not. i wish i were a wise woman.

i'm a slow learner .... so that means that i'm extremely grateful to God for allowing me to take my sweet time to come to my senses! if life is a journey, i've taken more than my share of detours. i am not an optimist. i wish i were. i have to work hard to try to be one. i try. harder....like avis?

so here is my gratitude list ~ just a few:

~ i am so grateful for a supportive and loving husband

~ the three beautiful daughters that God so lavishly gave us

~ friends that have always been just that

~ a sister who has staying power

~ a beautiful home

~ a rockin' car

~ a God who IS

~ spring

sometimes i get overwhelmed by all the mistakes i've made. i still make them. so if my husband or my children ever read this - i want to tell you how much i love you. i hope that you'll forgive all of my errant behavior and decisions that weren't the best. i'm still a work in progress for sure!

bill ~ thank you for everything. how you've put up with me is amazing. i think

we might make it!

kate ~ the most beautiful bride! think more about what you can do for your

husband on a daily basis than of yourself. these are words of wisdom that

i wish i'd have done more of.

kyle ~ you're so welcomed and loved! it's great to have a son!!

mollie ~ i love you!

emily ~ may you find what you're looking for. i know you will! be open and

ready to "do whatever it takes"!

happy birthday, sandi! i'm beginning to love you a little bit more every day! :)