My Happy Place

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This is currently my happy place.  I love it SO MUCH.

There is a splash pad that is just about a mile from my house and it is fantastic.  I load up a bag with my blanket, snacks, water, and the umbrella and load Cameron onto the bike.  I am sure I look beyond foolish as I haul all these things over to the park on a little bike, but it works! Sitting under my umbrella with my water and watching Cameron play in the sun really brings me so much happiness.  And I just love going there!

Instagram'd Summer

I love all seasons for their unique reasons.  Summer emotes a feeling of family, energy, sunshine, memories, and fun.  With the oh-so-wonderful Instragram, I've been able to track our summer with clips here and there.  #morrellsummer2014.

Here are a few things that we've been up to so far: (R to L)

(1) There was a huge rain storm right at the start of summer that flooded our backyard.  The area we live in is primarily clay for soil, so the water had nowhere to go!  It was a fairly warm day, considering, so I sent Cameron out to play in the puddles like a real boy.  And he just loved it.  Made for a darling scrapbook page as well.  Bonus.

(2) Last summer, we had dad home a ton.  This summer, he is gone a whole lot more, so when the weekends are here, we are making a special point to spend time together out.  That has been really great in the memory making department, and it makes it feel like summer.

(3) Mark got bikes for his birthday and we have been going on bike rides constantly ever since.  I opted for the attached seat rather than the drag behind cart and sometimes wonder if that was the best choice.  Eh - too late now.  Cameron really loves it for the first 30 minutes.  But anything longer than that and he is pretty much done.

(4) Cameron is really into sunglasses right now.  Yet not enough for me to buy them for him because, although darling, he doesn't keep them on his face.

(5) With some new dieting goals, popcorn is really the only treat that I get. And, sometimes, when I'm craving, Kettle Corn really does the trick.  It's delicious.

(6) Cameron and I find ourselves at the neighborhood park at least 3 times a week.  I am always surprised when I get a few towers up without the destructor coming through.  So this one I was REALLY excited about.  It sat there until we had to go. Guess Cameron thought it was pretty neat too.

(7) Cousins and Uncle Tom.  I love the relationship that Tom tires to build with these boys.  And I love the cousins thing going on too.  Cameron is growing up in a really great place.

(8) "Holy Bugs"  Our back yard is filled with these Rolly Polly bugs. I know they are called something different in every state, but for me, they are rolly bugs.  And Cameron really likes them.  As soon as he sees one he will run right over, crouch down near it and say, "hi holy bug...hi".  It's to die for cute.

(9) Love my buddy. I love being a mom.  I have wanted nothing more than a whole quiver full of kids to raise. Not joking! By the world standards, I'm crazy. But I want it.  #iwantadozen

(10) The neighbors here are epic. I seriously LOVE the Reads. They have a super cool play house in their backyard with all kinds of slides and swings and a house like thing. It's awesome. And she is the sweetest thing on the planet - always inviting us over to just relax with her while the kids play.  Cameron calls it the "next Park". As in next door...so fun.

(11) Cameron is quickly approaching the graduation from the crib phase.  So I am making him a fantastic bed comforter/quilt for his new twin bed. And I love it so much.  I'm hoping to have it done before fall.  New school year, new bedroom decor, new bed.

(12) With Mark working for the Larry H. Miller corp, in addition to the Jazz team, he is also responsible for the suites at the Bee's baseball games.  So, we've been to several.  Nothing says summer to me more than a warm night at the baseball park with ice cream, huge waters, and a hot dog. I love it.  Cameron loves it.  Happy summer days.

(13) "This is happening"  Sometimes, a cheat needs to happen. And I was surprised how delicious these cookie ice cream sandwiches (target brand) were. When asked how it was, I responded, "too small."

(14) Oddly, Cameron has been fascinated with watches lately.  Obviously, he can't tell time. I'm not that crazy of a teacher/mother. But he does like to wear them occasionally and I oblige. Can't hurt right?

(15) We've been traveling this summer a few times. My friends here think I travel "all the time" but it was just 2 back to back trips.  I don't do it that often. Although I do do it more than others. Okay, I like to travel. I digress.  Last month we travelled to Arizona and then a few weeks later, to Iowa/Nauvoo.  (a post to come shortly). Cameron is an AWESOME traveller. Like, seriously. Better than most adults. #iwantadozen

(16) Lovin' my little family. Love these summer days we're having. Love. Love. Love.

Sister's Summer Challenge

 I love goal setting.  I love self improvement and self reflection and self mastery.  AND - I love lists.  This makes goal setting my kind of thing!

However, usually when the summer hits, I feel hot, and grumpy, and lazy, and boring and all my "new me" ideas seem to get lost in the "how low can I set the A/C" thoughts.  Tragic.

Solution? The Sister's Summer Challenge.  My sister's and I started this last year with the goals to be more healthy, be more active, and be more involved as mom's.  And you know what? It worked. So, this year - we are back on the train and so far I am LOVING it.  We have a list of things that we can get points for completing daily, weekly, or monthly. (hence the more recent blogging)  Spiritual things like read your scriptures 15 minutes or write in your journal/blog/scrapbook a moment.  There are physical things like drink 100 oz or more of water, physical activity, and no junk food.  And there are mom things like read to the kids. It really is doing it's job at making me have purpose and focus during the weeks.

What's the reward at the end? Well, I am self motivated, so a reward doesn't really entice me much.  We have lofty goals of planning a Vegas reunion again if we all master 90% and loose 6% of weight.  We'll see if that works out though.

And so, to echo Elder M. Russell Ballard - I am throughly excited to master these goals and be able to look back at this summer and see a great difference in the results!

I love to see Temple Square

I have thought many times how really beautiful Salt Lake City is.  And Utah in general.  I have especially loved taking trips into the city to just be among the architecture and history of it all.  For our first Summer Calendar adventure, we made our way over to the Temple Square and enjoyed some photos and our sweet boy singing the primary hymn "I love to see the temple" in his toddler voice.  So precious.

It just so happened that my mother and Joe were passing through town on their way back to Iowa, so they joined in the fun.  This also presented the opportunity to get a few family shots in.  Cameron adores his Papa Joe and Grandma. And what a sweet blessing it is to have such great examples of faith and testimony in his grandparents.  I really appreciate that blessing in my life.  I take very seriously my responsibility to teach Cameron in the ways of the Lord, and love that I have the great example of my parents to refer to.

It was a great start to our summer days.  And yes, I did make another delightful summer calendar to keep us busier than ever. Cuz that's the kind of mom I am.

Arizona Heat

I am not sure why I always choose to go to Arizona in the summertime, but holy hot vacation!  But, it's totally worth it to spend some time with my brothers and their families. 

We spent most of the time in the water, to try and beat the heat.  One splash pad after another, these kiddos ran and sun bathed and played together so cute!  My youngest brother just moved his family to the area so, we got to get together the with them and their daughter too, which was icing on the cake!

Our biggest adventure was when we decided to take the kids to Camp Verde to see the old Indian houses in the rocks.  Lesley had memories of walking around them when she was a kid, and knowing my history heart, we made the drive out there.  If only we knew what adventure we had signed up for.  The 2 hours drive turned into 4 hours as we got stuck on the highway waiting for a RV fire to be cleared from the road.  We unloaded the kids and had lunch right there on the road - an adventure the kids really loved.  Cameron screamed for the better part of the trip, which was awesome! (boo). Once we finally arrived, the kids ran and ran while we snacked on some more food before taking the walk down to the house.  Only later to learn that we couldn't actually walk into the houses; and it was a different place that Lesley was remembering.  Oh how we laughed.  A 4 hours drive for a 20 minute walk around a small loop.  But - I did LOVE the pictures we got, and the memory is priceless.

Always a great visit to see those Arizona cousins.  Cameron and Spencer are more frienemies right now, but it will get better!

Happy Father's Day

I miss him.  I love him. I wonder about his life now. But most of all, I am just so blessed and grateful that I get to be his daughter.  Forever.

Love you dad.
Kay

An Easter Celebration

We had a perfect-weather kind of Easter this year and enjoyed spending it in our new home with our little family.  Big bonus of our new place was that it offers a private fenced backyard which I LOVE. We decorated a few eggs with Cameron and then set them out for the bunny to hide - like every family does.

It was really fun this year because Cameron understood the hunt and find concept.  He loved getting the eggs and dropping them in the bucket.  I should have had more protection for the eggs as several suffered injuries in the process.  My baskets this year were another success.  I love that little tradition that my mother did for me.  Cameron got his sidewalk chalk that he won in his baby contest last year, and LOVED it.  So much so, I'll be needing to invest in more stat.

We did have a delightful dinner with the family at the Morrell's place where I was in charge of rolls.  I threw in a few cupcakes strictly for my creative needs. I had pinned so many cute ideas I had to make something. And they turned out darling, which I loved!

Happiest 5 Years

I know, it's been a long time.  And I continue to start my posts with an acknowledgement of my lack of posting.  I'll regret the scarcity when it comes time to put together my family yearbook, that is for sure.  Alas, I can't bring back the past, so on we go.

Five years ago, all my dreams came true when I snagged this man and he made me his wife.  I really couldn't have dreamed up a better life, a better marriage, or a better companion for me.  I am so lucky and so in love.  Happy 5th anniversary to us.  Is it such a surprise that we decided on Disneyland as our Five Year celebration spot?  It shouldn't be, being that this is where it all started for us.  Our first date was a walk in the "park" and we haven't looked back since.  We didn't even question bringing Cameron along with us, being that we waited so long to have him join our family and feel blessed every day that he is with us! Love this little family of mine and all that we share together!

We spent three days in Disneyland, and even spoiled ourselves by staying at the Disneyland Hotel.  That was super swanky for me being that I had never been a guest at the hotel.  And it was our anniversary so the additional expense ($$$) was worth it.  There isn't a whole lot to say about our trip, other than it was wonderful, so here is a pictorial journal of the happiness we feel here.

The buddy LOVES Disneyland (he didn't really have a chance to not given the amount of exposure that he gets from his parents) and his reaction to the rides and characters was heart warming.

We were surprised to learn that Cameron was tall enough for Tow-Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, Autopia, AND the Go Gadget Coster.  Our little boy is growing up.

I think my Mother-In-Law said it best when she said "your little boy was born to smile".  He is such a happy smiley boy - I really couldn't have asked for more!

We loved our trip and can't wait to go back.  We are seriously happier here than any other place in the world.  I am so grateful to be married to a man who shares the fascination and love of the magic that Walt Disney has created.  I am so lucky that he brings all the romance and fantasy and happily ever afters to our home and family.  These have been the happiest 5 years (and 1 month) of my life.  Love you Mark.

Tell Me the Stories

Another new venture for my little ol' self!  And I am pretty excited about it.  For the last little while, I have been making teaching aids to help in our lessons around Scripture stories.  Cameron loves to have something to hold while we learn, and these little aids have been a great help to me.  Recently, I've had a few friends encourage me to sell these as PDF files for other moms to use in their homes; thus the beginning of "Tell me the Stories".

Go and check out my Etsy shop and like my Facebook page.  Share me with your playgroups and neighbors and friends.  I might just have something that will help you in your endeavor to teach your children the stories of Jesus.

{See my Esty Shop Here}

{Like my Facebook Page Here}

Deuteronomy 11:19
And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sit test in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou list down, and when thou risest up.


President Boyd K Packer - Feb 2000 Ensign
"It is consummately important to teach the gospel and life's lessons to children and youth.  The Lord places the first responsibility upon parents and warns them:

"Inasmuch as parent have children in Zion, ... that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by th elaying on of hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents." (Doctrine & Covenants 68:25)

Like a Sista'

I am beeeee-hind in my blogging. I know this.  I have no excuse other than when I have the time, I don't have the creative juices or the energy to post. But - I have a moment now and am willing myself to get this down.  Mostly, because I miss my blog being updated. Tragic.

Several weeks ago, I enjoyed the joyous Lauren-Kaylinn weekend.  We have been able to get together a few times each year since our college days and I just love it.  She has a way to just rejuvenate my soul. We eat junk and watch rubbish and talk about life till dawn.  She teaches me so much about being a good mom and wife, and is a great example of being in the "Happy Wife Club". So this weekend was one that I was more than looking forward to.

Lauren's youngest boy is only a few weeks old, so I was really excited to just hold that little bundle of baby and celebrate in his arrival to their family.  As a bonus - Cameron was old enough to interact with the other 2 kids and actually build some relationships there. Speaking of Cameron, he was a champion on the airplane - there and back.  There - we had the whole row to ourselves, and back - we just watched a lot of the iPad. Bless that device when traveling with toddlers.

Seaside was the best getaway I've had in a while.  Lauren booked a room right on the ocean where we enjoyed some sand, surf, and an occasional sun. I must mention the vending machine run being a bit of a bust; don't you worry, we sought out the working machine 3 floors away.  This is the kind of friendship we have!  We spent some time in town and ate some delicious coastal fish; I couldn't have asked for anything better.

What I love most about my friendship with Lauren is our ability to just sit and talk and enjoy each others company without having to be entertained.  We laugh at the same oddities in others, we bond over trashy television programs, and we eat like our waste lines can handle a few more pounds.  As Anne of Green Gables puts it - she is my kindred spirit.  And I can't wait to see her again.

Uh- Laundry's done. Gotta run.  I have goals for 4 posts this week, so...we'll see.

Big River

As a part of my Birthday surprise, (long time ago - I know, but it's worth a post) Mark had set up a tickets and a babysitter to the stage production of Big River.  To most, this wouldn't be much of an excitement, but to me, Big River hold great sentimental value.  

You see, many many moons ago, my father went to a white elephant Christmas party. His parting gift was a copy of the Big River soundtrack and only moments after he popped that baby in, he was hooked. Our whole family listened to its tracks hundreds of times.  We even did a ward lip-sync number to one of the songs, a fond memory that brings a smile to my face every time.  

My dad went to the actual stage production several years later during a week that I was at a church youth camp, Especially for Youth. I was so sad that they all went without me! Another several years later, my dad got sick.  Really sick.  And on days when things weren't so good, mom would put in Big River and it would bring a smile to his weak, thin face.  Clear up to the day he died, he loved this music.

When the local community theater had this production on their schedule, Mark knew it was a no brainer, slam dunk, best-spouse-of-the-year gift.  And he was right.  I cried, literally cried, when he said we had tickets to go.  I sat in the seat and sang every song. (I really tried to whisper or mouth the words so as to not disturb the others around me) and I loved every moment.  AND, the seat next to me was empty for the entire production.  Yes, I totally envisioned my dad occupying that seat.  Such a fantastic moment to just relish in the memory of my dad.  Oh how I miss him sometimes.

March Madness

This month was nuts.  Absolute chaos here in our spot of the world.  I'm not even really sure how long it will take me to recount all the gloriousness of it all for the blog to enjoy.  So - It'll be several events in one long post. Because that is just how crazy our month was.

In no particular order. (Thank goodness for modern smartphone technology that made photography possible in my life)

(1) Disney on Ice:
  I have always had a secret want to go and see Disney on Ice.  I remember many an opportunity while living in Southern California, and single, that I passed up because I just knew it wasn't kosher to go to this sort of thing.  Having a young boy doesn't make it kosher, BUT when  your friend has an age appropriate daughter - I was totally in.  Mark procured us some tickets in a box seat (see "new job" below) and we got some goodies to enjoy the magic.  I must say, I wasn't slightly displeased.  Most parts were good, but other parts were REALLY bad.  Like the story of Merida and Brave - I feel like they missed the entire movie.  None the less, we had a marvels trip on the train, and a delightful show with a delightful friend.  Win - Win - Win.

(2) Grandma's Funeral:
  Four days before our scheduled moving day, Grandma Wright passed away.  Which made her funeral land the day before the moving truck showed up at our house.  Holy crazy week of my life! I quickly spent Tuesday and Wednesday packing up everything possible and then hit the road at 4am on Thursday Morning. Driving the roads of Montana was like a joyous dream to me.  I just loved those open roads of my Dad's country.  We just happened to take a pit stop in an old forgotten mining town where there was an abandoned Prison (now historic monument) and some cool 1909 Sears Building Kits. Radical. Mom cross-stitched the whole way, Cameron enjoyed the iPad, and I just loved on the scenery.  Going by the old house where many of our child hood memories steam was just icing on the cake.

We got into town by about 3:00 or so, and swung over to see all the Wright family that had come into town.  Oh how I love these familiar faces of my Father's family.  Love love LOVE!

The Funeral was held on Friday afternoon.  A beautiful service with such delightful memories of my grandmother.  And funny stories; man that lady was a hoot to have around. After some good food and photos, it was back on the road for the 3 of us so we could make it back in time for the moving truck. (I can see how it was confusing for many of my Facebook followers to see photos of me in the Montana countryside with talk of moving trucks on it's heels.  No, we didn't move to Montana; heaven help us if we ever did)

(3) New Job and a Move
  This change came as a somewhat unexpected surprise.  Several months back, Mark had seen the Jazz advertise for a position that interested him.  Out of sheer curiosity, he decided to apply. Weeks passed and we heard nothing, until randomly, he got a call with an invitation for an interview.  Wham Bam - Mark was hired to help "fix" can we say, the struggling VIP Service Management team. He is working for the Larry H. Miller Sports Group which includes the NBA Jazz Team, the Minor League Bees Baseball team, and the events at the EnergySolutions Arena. Specifically, the VIP guests that reserve the Suite level box seats. He is still a licensed real estate agent on the side, as well as our Real Estate ventures with Strongbrook.  So - he is a busy man. This Jazz gig is relatively short term, so - we plan to enjoy it while it lasts.

  Such a drastic change in our lifestyle had Mark commuting from our Orem home up to Salt Lake City on a daily basis.  Almost a 3 hour round trip commute.  So - for quality of life, we decided to hack the commute and move north.  After a one day house hunt, we found a delightful little spot to rent that is just a short drive to the office allowing Mark to leave later, come home for lunch, and return at the end of the day in just a few minutes.  Glorious!

  So, after driving all night home from the Funeral, we were ready to pack up and move to the new place on Saturday morning.  (pictures of the new place in a separate post when I get it all pretty-enough-for-pictures)

(4) I Love Quilting
  I have picked up this delightful hobby from my Mother-In-Law and am hooked. I finished my first quilt in just 6 weeks, and started on my second one shortly thereafter.  It is so fun to take all these different fabrics and them sew them together into fun shapes and patterns.  The brown colored star block in the center of the photo is the current quilt I am working on; the spring colors is my first quilt.  Very addicting, and very fun!

Ooo-Whee.  What a crazy few weeks.  I just got back from a trip to Portland to visit my dearest college buddy and will post on that in the near future, along with the new place which I am loving already. Happy March everyone -- we aren't slowing down just yet. More fun posts coming.

Introducing The Diz Daddy

This has been a project in the making for some time now, and we are excited to finally launch it onto the World Wide Web!  Mark has been a lover of all things Disney for his entire life.  He even went through a stint where he was convinced he would make a career working for the Happiest Company on Earth.  After 4 years with the Mouse, our lives moved us away from Disneyland, but that never stopped the masses asking Mark questions about how to experience Disney with the best possible outcome.  All kinds of tricks and tips and trivia are cooped up in this man's head, it was high time for him to let it out on the world.  Thus - The Diz Daddy.

We've created a website that will house his Disney going strategies, tips and tricks of the trade, and posts about anything Disney related.  It is his passion, and he was meant for it! And now, we're live and loving the quick response we've gotten.

So - head over to the website and subscribe to the newsletters that will come out monthly.  Read through the posts, and bookmark the site to get to it often.  Sometimes it's just fun to read through, even if you aren't planning a trip anytime soon! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, submit your photos and be a part of the growing Diz Daddy following.

{The Diz Daddy Website}

{The Diz Daddy Facebook Page}

I couldn't be more proud or excited for this new hobby of Mark's.  He really is going to be amazing at it, and I'm so lucky that I get to stand next to him and be a part of it.  Love that man of mine!

Little Dude

I am so in love with watching this little boy grow up.  He is becoming more and more independent, curious, active, and fun with each passing day.

** Has recently discovered pockets; especially in his coats.  He loves putting his hands in his pockets when we are out walking around.

** LOVES the park.  Will often ask to go to the park several times a day.  And I oblige this request, several times a day. (hey, you do what you can when the hours pass slowly) He has mastered the slides of all sizes, and will go up the stairs and down the slide and around and around again and again. For hours.  It is delightful to watch.

** Is a magnet to all things junk food. I blame myself on this one. I can't resist an ice cream cone, and neither can my son.  He can detect the treat from rooms away, and come running in for a bite.

** It's been a slow transition into nursery but I am happy to report that he will stay in and enjoy the class by himself for the better part of the 2 hour block.  I go in with him for the first 15 minutes or so, and then hug him goodbye, several screams and tears follow but the nursery leaders assure me that he calms down after a minute or two and is fine the rest of the class.

** Addicted to the Screen.  I am working hard at decreasing the screen time in our home, but it is a challenge.  He is so good at zoning out to the tube! (not a good thing, I'll admit). His favorites are Monsters University - it gets me through the morning with a shower and a cleaned kitchen. And an episode of Super Why before Lunch and one before Dinner.  Again, allows me a minute to get something done.  I try to fill the rest of the hours with learning fun, but the screen always seems to itch it's way in. UG.

** Can count to 10. I give all the credit to his father on this one.  I am one proud mamma I will say.  I have no idea when the age benchmark is for counting, but I'm pretty glad that we've made it there. His attention span for books could use some improvement, we're working on that. But he loves puzzles, coloring, bubbles, and the park. ;)

We are a little biased, yes, but we will agree with those who compliment on the handsome nature of our boy.  He is darling, and he really is always really happy.  Lots will comment that he is always smiling and laughing when they see him, and I am really happy to say that he really is a delightfully happy boy.  I am a lucky mamma to have him around.

Birth-Week 2014

Twas another fantastic week celebrating all things I enjoy most.  With Mark being gone most of the week, I was left to fend for myself for all of my entertainment.  So - Cameron and I filled our days with a few things that I like.  My shameless "I'm 31 now" photo; still loving the brown hair.

Monday, we went up to Salt Lake and walked around The Gateway, and then took the train home just to enjoy the scenery. Tuesday, we went and walked around BYU, got some ice cream, and some office supplies from the bookstore. Lovely.   Wednesday, I spent an entire day sewing my second quilt with my mother-in-law. Very delightful. Thursday was a walk around the mall for some window shopping and another drive to SLC to go to dinner with a very dear friend at The Cheesecake Factory.   Mom had gifted me a few items this year that I opened slightly early on. She knows me too well and I am so grateful for her thoughtfulness in planning what to get me.  Time to loose these 30 lbs from the last 5 years! Like, for real this time.

 Friday was my actual birthday, and it was the most low key.  I was without a car that day so Cameron and I walked the 2.25 miles to Walmart to seek out my perfect Birthday Cake ingredients.  Sadly, there was no Rainbow Chip icing, so the whole trip was a waste! After a short rest, I was pleasantly surprised when the entire Morrell clan made a trip down to eat at Goodwood. Saturday turned out to be the biggest surprise yet, planned by my marvelous husband and his partner in crime, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth had called a few days prior to ask me to go to dinner with her in Salt Lake as her birthday gift to me.  I was thrilled, and so got the sitter and anticipated the fun trip.  She came to get me, and on our way up, she just casually said that we were going to grab a small bite to hold us over until the event crowds died down, then enjoy a real dinner later that night.  Some simple shopping and just hanging out would make the evening perfect.  Upon our arrival, we saw that the wait time for the restaurant of choice was too long, so we headed down the street to a second option.  Passing a nail salon, I casually said how much I loved acrylic nails, and BAM-Elizabeth had me in the chair getting them done before I could contest the idea.  Afterward, we walked rather quickly down the block to this awesome waffle hut for some dessert/dinner food which I didn't realize at the time, but she was eating pretty fast and rushing us along.  AS soon as we finished up that meal, she asks "what time is it now?"  "20 till 8" I reply.  "Then we have to book it 5 blocks to the Arena because we have tickets to see Brian Regan!

WHAT!!!! I was so surprised.  It wasn't on my radar AT ALL.  Usually, when Mark plans a surprise for me, it is at least somewhat on my radar.  But this was totally, not at all what I had mentally planned for the evening. So - along with the rest of the state of Utah, I headed into watch a really fantastic comedian share his hilarious talent as my birthday surprise.

Mark, you really outdid yourself this year.  I couldn't have been a luckier woman to have landed you as my man. And to Elizabeth who is my delightful new friend, and a real winner in my book! May she ever know how much I appreciate her friendship.

Coupled with all the Facebook shout outs, text messages, phone calls, and cards in the mail, it was a very Happy Birthday to me. Love my life.