Happy Birthday Mariah

Today is my baby girls birthday, she is 10. She shares her birthday with her cousin Joe who is turning 15 today. Today my last child is leaving the single digit numbers, I feel very sad! I am not ready for her to grow up.....

I am thankful to have such a beautiful girl in my life. She brings such joy and love to us all. Funny how each day they can find every which way to drive you crazy, but in the end melt your heart with their smiles and laughter.

Mariah... so many things to be said about her. She is a very strong willed child (some days the battle of wills about does me in!!). She is so determined to do her best, a perfectionist in so many ways. She is loving, caring and thoughtful. So super smart it scares me. She is an artist beyond anything I ever imagined I could be. She is such a good reader, reading at above a 6th grade level in 3rd grade. She is a good daughter, sister, cousin and friend. She brings light into each day with her sense of humor, smile and hugs and kisses.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY my gorgeous 10 year old girl!!

Happy Birthday my nephew Joe!! He is Mariah's other brother in all senses of the word. He spent much of his growing up years at our house. Darrel and I consider ourselves his second parents. And believe me if you have ever been at my house they all fight just like siblings do!!

Joe has overcome a lot in life. He started school with a learning disability and taking medication. He has overcome that and no longer needs the medication or extra help. He is thriving in high school. You can see him becoming such a grown up young man. I can't believe he is 15 yrs old. His mom has done a great job with him. We are so proud of all of his accomplishments. He is very smart, and determined to do the very best. He made his high school soccer team, out of 70+ kids that tried out, no small feat!!

Happy Birthday Joe!!!

THE BIRTHDAY KIDS!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!