Personal Holidays

Dear Gabriel,

Whoever invented the tradition of celebrating on one's birthday is a genius. I want to kiss them. I LOVE my birthday... maybe that seems conceted to some, but when else does anyone get a chance to know how much everyone loves them? What better way to celebrate 'you' than on your own personal holiday?? It is awesome.

I am 32 years young today and I can't believe how much my life has ups and downs, ins and outs, crazy times and normal times... but every year I am constantly amazed at the love I feel from people on my birthday. For some reason, my whole life, I am always surprised when people remember me and take time out for just 'me'. I am not sure where that comes from, but it is part of my thought processes. When the people I love truly take time to celebrate 'me', that is NO greater feeling in the world during that moment!

What a great reminder for me to remember others also. Happy Personal Holiday To Me! And, better yet, you have given me the best gift of all... you are being so laid back today that I get to take a bath, lay out by the pool and relax, all the while you are just hanging out and playing happily. Thanks for your gift!

I love you,

Your Mom

Refrigerator Art

Dear Gabriel, 

 Remind me in 15 years about the many levels of 'refrigerator art' we will go through as a family. We are moving, and I have the privilege of packing our 'refrigerator art' tomorrow. I find myself looking at my refrigerator and realize 'anyone could walk into my house and find out practically everything about me because of my refrigerator art'. 

 Check it out.... Sitting here looking at our refrigerator there are these things: -pictures of family and friends = my love for the people in my life -gym schedule = exercising is a daily action for me -coupons for the store = I always look for a deal -preparedness list = it is important to me that our family is ready for anything -hand written note I got from a niece on mothers day = I am sentimental -lists of foreclosed houses = our seemingly never ending search for a house -list of oils = I believe in natural healing -wedding announcements 6 months - 1 year old = I still need to send them a gift! ha ha. 

 As you get older and our family expands our 'refrigerator art' is going to evolve through many stages. I can't wait to see them.

 I love you, 

 Your Mom

History Moments

Dear Gabriel,

 So today we went over to Grandma Bo's house in order to help her with some cleaning. She just can't wait to see you each day. While we were there her husband, Art, took a 'teaching moment' with me. He said, "Andi, I am writing my history. Boy, I am a really interesting guy!" (you have to know him, he is just so funny). Then he proceeded to tell me about being in WWII, getting married, then going to the Korean war for 3 years after he got married, economic problems they had... etc. 

 Normally he jokes around a lot and is just a funny old guy. But after talking to me about his life a little bit he looked at me, extremely serious and sincerely then said, "How are you guys doing?". I had a hard time not crying because of all the stress I have felt with everything going on lately. My eyes darted away for a moment, loosing eye contact, because I didn't want him to see my emotion. I then said, "We are having a hard time." He just said, " Hmmm.... you know Andi, you might not think it now, but you are going to look back at these moments in your history and think 'those were some of the best days'. You are writing your book with your every moment. I have already written mine and don't have many moments left. Cherish your history moments.". 

 Going there today helped to give me some perspective. I want my book to be full of love, life and happiness! No matter what we might be going through right now, we will say 'this too shall pass'. I really will look back at these moments and think they are the best times of my life. 

 I love you,

 Your Mom