Update Annie

Annie June 2009 little piggy eating yogurt, she must feed herself

Tell me, am I normal? After taking Anna back to the doctor and getting her lab results, I stewed most of day until I spoke with Sarah; Sarah is Jeremy's super smart cousin, my age, who is a pediatrician in Florida. After stewing I called my mother-in-law for Sarah's number and placed a call. She was wonderful to call the paranoid mother back the same afternoon, and I felt better after talking with her but I have started feeling paranoia again.

The lump on Anna's neck remains the same. Her white blood cell count was low, but just barely. The Dr. told me he appreciated my concern, understood where it was coming from but I was prematurely worried. I think they play it cool, and of course I think they have to, but if there was no worry on his part we wouldn't be coming back and having repeat labs, right? Is this correct deductive reasoning? I'm sure I am just being paranoid but you know as a mother and a nurse you think lump, swollen lymph nodes your mind wanders to the worst. Tell me I'm normal and there is no cause for concern.

Summer Reading List

These is my Words by, Nancy Turner. I loved this book. It is a about Sarah Prine and her experience in the Arizona territory. It seemed like this was a story true to the times (late 1800's). I loved Sarah she had girl power in her own era. She was a strong women, in tough country. She worked hard and did what she had to to survive. The romance in this book reminded me of Scarlett and Rhett from Gone With the Wind, also a wonderful book; if you haven't read it you should. Life is short, so you have to pick up a book every once in awhile. I love reading as it opens all sort of worlds. Also, it has kept me from being crazy homesick, but the crazy homesick is settling in about now.

I started my new job today. People were nice, but I'm not looking forward to learning a new system. I knew the old one so well. It was comfy like a good broken in pair of jeans. I knew what to expect, I knew the physicians and I knew the job. I'm not on labor and delivery here, I'm in the ICU of a very small hospital. I miss the new babies, the excitement of new life in the room, seeing families at their best, what a cool thing to be a part of. Well enough whining the book was about a tough women, so that is what I'll have to be: TOUGH. Sometimes though, don't you just want to not be tough, not do what you gotta do? Here is to the power of women like Sarah Prine, I'll pull up my big girl britches as, Collen Proctor says, and dig in. Read the book, I don't think it will disappoint.

Randomness

My sister Nicole made a comment awhile ago on my blog how I needed to do a post a day, so I challenged her through the blog world. I could do a post a day if she could. I thought the competition would end this week because she is out of town. Good old Lake Powell, the yearly Larsen family vacation. Wish I was there. Andrew also wishes he was there. He has talked about Lake Powell and getting a ski boat quite a lot. She wrote and scheduled all her blogs to post and so the competition is still on. I thought I would have an easy win. Jess is out though (my other sister). So here I am in the ninth hour writing my blog cause I'm not going to lose to a girl who isn't in town. I'm so glad I have sisters to do silly things like this with me. I hope we will always be close, and I can't imagine we won't.
My mom's sister died this past week. As she has been out of town I haven't been able to talk with her and ask her how she is feeling. Her passing has made me think more of my own sisters and family and how quickly time passes and how we never really know when our time will be up. I am so grateful for sisters, the gospel,and and the knowledge of forever families.
I start a new job tomorrow. A new hospital, a new department, all new. I never have liked being the new guy at work. Oh well. I am long since past having butterflies and being way nervous for a new job. I just don't love being the new guy. Wish me luck.

Beauty Find

I was completely out of Moisturizer and I picked up the Neutrogena anti-oxidant age reverse night cream and the day one as well for the SPF at Targee. I have to say this has been a good find. I love the texture, smell, and the way my skin feels after application. Like my sister Jess, smell is a big thing for me and it is delicious. So if you are looking for a good moisturizer and not a department store price pick this baby up. Happy Moisturizing!

Meal Time

Andrew October 2008 eating a PBJ Sandwich

As a mother, meal time is possibly the worst time of the day. It seems just as you have finished or mostly finished cleaning up from the previous meal it is time to start the whole process again. Like the washer, the dishwasher could be continuously running in homes with little ones. I know it is the time and season and all to soon the season will pass and I will miss it, even long for it. This being said there are some days I just wish we didn't have to eat. Another point along these lines, if you fix a delicious well balanced meal they won't touch it. Peanut butter and Jelly, or a nasty hot dog, they will gobble that up. I know it is just kids and this is the way it is, but sometimes it is all a bit tiring. Well the dinner bell is ringing so I'll be off.

p.s. The picture really says it all. I mean really who gets that messy eating peanut butter and jelly? In the 8 months since the picture was taken the table manners have not improved, not for lack of trying.

Karma

Today(6-20-09) I went to the gas station to pick up a caffeinated beverage for Jeremy. I know strange, he never drinks caffeine. He said he had a terrible headache and with the hours he works, super early mornings, I suggested a few Motrin and a caffeinated beverage may help. Andrew came along for the ride. So of course I had to get him a drink, and one to bring back for Lexie, and one for myself. When I got the checkout counter just before the guy started to ring me up I realized I didn't have my wallet. Without missing a beat the clerk said, "It's okay take them. I will tell you how much you owe me and you will bring it by later."
I couldn't believe there were still places and people like this. I found my wallet just inside the car before we left the store. I hope this guy has great karma, and I hope to be a little more like him. He was super nice! Thanks to the random store clerk who just wanted to help a girl out. Life is good pass it on!

To the Dads in my Life

Jeremy, Lexie, and Andrew March 2007

First a Happy Fathers Day to all the men in my life. I am so grateful for the Dad's in my life and the examples they are to me. I grateful that Jeremy, is and involved Dad like mine was. He is hands on. He loves to play with the kids; chase laugh, tickle. He loves his kids and they adore him. Thank you Jeremy for being a great father; I don't think it comes as naturally to all as it does for him. For this I am grateful.

Rory and Anna Christmas 2008

I am grateful for my father-in-law Rory. He is so good to my kids and really loves them. He is a great example of service and and commitment to his beliefs. I hope one day Jeremy and I can work towards the devotion I see in him. He is kind to all and no respecter of persons, and wouldn't the world be a better place if we were all like this. Thank you for teaching Jeremy to be a good Dad.

Anna and Dad September 2008 Annie's first Birthday

And last but certainly not least my very own Daddy. He is the measuring stick by which all other men are measured. This is maybe not fair, as a store clerk once told me no man will measure up to a little girls father. Lucky for Jeremy, he has two girls of his own to idolize him this way, and I think in some respects this is the way it is suppose to be. I love my Dad because: he taught me I could do anything no matter what; he is always supportive, at my soccer games, track meets, piano recitals, and still counties to be supportive in my adult life; he loves my kids; he is Christlike and leads by example. I love you Daddy and miss you. Thanks for all that you do. I can't wait to see you next month.

Eight Years!

This is J-DOG the summer we dated (I think). He came to Lake Powell with my family and no one could believe the tricks he could do on the wake board. As initially this was something that impressed me, as the years progressed a few concussions occurred it turned into something that worried me and angered me a little bit. I do half to admit I still think it is pretty cool he can get that kind of air. IMPRESSIVE! This is the passion I was referring to before. When Jeremy decides to go after something he really goes after it. That is what he did with me, who else would put up with being dumped that many times. Kidding. I love you and think you are a great Dad, better than I could have hoped for.

Happy Anniversary Jeremy! Can you believe it has been eight years? I can't. Lots has happened. We have had our ups and downs. Thanks for putting up with me, I'm sure no one else would ( I put up with him too). I love you and all you do for our family and me. When I get upset over things that are important but in the big picture really don't matter you keep me grounded; thank you for that. Here is to eight more. I love you have a great Day.

Mischeivious

Andrew, he is a darling boy, but lets just say he can try my patience, push my buttons, etc.. This is him driving home form church a few weeks ago. He got one of the invisible ink markers from the diaper bag, the ones crayola offers and chewed it open on the way home. He was covered in the "invisible" ink and so were his church clothes. You ask how does one little boy find the time to do all he does? I do not know; I promise I watch him. You may think this is just an occasional thing with him. NO it is a normal daily occurrence at the Ward home. It is exhausting. I love the boy to death but wish we could take the curiosity level down a notch and the focus up a notch. I told him his birthday is next month and toady he came in my room first thing in the morning, "Mom, is is July yet?" his big eyes as big as they can get with a look of anticipation, and excitement. Yesterday, he had Jeremy's iPod and was singing and dancing with if for over an hour. He found the Metallica song, Back in Black and listened to it over and over. He affectionately calls this his song. Could he have picked something other than Metallica? The other song he will ask me to play on my iPod is Crazy Train from Ozzy Osbourne. I promise we do have some good music as well. If he didn't have those big chocolate eyes, maybe he wouldn't melt my heart so much. I feel so lucky is in our family and keeps me on my toes. He makes me laugh, cry, shake with rage. I do love this busy little boy.

P.S The "invisible" ink did wash out

The I gotta go Run

Have you ever experienced the I've gotta go run? The run walk, run walk. It is never a good run. It all starts out well. You get up early, hit the road and are feeling good about yourself for starting your day out right. Only to have the feeling taken away my your body's inability to maintain your run due to unfortunate bowel issues. I have some seriously good running stories along this line but no one wants to read about that. I really despise runs like this because I feel like I haven't gotten the benefit of the exercise. I guess this is the wrong way to look at it. You have to say at least I am out here.

The good run on the other had offers many benefits. I really forgot the reason I like running. It is an escape to a place were you can handle anything life throws at you. You feel like you are on top of your game, and can go home and not only tackle the problems awaiting but truly defeat them. I can honestly say I have these feelings while exercising; running and yoga in particular. This must be the exercise endorphins working their magic. There is nothing better than being in stride, listening to great music, working up a good sweat; you know the one were you can taste the salt on your lips, and feel the grit on your skin. I worked up a sweat like this the other night and I think I am back, my return to running is a real commitment. Plus it helps that I signed up for a half marathon in October. It was the soonest I could find one that wasn't on a Sunday. I am still hoping to reach my marathon goal for the year. Hopefully I can keep up the habit as the Texas heat is upon us. Wish me luck!

P.S. I miss home so much tonight ( I write these at night and then schedule them to publish the next day)

The Library

Rockwall County Library

After reading Nicole's post I decided we needed to head to the library to pick up Piggy Pie and a few other books. The kids loved it and and Moostache was also a hit by the same Author. I took this picture a few weeks ago when we got our library card as I have been on a serious summer reading program. That is just the kids section and doesn't show the computers for kids, with the headsets, the story time room as well as movie room. This is a first class library and it is becoming my Mecca. Weird as I've never been very good in libraries. Call Numbers, Dewy decimal system. Never liked any of it and was never very good at locating a book. I am happy to report I'm getting better at it and we are enjoying the Public library. Doesn't Jeremy look thrilled to be at the library in this picture?

Yesterday we went to the Library because they had a clown who came. It was a husband wife duo and they work for Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey. If we go back and have our card punched a few times we get a free kids ticket to the circus. Andrew and Lexie loved it and I think it will be fun to take them to the circus!

FLATTERY

Me and Annie June 2009

Who ever said flattery gets you no where must not have had children. As you can see from the picture Anna is into imitating me, and isn't imitation the most sincere form of flattery? I think this is one of the things I love most about being a mom. It reminds you how much little kids want to be like the adults in there life. There little minds are like sponges and they hear and remember all the little things we say and do. I need to do better at being the example they need. Don't you just love when they try on your shoes, especially the high heels, which Lex has taken to doing. She thinks they are soooo pretty, in her little, high pitched, excited voice with a smile that would melt your heart. As taxing as motherhood can be on somedays, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

P.S. After seeing this picture I am glad I'm usually behind the camera and not in front.

JUST BECAUSE!

Lexie, Anna, Andrew June 14, 2009

Last night I decided I would have a camp out in the yard with the kids. They were so excited. It is really the little things. We were out in the tent and Andrew was telling us a story about Lehi, which was a story that was all over the place, when he decided he was headed in for the night. He ran off saying, "Goodnight, I'll see you in the morning." I hope I am not raising a sissy. He returned a few minutes later because he forgot his blanket. Then this morning he said, " Hey, why didn't we sleep in the tent?"
I guess he forgot he was scared. The girls and I lasted until about 3:00 am when I had to go to the bathroom and wanted a real bed. We will have to try again.
Lexie and I had fun talking about shooting stars, I remembered the song "Catch a Falling Star and Put it in your Pocket." Because Lex, asked if you could pick up a shooting star. We sang Primary songs, and I listened to her make up her own songs. I tried to point out the Big Dipper. We talked about crickets chirping and how they made that noise. I love these little kids and sometimes feel like if I blink I will miss something. It is easy to forget that the little guys just want some of our time and if we give it the rewards are great. Don't you think they are just darling? I love you Andrew, Anna, and Lexie!

"CREEPING UNDERWEAR"

We have virtually erased bad breath in this country, stamped out dandruff and done away with burning, itchy feet, but we have been unable to conquer one of society's most dreaded disease: Creeping Underwear.

Everyone talks about Creeping Underwear, but no one does anything about it. Technical research has put powdered orange juice on the moon, yet on earth we are still plagued with pantyhose that won't stay up, slips that won't stay down and girdles that should contain a label, "HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH."

To suggest that Creeping Underwear changes a person's personality is the understatement of the decade. The other night I went to a movie, a full confident, well-adjusted, stable, human being. Two hours later, I was a totally different person. My slip had crept to my waistline to form a solid inner tube which added about 15 pounds to my form.

My girdle, in a series of slow maneuvers, had reached several plateaus during the evening. First, it slid to my waist. Upon finding this area was already occupied by a slip it moved upward, cutting my chest in half and gradually moved upward to where it pinched my neck and caused my head to grow two inches taller.

The pantythose were quite another story. they kept sliding down until I realized halfway through the movie that I was sitting on the label in the waistband and that if I dared stand up the crotch would bind my ankles together.

I tried to adjust these garments in a way so as not to call attention, but every time I bent my elbow, tow straps slid onto my shoulder and bound my arms like a straight jacket.

My husband was the first to notice the change in my personality. "What are you doing sitting under the seat in a fetal position?" he asked. "Are you trying to tell me you do not like the Movie?"

"I am suffering from Creeping Underwear," I whispered.

"You should have taken a couple of aspirin before you left the house," he snarled. "Now get up here and sit up straight in your seat."

He didn't understand. They rarely do. Nearly 98.2 percent of all the victims of Creeping Underwear are women. As I sat there I looked under the seat next to me and saw another woman in a fetal position. "What are you doing down here?" I asked.

"I crossed my leg and was flogged to death by a loose supporter," she sighed.

"Do you think they'll ever find a cure?" I asked hopelessly.

"I hope so," she said, "Your tongue is beginning to swell."

-Erma Bombeck Sunday, November 14, 1971

As it has been nearly 40 years since this writing NOTHING has changed. Creeping Underwear is still plaguing women. I routinely where a straight jacket, or even better have the chest cut completely in half by the Riding Up brazier. Those of you who are small busted will relate to this. Most of my skirts are lined so I rarely wear a slip, but last Sunday I had a skirt which required a slip, I have felt the effects of the inner tube. The pantyhose falling half way down. All little girls have suffered though watching there mother put pantyhose on as she jumps up and down trying to get them in place only to have them back down a few hours later, I'm being generous by saying hours too. The movie "What Women Want" has a wonderful enactment of women putting pantyhose on, Mel Gibson. It is completely accurate and for sure the best part of that movie.

I remember when I first read this wonderful article. My mom had an Erma Bombeck book, and I laughed and laughed.

Now just add garments to this and it takes Creeping Underwear to a whole new level. If anyone has any cures for this cursed disease, please comment as there are many women still suffering.

Nic and Jess, I made in the nick of time!

Finding a Passion

This is Jeremy doing the Snowbird hill climb a few years back. Jeremy loves his bike; he is on top of the world when he is biking. I think it is important to have things in our life that make us feel this way, and to pursue worthy passions. I am sometimes jealous of the time it takes up and the enthusiasm he has for it. I wish I felt like that about something.
Since coming to Texas he has found his mother ship, the Rockwall cycling group and the Tuesday night criterium races. This past week he took 3rd in his flight and the week before he took first. He has really been enjoying this and I am glad he is passionate about it. It keeps him healthy, happy, and more pleasant to live with.

There are many things I enjoy doing, and I think over time our passions change, come and go and sometimes reemerge. I think having a hobby you love keeps you young, and who doesn't want that. Some things I love: my kids, photography, sleeping, reading, gardening. I'm hoping to get back into running for the health benefits and exercise endorphins and here is something new I have been wanting to try for awhile:

KITE BOARDING

Kite boarding! Doesn't it look fun. They have lake here were a fair amount of kite boarding is done. I'm hoping to have the opportunity to try it this summer. Congratulations Jeremy on your bike races, and thanks for your example of finding and pursing a passion. This is something I have always admired about my husband, when he loves something he really loves it. Here is to having a passion and really LIVING life!

Southern Manners

So it is true, southern hospitality is alive and well. The other day we were at the swimming pool and one of the moms there corrected her son, he immediately said, "Yes Ma'am." I made a comment about it to her and she said it was drilled into them since they were six months old. On another occasion, a store clerk was helping me out with groceries, he called me Ma'am. I told him I wasn't use to that and he replied,"it was just habit." It seems all who are southern bred, have these excellent manners. All, acknowledge you driving through any neighborhood. People always wave; when you leave a store, or anywhere for that matter, they always wish you well, have a nice day, be careful, drive safe and so forth. It all very genuine, and I have been impressed with the southern hospitality. I hope to instill a little of it in my children, and acquire a little of it myself.

Manners

For a Child of 1918

My grandfather said to me as we sat on the wagon seat, "Be sure to remember to always speak to everyone you meet. "We met a stranger on foot. My grandfather's whip tapped his hat. "Good day, sir. Good day. A fine day ." And I said it and bowed where I sat. Then we overtook a boy we knew with his big pet crow on his shoulder. "Always offer everyone a ride; don't forget that when you get older," my grandfather said. So Willy climbed up with us, but the crow gave a "Caw!" and flew off. I was worried. How would he know where to go?But he flew a little way at a time from fence post to fence post, ahead; and when Willy whistled he answered. "A fine bird," my grandfather said," and he's well brought up. See, he answers nicely when he's spoken to. Man or beast, that's good manners. Be sure that you both always do. "When automobiles went by, the dust hid the people's faces,but we shouted "Good day! Good day! Fine day!" at the top of our voices. When we came to Hustler Hill, he said that the mare was tired, so we all got down and walked, as our good manners required.

Elizabeth Bishop

Manners count. I think good manners will take one further than a first class education. So on that note I wish y'all a good night, and sleep tight.

P.S Check out the children's story, What Do You Say Dear? A Book Of Manners For All Occasions by, Sesyle Joslin

Return to Running

Yesterday, early evening my Dad called to tell us there were tornado warnings for Dallas, Texas as well as golf ball sized hail. I had been planning on going on a short run. Jeremy and I checked on the weather, Tornado warnings were north of Rockwall county. we looked outside and decided I better head out soon before it rained. I planned going out and back on the John King (just a quiet road out to the main highways) this way if Jeremy needed to come get me he would know where I was.
In the past I have been a runner, been fit and usually tried to exercise each day. For longer than I care to admit I have gotten away from this good habit. I decided I needed to get back into it. Before I left I ate a "chocolate enrobed" camel macadamia nut. Delicious. Having been a runner in the past I knew this was a stupid idea. But, if you haven't tried this delicious Kirkland treat, you would have no idea of the draw. At the same time my sisters and Mom have given up treats I think I have been eating my share for all four of us. Different blog all together. Back to my running, I felt pretty good for being an out of shape gal, easing my way back into the exercise world. I got to my turn around point did a little stretching and started back. The storm hadn't started yet, but there was some thunder and lightening and I kept thinking of the line in Benjamen Button, "you know, I've been struck by lightening seven times." Then the "chocolate enrobed" goody struck me. My guts did not feel very good. I walked for a few minutes and then started jogging. Then I heard a curious siren, you know like the ones warning for air raids. I knew then, it was a tornado warning, and I got scared; I mean really scared. For a girl who hasn't run much in the past several years, I took off. I kept watching the clouds to the west of me and I have never seen clouds moving so quickly. My stomach hurt but I was running as quick as I could for home. About a block before I would turn into my neighborhood Jeremy was there to pick me up. No sooner had I got in the car and the rain started followed shortly by the wind. We were soaked just from the run from the driveway into the house, it was coming down. I guess the tornado did touch down in a place called Flower Mound, which is about 50 miles northwest of Rockwall. Nothing like a little Tornado warning sounding to ease you back into your exercise program. Wish me luck, as I am supposed to run a marathon this year, at a pretty quick pace. We'll see if it happens. Also I am going to get a phone call and be in trouble with my dad because of this post, but I had to share. Nicole the competition is on, a post a day, I bet I can do it, CAN YOU?

Legacies...

Grandma and Grandpa Truman June 2001

Like it or not, we are so much of who has come before us. I think of the things which were important to my grandparents and my parents, qualities good and bad come through to the next generation, and the chain goes on. When I think of it in this light is makes me nervous about passing on my bad qualities, so I will have to really focus on the good in order to perpetuate that. I'm going to try and be mindful of the Legacy I leave behind. Here are some of the things I see in my family today and where they came from.

1. A love for books. Both my parents have always loved to read. They read all types of books and instilled a love of reading in all of their five children. I think they did this by there example, as well as reading to us. I remember my mom reading us books like, Where the Red Fern Grows, Old Yellar, and the like on road trips. I remembering going to Bob's Book Barn with my Dad and Jessica. We would trade in our old books for new ones. I got the Twits there, and it is still one of my all time favorites.


2. A green thumb. My grandmother had an amazing garden and grew prize winning peonies. This is a love she passed onto my Mom and she has passed on to her daughters. There is nothing like digging in good dirt and planting. It is the best therapy out there, and I think Grandma knew this.


3. Politically Astute. My Grandparents where always very politically active. My grandfather served on the school board, My grandmother was the mayor of Minersville, because when she asked Karl to do it and he said no, she said,"Then I'll do it." And she did. My parents always taught us the importance of doing our civic duty and voting and were always abreast of the current events. I admittedly am not as well informed as I should be, but my siblings certainly are. Jason is always listening to some sort of news and knows what is going on in our world. Michael too.


4. Hard working. Both my parents are hard workers and they taught there children to work as well.

There are also some legacies which are not as positive which we continue to carry on, but like I said we are focusing on the good, right? I hope I will remember the importance of the work which those who went before, and be mindful of the legacy I am leaving my children.

Little Anne

Yesterday I took Annie to the Doctor for a lump she has on her neck. It has been there for a few months and has been looked at before, but has persisted. Anyhow, the Doctor said, "these things are usually innocuous" then followed it up with "benign", cause he didn't think I was smart enough to know the meaning of innocuous. Why do they, (they being Doctors) assume everyone is dumb? Actually I know the answer to that one, a lot of the people they deal with are not the sharpest tools in the shed. I digress. The point to this post was he had me take Anna to have her blood drawn.

We got to the lab like 5 minutes before closing hoping they would still get us in. The lady was there alone and was worried about being able to get her to hold still. I said I would certainly be able to hold the light weight down. She then, before starting asked me if I would be okay. I explained I was a tough love mom, and would be fine. Anna did great, but I was surprised at how much it did pull on my heart strings. I said to Jeremy, "I don't know how parents who have chronically ill kids do it." I don't think I could imagine anything worse. So to anyone who has had that cross to carry. My hats off to you.

The Lead Ox

"The lead ox, he is the animal at the left front of the team. George is the dominant animal and the most intelligent of the four. The other three oxen look to George to make the decisions. He is gentle and extremely hard working but can be a disciplinarian with the other oxen if they do not behave." (http://www.frontier-resources.blogspot.com/).
The other day my mother made this comment on one of my postings, "Kids are so responsive to all the good that you teach but as the mother you will often feel like the Lead Oxen and it seems that you get in the harnesses each day and just pull the family along. It is a lot of work but definitely worth it. Love MOM"

I thought a lot about this, did a little research and I think the Lead Oxen is an accurate description of a mother and women in general. After the research I really felt it must be true "most intelligent" and all. But some days it is just exhausting, don't you think?

Going Green

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. I remember this motto from like the fifth grade. The city we live in offers recycling services; they pick up your recyclable goods on Fridays, no sorting no charge. Since starting this I am amazed at the amount of recyclable trash I generate. We are going green baby, reducing our carbon foot print; use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. I remember that saying from my grandmother; she was a conservationist long before it was ever popular, or the thing to do.

Happy Birthday Nicole!

Nicole and Family November 2008

Happy Birthday Nica! We are getting old. I just wanted to wish my big sister a happy birthday. I hope your day is great. I have always tried to emulate Nicole. As a little girl I remember being called "little Nicole," because we looked alike. Nicole always watched out for me growing up. She would intervene in fights and protect me. We had a special relationship and I always, and still do want to me like her. Do you remember "for the first times in our lives", and "Iguana and Kola Bear"? Some of the things I admire about Nicole:

1. She is organized
2. Anything she does, she does well. A job worth doing is worth doing right.
3. She has a great laugh and is fun to be around
4. She is a great cook, and a wonderful hostess.
5. She is dedicated in her church service and beliefs
6. She is determined and a hard worker
7. She is a great wife and mother

Nica, I love and miss you and hope you have a great day. Happy Birthday to a wonderful sister!

Nicole 1995

"Little Nicole" 5 years old