Dear Angela,

Seventeen years ago you came into my life and changed it so totally that I cannot image it without you. You fill my days with every emotion from pleasure and pride to anger and impatience. But most of all you fill each day with your presence, and even when you are away you are in my brain and heart.

It is so hard to watch you grow up, but I feel you are doing a very good job of it. Each year I have seen you change and you are showing all the characteristics and character of a fine young woman. People always tell me how charming and funny you are, how wonderful you look and how interesting you are to talk to -- I am glad to hear these compliments -- but I can see them for myself. There are many minutes, hours, days, when you are a very difficult teenager to live with -- but that is to be expected. Your emotions are always "up front", both the good and the bad. They always will be. That is who you are.

You have a wonderful quality of independence that I value and respect. You are an astounding and confusing mix of willingness to try new things and fear of failing at the every day parts of life. That will change with maturity as you see yourself succeeding and learn to trust yourself. You will make mistakes, fail at things, hurt yourself in a multitude of ways, everyone does, but the power to achieve is in every fiber of you and the will to get what you want will push you past the fear of rejection and failure. I have never been a risk taker and it has limited me in ways you probably cannot see. You must be willing to take risks - the pain of failing passes quicker then the regret of not trying.

Every year you get stronger emotionally as well as physically and I hope you see a little bit more of the wonderful qualities that those of us who love you have seen since you were a baby. You have such a heart for others. I think back to our time in Nicaragua and how you wanted to bring one little boy home with you because you thought he would have more opportunity in the States. You were his friend while we were there; you stopped to play with him every day and always had a smile for him. I also think back to the time when we held a special prayer meeting for our dear friend David Bond and how you prayed straight from you heart without fear and with tears streaming down your face. Everyone was amazed that a child your age could pray the way you did that day. have always been a person with a good heart, and that is a qualityyou have that I value above all. Eventually we all learn to read and write and drive and cook and hold a job, but we cannot "learn" a good heart.

Perhaps now a good time to stop and assess -- look back to where you have come from, to see who you were and who you are -- before plunging forward into adulthood, with all of its challenges and responsibilities. It is a time when parents can still try to protect the child in you since you are still permitted to act like a child, but you can safely assert your independence - parents still love their most obnoxious teenagers.

So today is special, and you are special. Not just because you are my daughter, but because you are a unique individual and one that I respect and enjoy being with. It gives me great pleasure to know that God chose me to be your mother. You have many talents and gifts (sports, drawing, writing, etc.) I love seeing you use those talents. And you have taste, lots of it. And you are tenacious when you want something and you use words so well. As a young person you have figured out how to talk to people -- almost instinctive in your "people skills". All these qualities are sometimes covered over by anger and shouting and frustration and impulse, but as you mature you will get more control and channel those intense emotions more productively. This is a natural process too, just like thinking your parents are godlike, then morons, then boring, then wise.

So take this day and reflect and then go forward. Make this a better place for yourself and those who love you. Happy Birthday!

Sweet 16 to My Sweet Baby Girl

Today is my baby girl's 16th birthday. Where have the years gone? It seems like it was yesterday that I found out I was pregnant with you. You captured my heart from the moment you were born. I could not have asked for a more precious gift from God than the one he gave me 16 years ago today.

You meet life with determination and confidence. You have a heart for people and are always put others before yourself. You are inquisitive and love a good debate. Your willing to work hard and find enjoyment in the little things in life.

You are a wonderful daughter! I pray that as you continue to grow that you will achieve your goals with the determination, excitement, and confidence that you have done these past 16 years. Most of all I pray that you will always know that you are a gift from God and I am so blessed that God has granted me the privilege of being your mom.

I Love You!

20 Years Old

It's official, David is no longer a teenager! He's now 20 and it's hard for this mom to believe. Happy Birthday David! We love you! I praise God for giving me such a wonderful son.

I wish you were here today. I missed your call yesterday. It seems like forever since I heard your voice. I still catch myself on the verge of asking to talk to you when I call. Oh how I miss your voice. I miss the wisdom you were always willing to share with me and with others. I think back to Saturdays spent running errands, buying groceries for both of our households, and the times where we just enjoyed being together and sharing our love for one another. I'm glad I have those precious memories because it's those memories that help get me through days like today.

You taught me so much throughout the years. Whether it was through words or actions you always instructed me on various things you knew I would need. Some of the most precious memories I have of you are of you talking to me about the Lord. Your love for God was evident throughout the years and you encouraged me to find my satisfaction in Him.

There are so many things I wish I had said to you. You went too fast (but I'm thankful God didn't allow you to suffer). I wanted so badly that last night just to hear your voice one more time. But your eyes spoke what your voice couldn't.

You would be 74 today if you were here. Although I can't call to say "Happy Birthday", you are on my mind and in my heart.

Being 43

Today makes 43 years that I've been in this world. I've learned many things in those few years and I thought I'd share 43 of them with you (not in any particular order).

1. You never stop learning. Anybody can teach you something new, even a child.
2. Less is more. Sometimes the less you own, the happier you are; the less you say, the smarter you appear.
3. When the doctor says "It'll only hurt a little bit", it will actually hurt a lot.
4. When you give without expecting anything in return, often you receive more than you bargained for.
5. If the choice is cleaning your home or playing Barbie’s with your daughter…let the dust accumulate.
6. Friendships are rare gifts. When they are genuine, they stand the test of time and circumstance.
7. Say thank you. We often ask but seldom thank.
8. It’s better to sing off key than not to sing at all.
9. You can’t avoid offending people from time to time. When you don’t mean it, apologize. When you do mean it, accept the consequences.
10. It’s 10 times easier to fall in love than to stay in love. And no matter what the sad songs say about romance, broken hearts do mend.
11. It’s never a shame when you admit you don’t know something, and often a shame when you assume that you do
12. Grudges are poison. The only antidote is to let them go.
13. Laundry is one household chore that is never done.
14. Promptness shows respect.
15. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
16. You cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved.
17. It takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.
18. Never lick a steak knife.
19. It's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts
20. You should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
21. Learning to forgive takes practice.
22. Being kind is more important than being right.
23. When you say "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye.
24. Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
25. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
26. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
27. It is taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
28. It's a lot easier to react first than it is to think about it first.
29. Either I control my attitude or it controls me.
30. No matter how much you try to prepare yourself for a loved one's death, you're never truly prepared.
31. Just because someone doesn't say "I love you", doesn't mean they don't.
32. First impressions are completely worthless 50% of the time.
33. It's okay to take a day off and just relax.
34. An enjoyable meal. A casual walk. A stroll through the woods. Time with family. These are the kinds of things that provide deep, long lasting happiness
35. Old habits die hard.
36. Sleep makes me happy.
37. Hair on a barbie doll doesn't grow back.
38. You can't fix stupid.
39. Some people take life way to seriously
40. It's hard to dislike someone when you pray for them.
41. Kindness and hard work will take you further than intelligence.
42. Laughing, crying, joy and anger… All are a vital. All make us human.
43. Take lots of pictures. Someday you’ll be really glad you did

Happy Birthday Daddy

Angela and I traveled to Tallahassee on Friday to celebrate my dad's 80th birthday on Saturday. My dad didn't know we were coming so he was surprised to see us. On Saturday, my brothers and their families came to my sister's house to celebrate Dad's birthday. We grilled hamburgers and enjoyed the afternoon being together. It was a short visit, but we were glad to have been able to spend the weekend with him celebrating his life.


Daddy, thank you for your leadership and guidance to this family through the years. You have been a godly example to each of us.

Angela's Fifteen

Angela I loved teaching you things when you were a little girl. . .
but did you know how much I was learning from you at the same time?
Seeing your reactions to the world, listening to your fresh new outlooks,
and sharing in things that were important to you taught me a lot about
the responsibilities - and joys - of being a parent. . .
And watching you turn out to be the wonderful young woman you are
has reinforced something that I've known all along -
you're a very special daughter!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Happy 19th Birthday

Today is David's 19th birthday! It's hard to believe that the little 7lb 6oz baby boy that I held in my arms 19 years ago has grown, so fast, into the young man that he is today. Each day has been a joy as I've watched you grow and mature. I pray that as you continue to grow older that you will grow to love the Lord more and that your life will be one that glorifies him!

Happy Birthday, America!

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." --Declaration of Independence as originally written by Thomas Jefferson, 1776.

Happy Birthday Jim

Tonight we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Jim & Phyllis' house with several friends to celebrate Jim's birthday. Phyllis is a marvelous cook and tonights dinner was delicious as always. Jim is wonderful example of a godly husband and father. His love for his wife, his family and his friends is very evident. I rejoice that Jim is such a vital part of our family's life and pray that he will celebrate many more birthdays!
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Happy Birthday Phyllis

Over the past 5 years Phyllis and I have grown closer and shared many memories. She is the friend that I can call in the middle of night, the friend that sees the good, bad, and ugly in me but loves me regardless. Not only is she those things to me, but I am those things to her in return. We grow closer each day and God has blessed us to be able not only to have a very close friendship, but also to be sisters in Christ. I praise God for her friendship and pray that we will continue to grow in Christ together and make many more memories together.

Happy Birthday Hannah

Happy Birthday Hannah! Although you are miles away from us, you are being thought of today as we celebrate your birthday. We hope your day is filled with joy and you will know how much we love you!

Surprise After Surprise

Saturday was a day filled with surprise birthday parties. The first birthday surprise was for our associate pastor's wife, Cari. Her birthday is actually this coming Sunday, but some of her family have to be out of town this coming weekend, so Joshua planned her party for this past Saturday instead. The party was held at their home and we had a great time of fellowship and left with our stomachs filled.

The second birthday surprise was for our friend Tracy Bethea. He turned the big 50. His wife, Cindy, surprised him with family and friends gathering at the Clewiston Inn for dinner. He was caught totally off guard when he walked in the dining room and saw all of us there. We enjoyed celebrating with him and Cindy.

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Fourteen and Still Amazing

Today is Angela's 14th birthday. My how time has flown, it seems like yesterday you were so tiny and needed me for everything. My heart is overflowing with love and joy that you have brought into my life. As I think back on the last fourteen years I feel so blessed to be the one that God picked to be your mother. You are a beautiful young lady with a heart for everyone you meet. You are always encouraging others, sharing the material possessions that you have, and lending a helping hand. You speak your mind and love to make others smile. I pray that as you continue to grow into the woman God desires you to be, you will seek after God's heart and stand firm in his truths. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday David

Today is David's 18th birthday. As I reflect on the past 18 years my heart is filled with joy and pride. David, I had no idea what joy you would bring into my life the day the doctor told me I was pregnant. All I knew then was that I was scared and nervous about being a mommy.

The pregnancy was an experience to say the least. During my seventh month I woke up one night with a terrible pain in my back. At first I thought it was contractions but soon realized that wasn't the cause of the pain. Your dad and I finally decided we better go to the hospital so the doctor's could figure out where the pain was coming from. Much to our surprise, my appendix was on the verge of rupturing. After the doctor explained that I would have to have surgery immediately our first thought was how are they going to put me under to do surgery, well as it turned out they didn't. I received an epidural and the appendix was removed. I went to sleep in the operating room while the surgeon removed the appendix and the obstetrician stood by in case you decided to make your entrance into the world. Thankfully you stayed put. Upon waking up my first words were, "Is the baby okay?" (We opted not to be told whether you were a boy or girl). Once the appendix was removed and a few days in the hospital we returned home with you still in my womb. However, the stay at home was short lived because somehow I got food poisioning within a week and had to return the hospital. Due to the food poisioning I began having contractions and the doctors had to give me medications to stop the labor. We returned home once again.

I returned to work and worked right up until the 26th of July. As I was sitting at work that morning I began to have contractions, but I didn't leave immediately. Finally at noon a co-worker suggested that I call the doctor's office since my contractions had been 9 minutes apart for the last 2 hours. Upon calling the doctor's office they told me to go home immediately and to go to the hospital when the contractions were 7 minutes apart. I guess you just didn't want to be at work that day because once I got home the contractions stopped but only after your daddy and your Granny Grace had left work. Granny Grace made me walk up and down the road for hours after dinner that night and your daddy mowed our yard. At 9:30 that night we headed to the hospital because the contractions were 7 minutes apart and had been that way for a few hours. All that walking helped I guess.

You remained stubborn though and refused to come into the world until 11:00 a.m on the 27th. My labor was long however I wasn't in much pain thanks to the epidural I requested earlier that morning. But Dr. Robinson (that's the OB) said you would have been born sooner if I had not had the epidural. I had never experienced such joy and love before until they placed you in my arms. My heart melted at the sight of you. And it still does to this day.

You have brought such joy into my life. I am so proud of the man you have grown up to be. God has taught me so much through these past 18 years of your life. You are a man who loves and fears the Lord and lives out his faith with boldness. Your laughter, jokes, tender heart and love for others is wonderful to see. As you continue this journey into adulthood I pray that you continue to trust and look to God to lead the way. Words cannot describe how thankful I am that God has allowed me to be your Mother. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Diana!

Today is one of my co-worker/friend's birthday. It has been a pleasure working with Diana for the past 2 years. During this time we have become great friends. Since knowing Diana I have never seen her without a smile on her face and an encouraging word on her lips. I pray that today will be filled with joy and sweet memories and that our friendship will continue to grow. I'm am blessed to have you in my life. Love Ya Girlfriend!

My Best Friend

Today is my best friend's birthday! He has brought so much joy and laughter into my life. Sometimes I wonder why certain people are placed in our lives. I know it is God's providence that people are placed in our lives and I am thankful that on this day I can celebrate his birth. But most of all I celebrate because he is a part of my life and is such a good friend.

Happy Birthday Tom! Praying that you have many more!

Birthday Celebration

On Friday I turned 41! David and Angela asked if I felt old, to which I told them no. In fact, I don't feel old just blessed. Blessed that God has given 41 great years with good health and lots of fun. David, Chris, Kathy & I went to Boca Raton on Friday night to watch the Tigers play football. They won their 9 game against Saint Andrews 42-6. Go Tigers!!!!! Following the game we ate at Applebee's with more of our friends (the Walkers).

On Saturday, Bubba took me out to celebrate my birthday since I was gone on Friday night. All he would tell me was that we were going to Fort Myers and to wear something casual with comfortable shoes. We ended up in Downtown Fort Myers where we browsed the antique shops before going to dinner at Harold's on the Bay. Our dinner was delicious. After dinner we walked around taking in Biker Weekend while waiting for our friends Steve and Pearle to join us for Moon Over Buffalo at the Florida Rep Theatre.

Happy Birthday Angela

To my sweet, wonderful daughter on her 13th birthday. God gave me a precious gift the day he knitted you in my womb. You have brought much love and joy into my life as I have watched you grow into the young lady you are today. Your smile and laughter light up my days and make them bright. I am proud of each accomplishment you have achieved so far and know that you will continue to make me proud. I pray that you will follow after Christ with all your heart and mind. I love you, Happy Birthday !

Happy 17th Birthday David!

My how time flies! Today, 17 years ago God blessed us with you at 11:00 a.m. You are such a blessing to our family. We are proud of your accomplishments and your sweet spirit. Your love for your family and fellow man shines through. You have grown into such wonderful young man whose love for the Lord shines through.

We are celebrating David's birthday tonight with his favorite meal. . . Steak, Baked Potatoe and Salad. He never has liked cake or ice cream for his birthday so he'll have cookies instead. He opened his presents this morning from us.

Happy Birthday David! We love you!!!!