HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NICOLE!!

ODE TO NICOLE

18 years have gone by since your first newborn day,
Mostly years full of growing, happiness and good play!
Through your songs and your words and gracious acts aplenty,
Your life has brought joy to the hearts of so many!

Even when times have been tough and you felt a bit down,
You've looked for the silver lining and by golly it's been found!
I guess sometimes nursery rhymes really do come true,
Because "Blythe & Bonny & Good & Gay" is the perfect description of you!

So to my dear daughter, born on the Sabbath day,
I want to shout out "Hip Hip Hoorray!"
May today be a blessing full of hope and good cheer
And may you grow more in grace with each passing year!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICOLE!!!

Mama

2006... YEAR OF PROMISE!

It's funny how years are defined by events. There is the year of the new baby, the year of the second baby, the year of our vacation to Colorado, the year we moved, the year our first went away to college, the year we got the dog, etc..etc... A brand new year is eventless. Standing 2 hours this side of January 1, 2006, I have no events to define the coming year. It is simply a year of promise. I LOVE THAT! A year of promise. The word "promise" is round and full and expectant sounding.

Webster's second definition of "promise" is what I have in mind here:
" ... ground for expectation of success, improvement, or excellence ...."

I do feel expectant. I hope you do too!

Happy New Year!!

Susan