Dedication and Inspiration

Well, I guess the best place for me to start is by dedicating my blog to those who inspire me most - my family and my friends!
The past 18 years, in a nutshell, has been very eventful. As a single mom for 8 years, I grew in a way that only a single parent can understand. Through all the hard times, I always had my family. My parents were wonderful to me, helping me through the worst of times. My father was amazing and became my son, Jonathon's, "surrogate" father, through those 8 years and beyond. In October 1999, I met my husband, and on January 8th, 2000, he proposed. I think we both knew we were truly meant to be together, and on July 8th, 2000, we were married. A week after our honeymoon, his two children, Jessica and Grant, came to live with us. Over the last 8 years, I have adopted them in my heart, as my own. I cannot imagine my life without them. Now I'll be honest, going from a single parent of one, to a married parent of 3 was not always easy. We had our ups and our downs. But I wouldn't trade a day of my past, as it has truly made me the person I am today. ON our first anniversary, Bill and I went to Mexico for a week. And, lo and behold, I became pregnant with Max, born in March of 2002. Two years later, Victoria was born, the last for us, as 5 was enough. The kids range in age from 18 to 4-1/2.

Oh, the stories I have told! My sister and I have joked about writing a book - between us having 9 children. Most of it could be quite funny. Some of it educational. And a lot of it from two very different perspectives on how to raise children!

So, to my children, I thank you - simply for being yourselves. You offer to me a different perspective on life every day, and through you, I grow more each and every day. I'll always love you, to infinity and beyond!!

To my husband - Thank you - for all you do. I know I don't say it enough, but I love you, and I truly appreciate all that you do for me, and for our family. Without you, there would be no "me" - you are now, and always will be, my heart mate, my soul mate, my world, and my one true love.



Bette Midler - Wind Beneath My Wings - Music Video via Noolmusic.com


To my very best friend in the whole wide universe - my sister, Dawn - Thank you for always, ALWAYS, being "there", wherever "there" is, for me. As kids, as teens, as adults, and as mothers, you have been such a huge rock for me. And although you are 4 years younger, a good couple inches shorter, and about 60lbs lighter, you are still the biggest bestest friend a sister could ever have. YOU are the wind beneath MY wings. I love you sis!

To one of my two other best friends, Joan - where should I begin? Thank you for taking the time to listen to me when I whine and complain. Thank you for laughing with me, and debating with me and challenging me on my political beliefs. Thank you for the long walks and talks about life, kids, family, and nothing! Thank you for being a shoulder to cry on. Thank you for never judging me, and being so honest with me. Thank you for always being a true friend. I Love you - and I am one of the luckiest people in the world - just because I know you.

And, last, but never least, to my other best friend, Sheri - thank you so much for being a part of my life. Thank you for supporting me, along with my sister and her family, to begin and continue my Faith Journey. Thank you for the long talks late at night, and the "quickies" during the day. Thank you for always offering your support and your encouragement and your honest perspectives on life. I am truly blessed to call you my friend!

To my Parents - thank you for letting me live through my teen years! As I now know, these are the hardest years of a parents life! Thank you for supporting me through the hardest times of my life, and always being available when I needed you most. I love you!

To my Gram - who will probably never read this - There are no words to describe how much I respect you and love you. I love your sense of humor and your vigor for life. I hope to grow up and be just like you someday.

And to everyone, and anyone who reads this, thank you for stopping by, to peek or to post. This blog is my personal feelings, beliefs, ideas, and thoughts. You are entitled to disagree all you want - even if you ARE wrong! lol! :)