Happy Birthday DAD

Believe it or not, my parents bdays are only 5 days apart...and they're the same age (although my Dad will remind you that he's younger!!!). So now it's my Dad's turn to celebrate another year of life.

Although my parents have been separated since I was 3 and divorced since I was 6, my Dad has always been a HUGE part of my life. He gave me a baby sister when I was 8 years old

Me, my Dad & my "baby" sister Jenn

and later brought Lisa into my life (an amazing stepmom) along with her son Jeremy who is now like a brother to me. Like most dad's, he's a strong and loving man with a passion for success. He's a hard worker and a devoted family man. Growing up, some of my fondest memories are spending weekends with him at the racetrack watching him race. I also remember, and treasure, the time we spent with his brothers, parents and extended family on a regular basis. My cousins became like brothers to me and we had such good times eating crabs in the summer and spending Christmas together.

When I was in highschool he "adopted" my best friend Laurie after her mom died and helped her (and I) through some difficult times. If it wasn't for him, Laurie & I wouldn't be friends today!! He's always been there for me when I need advice and has often made me realize things that I wasn't seeing on my own. He taught me to drive a stick shift and was there in the hospital the day I was in a car wreck (b/c my mom was on a dinner cruise). He's tough, but he's tender and as I've grown and had kids of my own, he's become an incredible friend.

He moved to FL when I was 21 and I was crushed! In the end, it was the best move he made and he's been happier ever since. He's a fantastic Pop Pop and my kids enjoy spending time with him & Lisa whenever they can.

Pop Pop & Lisa with Alyssa, McKenna & Brennan

Happy Birthday Dad - WE love you!

Happy Birthday MOM

(I actually wrote this post on January 3rd in anticipation of her bday on Jan. 6th, but completely forgot to post it! Better late than never I guess.)

Tuesday was my mom's birthday and I thought I'd take a minute to talk about what a wonderfully amazing mom and woman she is!! She is my best friend and I'm not sure what I would do without her. She's always there when I need her whether it's just to listen, lend a hand or tell me that everything will be ok. Her entire life has been devoted to me and her friends and she's always the first one willing to pitch in and give a helping hand. She's the most soft-hearted, kind person I know and I hope and pray that when my daughters (and son too!) are grown they have the same relationship with me that I have with my mom. No doubt about it, shopping is our favorite thing to do together, but we also find time to support each other at the gym, go out to eat, attend Redskins games and spend time with my kids. She's a dedicated volunteer (who sometimes doesn't know how to say NO!), a devoted friend and a woman with a huge heart. Anyone who meets her likes her.

My mom and I on Christmas Day

Maw-Maw - as she's known to my kids - is AMAZING. She's the best grandma a child could ask for and my kids adore her. She's always there to see them play sports, sing at school or help us shutle them around as needed. She loves spending time with them and certainly does a great job at spoiling them - hey that's what Maw-Maw's are for right?!! I strive to teach my kids many of the same lessons she taught me and I can only hope that my kids turn out like I did!!! I know -that sounds conceited - but seriously I could've been way worse!

Maw Maw Linda with Alyssa, McKenna & Brennan

Happy Birthday Mom - you're the best and I love you with all my heart.