Happy Birthday!

today my oldest son turns 11
hard to believe how fast time flies
he is a very kind  and caring person
he has a big heart and knows how to help others
he likes to laugh and joke around
he is extremely talented and very intelligent

I wish you another  wonderful year
full of everything that is good

To whom it may concern:

My life has led me down a path of twists and turns.
Many journeys unexpected.  Too many obstacles to count.
But yet I can look at my life and be grateful for the path it has taken.
I am confident the travels I make were intended for me.
I believe I was given the strength to endure every obstacle.

I am a single mother of seven children.  That in itself takes a lot of time and energy.
It is not what I had planned, but it is where my life has led me.
I am taking 18 credits to finish my education in 3 more semesters
and working 20-25 hours per week.
Due to unfortunate circumstances, I am carrying a child,
that I will get to cherish for nine short months, and bless another family...
this is one of the most selfless gifts I could possibly give...

My past is one best to be forgotten, but it is what has shaped me into the
strong, capable, confident woman I have become.
Trials, sickness, pain and suffering have all been huge aspects in my life but I
am willing to see the brighter side of things and realize that everything
in my life has a predestined purpose and a proposed plan.

Sometimes, I even lay awake at night and wonder what the future has in store for me.
It would definitely be extremely easy to worry and fear what is to come,
but instead I let it go and believe that something great is waiting for me...
maybe not in this life but in the next.

after a long moment of thought

my 3 year old says to me...
"Mommy, why does that papa have a big WAD of hair on his face?"
{this was a white 'Santa looking' beard}

...{thinking}...

about all the things I want to say
what I should and shouldn't say
how I should say them
and how it will impact my life