" There was a star danced, and under that was I born. "~ William Shakespeare

Today I turn 45.Just a number.I feel 25.On most days.The mirror says 55 on others.My eyes of late tell the story of the last few years.Tonight while going through a tote with the girls I came across a picture of myself with Caitlin,about a week before we found out Zoey would enter this world with a major heart defect and most likely Down syndrome.That picture was proof that the toll of the last 2 years has been more on my physical body then I sometimes feel it has been emotionally.But tonight I embrace the blessing of these 45 years.My life is richer and fuller then I could have ever,ever imagined.I have been on my own since I was 17.I once dreamt of this life I am living today but there were many moments,from that tender,naive,wild child age of 17 and until I met Mark,that I never believed that dream would become reality.But her I am.By the grace of God.A gift that never goes unnoticed and one for which I am eternally grateful for.

The weekend is already shaping up to be a beautiful one.Caitlin and Danny and precious Charlie are here.So good to see them.We sure miss them a whole lot.Taylor is not here though.She is busy at school with training for an incredible job she landed with Jump Start.Very proud of that girl.Training is all day tomorrow also,so chances are she won't make it out.She is feeling a bit under the weather.Mostly just a head cold she thinks.Not H1N1,which is running rampant on the campus.Miss Zoey is fighting off a cold as well.Sure hope it doesn't amount to much but she was off today,not her happy smiley self.She took a long nap and has a stuffy/runny nose which tells me something is definitely up.Tomorrow,well it's after midnight, so that means today,I will gaze around at the beauty that surrounds me and give thanks for another year.Something I must fully and completely acknowledge as to honor the little lives I have watched pass far too soon from this world, over the last 9 months.Thank you 4th floor angels, for yet another incredible gift you have lent to my life.

Received a few presents early today.The beautiful necklace is from Danny and Caitlin and Charlie.The sign for "I love you."Is that not beautiful, or what?Cried like a baby upon opening that one.I also received a gift card from Matt and Jess to a yoga store,as well as a yoga mat and from Erin,our darling friend and temporary house guest,a gift certificate for unlimited,one month yoga sessions.So very thoughtful of all of them and the absolute perfect gift.And then there is my bike:I just love,love,love this bike and do you see Zoey's little trailer and her pink helmet?I am beyond excited to get out there and use this.Zoey is going to have a blast and the boys and I are going to have so much fun tooling around our development.I am so spoiled and so loved.And most certainly, blessed and lucky beyond compare.I love and adore you my beautiful,beautiful family ... thank you,thank you.

This picture of Charlotte is just captivating to me.It really captures her darling,delicate features.She is just too,too precious for words.