Our birthday baby

Here you go, Miss Cassidy!

Happy Birthday to our baby girl! 20 years ago today, we were given a sweet little ginger angel. You had a bit of a rough start in life, but you are a fighter!!! I remember when I held you for the first time, I couldnt believe that you were so tiny, I had never had a baby that small before. You had a headfull of ginger hair and huge blue eyes, and a tiny heart mouth. I could tell from the very first moment I met you, that you would be strong, brave and loving-and I was right. I was so excited to have another baby girl, (your dad was in disbelief that we had a 2nd girl-he thought something was wrong with him, LOL) I couldnt wait to dress you and Ashlee alike and do your hair and have 2 little princess' in my life. We all babied you so much, because you were just so cute and tiny. Such a good and easy baby you were and smart, sooo very smart. One day you were laying on your tummy on the floor and you litterly sat up and walked, like you had known how to walk for your entire life! You were on a mission and needed to keep up with Ashlee and Nicholas. You have such an old soul. Your loyalty and love to your family amazes me. You never give up on people and your friendships and relationships prove that. I am proud to call you one of my daughters. Daddy and I cannot wait to see what the future brings to you, PS-Dad said it better bring you a job hahahha!!! We are happy you are in college and in a good and loving relationship with our Katie pie, the love you show each other is precious and we are so happy to have her in our lives.

A piece of bday advice, always remain true to yourself, don't change because of what others think you should be and do. Love always and live life, we only get 1 of them so do your best-Don't waste the gift of time we are given.

Mommy and Daddy love you and want you to know that we miss you and are UBER proud of you.. Keep on being FABULOUS!!!!

SMOOCHES!!!

Dear Dad

Hi dad,

Its me again. Today is your birthday, in earthly years you would be 63!! You left too soon 38 is too young. I miss you and just want you back. I want you to be here with us and watch the kids grow up and do funny things. I want you to open your wallet and have oodles of grandkid pics falling out. I want to listen to your laugh and listen to your stories of when you were a kid and I just want you here. Today, if you were here, I would imagine we would have a nice BBQ meal and angel food cake for your bday cake. I wonder what you would be like now-I am sure you would be just as funny and wise, maybe just a little grayer. I just miss your face. I hope you watch down on us and are happy with our lives.  Love you daddy!!!

Dear Anthony...

Dear Anthony,

Watching you grow into a man has been quite entertaining. I never realized what a little romantic you are and that makes my heart melt. Dana is a lucky girl. So, there are a few things I want to make you aware of about women. You think you may know it all, but kid-You will NEVER have women figured out.

ALWAYS be a good listener, don't interrupt and when asked your opinion-TREAD carefully... One wrong statement and you are TOAST..
Remember that we as women can change our minds fast as lightning.. Living with me and your 2 sisters, you should know that by now.

Know that you will hurt feelings, its human-BUT You are not weak in saying you are sorry. In fact, just the opposite, because it takes a very strong person to say "sorry".

Keep your own individuality and interests. Difference is the spice of life, and be supportive of those things.

Remember the little things. Little things mean the most.

Treasure the "lean years" I know, lean isn't a word you are familiar with in your life, but trust me when I say, the lean years will happen and they are GREAT. Some of mine and daddy's best memories are from those lean times and in case you aren't sure what lean means-It means BROKE as a JOKE! Those times when you stick together and rise above it will be the best times. Sure, they suck when you are going through it and you cannot ever imagine anything worse, they do indeed get better.

Don't sweat the small things like butter being left out, or toothpaste being squeezed from the middle and not the end, relish the quirks.

ALWAYS BE A GENTLEMAN! Open doors, hold hands and always let her have the biggest piece of the cake.

Be a GREAT FATHER! When the time comes one day for you to be a father, be a great one-you had a wonderful role model and I couldn't have asked for a better dad for my kiddos. Even when you are exhausted, muster up enough excitement to show a 5 year old how to tie a shoe, or a 16 year old how to parallel park. Be a good husband to their mother and allow your kids to see the love that exudes from your relationship.

Think before you speak when you are angry.. Words hurt! If you need to take a run, or punch a bag- do it and clear your mind before you say a word.

I love watching you and Dana and your relationship unfold. You two are so cute and funny and just savor the moments. I am proud of the man that you have become and me and daddy are VERY proud of you. Remember, one day you may have a daughter and she will have a boyfriend so think KARMA in how you treat your sweet love..


Momma and daddy love you to the moon... Smooches, Your mom!