Two months ago, my friend Ann-Christel and I finally found a weekend to put on the calendar as our Apple Hill weekend in Sacramento. She and the kids (Aubrey and Brayden) drove to Sac and we spent Friday afternoon at The Grace Foundation visiting the horses and animals. The kids had a great time! Went out to dinner, then baths and bedtime. First thing Brayden said in the morning was, "Where's Cheri?!"
Saturday morning we headed to Apple Hill and boy did we have fun. I loved seeing the expression on the kids' faces as they picked apples, checked out the pumpkins, rode the horse, tried to scare me in the hay maze, rolling down the grass hill, eating their candy apples, etc.
The time flew by much too quickly and my heart was a little sad as I said goodbye to my friends as they headed home. But as I look over the photos from our time together, I see that the kids were smiling and happy and having a terrific time. And while I may have failed in other areas of my life, I know this much. I've made a positive difference in the lives of some very special children and that is one of my happiest thoughts.
The last time I visited Portland, Oregon was in 1996 for my best friend's wedding. Well, it only took me 14 years, but I finally made it back to Portland for a visit.
Marnie and I met in 1994 while attending college in Utah. We became inseparable and did everything together for two years. I knew immediately I was blessed to have her in my life as she made me laugh and try new things (like an all day horse-back, cattle herding adventure in the middle of nowhere Idaho). See the picture of us above right taken in Fairview, Utah for just how young we looked! We spent a month together in San Diego before I got married and had a wonderful time. Marnie married Thane, a neighbor and friend from our college apartment complex and while I never thought anyone would be good enough for Marnie, Thane came pretty darn close. He and Marnie have a wonderful family of four young children, whom I already adore and claim as nieces and nephews.
So this weekend, on my first visit back to Portland since their wedding, I had an incredible time reconnecting with my friend. We watched movies, toured Portland, went for a trail hike, had pizza, watched football, visited with her horses, played with the kids, experienced VooDoo donuts (it's a Portland thing), made mint-chip ice cream (our fav). And while it had been 14 years since my last visit, being reconnected with my friend felt like not a minute had passed. Love you, Mo. (And Thane. And Ethan. And Emma. And Braxton. And Lydia. And Domino. And, well, maybe even the frog, too!)
Sweet Marshall Cyrus turns 6 years old today. Happy Birthday, buddy!
Marshall, I've watched you grow and learn and become such a sweet, strong and wonderful little boy. I love being your aunt and love spending time with you. You make me smile with your sense of humor and observations about the world (like the waps aka wasps). I know this past year I missed a lot of time with you, but it was only because I needed to get healthy enough so I could be with you for many years to come. I love you so much more than you will ever know and I can't wait to watch you grow into the amazing man I know you'll become! Happy Birthday!
I turned 36 years old this morning. And while I don't like the attention my birthday brings, this year, I am happy to celebrate. Happy to celebrate being alive and having beat cancer...being alive to see the loves of my life (my 8 nieces and nephews) grow each day...being with my friends and their kids who love me...being a part of the lives of my friends and knowing that I can make a difference in their lives...being able to enjoy the simple joys in life that so many of us often take for granted (food, shelter, warmth, security)...being able to feel the love of my sisters and my mom each day as I hear their voices on the phone...being able to walk in the survivor lap of the Relay for Life next to a great friend and co-survivor...being able to celebrate another birthday. Truly, so many reasons to celebrate. Every day is someone's birthday...celebrate 'em all!
My sweet nephew, Marshall Cyrus, starts Kindergarden today! I can't believe how quickly he has grown up! He is so loving and sweet, yet has a mind of his own and knows what he wants. He is such a good big brother to Carson and Charlie.
Marshby, aunt Ree loves you so much. I miss you every day I'm not with you. But, I keep you close in my heart. I am so proud of you and can't wait to see you grow into the man I know you will become. Love you to pieces!
Seven years ago today, I was blessed with the incredible gift of watching my nephew, Callum James, be born into the world. He is the only one of my nieces/nephews that I got to see be born. What an amazing experience for me! I loved him the moment I saw his sweet face. I almost wanted to deck the nurse when she gave him his first shots!
Callum, you may never know just how much I love you. I love spending time with you, cuddling with you, watching you grow and learn. You have a spirit like no other and your smile is contagious! You are an amazing big brother to Bronwyn and she will always be blessed to be your little sister. I will always be blessed to be your aunt. Happy Birthday, my sweet Cal-Bel. I love you to pieces!
Mitchell: this is a short note from your aunt to wish you a very happy 12th birthday! 1998 was a challenging year for me, but I am reminded each time I see your sweet face, that that year was truly a blessing for me. You came into my life then. I became your aunt. And I am SO proud to be your aunt!
You are such a special young man. You have a heart of gold, talent beyond measure, and the possibilities before you are endless! You have such wisdom for your young age and I know before long the world will be calling you Rich Mitch! Your middle name came from my grandpa Greaves, Cyrus, and I truly believe you have his spirit. He was so wise, talented, quietly strong and never needed the approval of anyone but himself. You are so much like him! I love you so much, Mitchell. I hope you always know that and never doubt it. I look forward, my sweet nephew, to the day I get to live in your mansion. Happy Birthday, Mitchell!
