Seventeen and counting!

So Joey had a birthday this month! His feet are planted firmly in the forties for several more years, and he's handling it beautifully - from the bottom of his feet to the top of his slightly graying hairline!

His birthday was also our anniversary. Seventeen years already!
Wonderful years that seem to have flown by . . .

Joey and I had dinner at our fav spot in the Springs - Marigold's!

Filet Mignon

Double Chocolate Mousse Cake

Then the girls gave us our gifts!
They had been working on them, in secret of course, for quit a while.

Shelby presented us with artwork!
She had Super Heroes for dad -

It's a bird, It's a plane . . .

And what's a hero without a villain?!

Then she dreamed up her own version of Van Gogh's "Starry Night" for me!

Beautiful!

Madison decided to try her hand at writing poetry . . .

"Birthday"

"My dad likes a lot of things,
He likes the roar of the ocean, and hot wings.
He likes American history, and when birds sing.
He likes Florida heat, and wet sand under his feet.
He likes video games, and bragging he can't be beat.
And something I found out about my dad, 
don't tell anyone, but he can be really sweet!

He plays with his best friend Buddy.
And when he talks to him, it's really funny.
He likes to grill outside when it gets sunny.
He likes 80's music, and butter mixed with honey.
He loves my mom, when she sits by his side,
on the beach where they watch the ocean's tide.

But before it gets too late,
Here are some things that he kind of hates.
Loud people acting crazy, especially teenagers.
And when people are troublemakers.
Coming home to dirty houses,
or having to check his boots for mouses.
Cold, wet snow and ice on the car,
having to walk very, very far.

Then there are things he can't live without!
Here are some that I've figured out.
Coffee, for one, with lots of creamer.
The dog - he's funny 'cause he's a dreamer.
My sister Shelby, and being able to tease her.
My mom. I know because he's always trying to please her.
His mom and sisters and family,
And that leaves just one - that would be me!
I wrote this poem that I'm reading to you,
To say, dad, that we all love you too!"

The funniest part of the poem? Maddie had actually written a note to herself at the bottom of the page saying,
"Wait for tears of joy to stop, then make the traditional crack about him getting old!"

Love it!

Love those girls!

Love my husband!

Love my life!!!

I pray God blesses us with many more years of laughing and learning and growing together.









(Just a little disclaimer - Joey only has to check for critters in his boots when he's deployed!
My housekeeping isn't that bad!)