A family in Progress

Well, it’s official, yesterday marked my 30th birthday!

It was such an amazing day! I woke to an excited Happy Birthday Mommy from Myles! It was so cute. When I got to work I received three cards, one from the staff, another from a close co worker and friend with a cute plaque that stated *Life is not measure by the breath’s you take, but the moments that take your breath away* and a G/C for an extended pedicure from my boss and co worker. Spoiled girl huh? Well, it get’s better. On my lunch Myles and Gord popped by with a dozen long stem roses - red, white and pink - the smelled and divine and were beautiful! I asked Myles what he and daddy had been up to, to which he replied….*We got you a cake mommy!!!* Leave it to a 3 year old…LOL!! A half an hour later a delivery was made with balloon’s everywhere and a great BIG 30th balloon….yup no denying it now. I later found out it was from my mother who lives in the states. Gord had taken the night off work and picked me up when my work day was done. I came home to very sweet cards from both Gord and Myles. Gord had given me a voucher for a weekend in Niagara Falls….the hotel of my choice :), and Myles had gotten me a really cool grill. It looks like a deep fryer, but grills from both sides and in just minutes it’s done. Perfect for me, to have a quick, healthy meal when I get home from work. I must confess, I had made it clear to Gord this is what I was wishing for. LOL! Not only that….Gord spent the afternoon cleaning our home! Yippppeee……that is the best present ever!! LOL!. I also received a card with some money from my parents - will help for sure.

I was also lucky to be *surprised* with dinner a very nice restaurant where some of my very special friends were waiting! Was a very nice night, with a YUMMY chocolate cake!! Perfect day, with lots of surprises, good friends, family and tons of love and effort. Gord did a great job in making this day very special for me.

He knew, I had been struggling - I will admit 30 was TOUGH for me. It wasn’t so much the number as it was my place in life. You know, when you younger you set up goal and expectations and it’s hard not to be disappointed when you aren’t there. My wonderful friends encouraged me to look at what I did have not so much what I didn’t. It wasn’t until I really started to look at my 20’s that I realized I did have ALOT to be grateful for. A job, that I LOVE, a roof over my head, savings etc. But what really got me is that I thought I hadn’t accomplished alot - until a received a beautiful message on facebook last night. It was then that I realized - the footprints, and mark’s I had left in people’s lives - let me share an example of those who have touched my life and I’ve touched theirs -

*I hope everyone knows what an incredible friend you have here. Mandi has single handedly brought people together to make my transition from happily married to single easier, she brought people together to help me when I was struggling with budgetting by myself-groceries and gifts, household items galore. She brought people together to make our first Xmas on our own incredible. She is a selfless and beautiful woman. She requires no thanks and I hope that when I am settled to get reacquainted with her and her wonderful family. Thank you so much for your love and support. Happy Birthday! *

*Remembering a beautiful preschooler* (From our local paper)

Dear Editor - I am writing to let everyone know about a tremendous young girl who sadly left this world last Thursday.Holly Grace Cameron was a three-and-a-half-year-old little girl who was born with a heart condition. She spent her whole life fighting, and lost her battle after going into cardiac arrest.

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Holly Grace and her family — Rob, Paula and older sister Jessie — back in 2006.

Her loss had a huge impact on me, not only as the mother of a three-year-old myself, but in coming to terms with what a loss this was to those who loved her, and to the community and beyond.

Holly Grace was a beautiful preschooler who brought warmth, love, strength, and laughter to the paths of people she crossed. She was shy but had a smile that could melt your heart. She endured so much in her tiny lifetime but was still smiling. She brought together complete strangers who were bonded by her tremendous courage and hope.

I can only hope losing this precious girl will help others remember the beauty and good she inspired. I pray her goodness will live on in each and every one of us.

I couldn’t attend her visitations or funeral, as it had hit way too close to home, having a son the same age as Holly Grace. I can only hope I can pass along all the good Holly Grace stood for to my own son.

Please keep the Camerons in your thoughts and prayers.

Mandi*

Isn’t that incredible?? Here I was thinking I got nowhere in my 20’s - but then realized I had accomplished just what I had wanted - I have touched the lives of friends, family, strangers and have had strangers, friends, family and acquaintances touch mine. Not only that - more importantly - I have an amazing little boy and great fiancée - who have had a huge impact in my life and I, in theirs.

So, after that pivotal moment - I have made a list of everything I hope to accomplish by 35. I will look at it daily and remember how blessed I am. I will leave more footprints, I will look at things optimistically and I will not let the negative weigh me down. Together, Gord and I will meet our goals, we will own our home and will raise a happy, healthy boy who at the end of the day knows he has the love and support of his parents no matter what. I will let my friends know how important they are to me, and how they have helped me become the person I am today. I will let those who bring negative into my life know that they aren’t welcome.

Wow - 30 isn’t so bad after all!

My Cake

Myles checking out my balloons and flowers

Myles mixed in with my balloons!

My baby and I out for dinner

Posted by mmummy ( 3 Comments )