Beat the January Blues!

January can be a rather hum-drum, depressing month but when it's filled with birthday celebrations, it takes on a new personality.

These first two birthday buddies were both born in Texas!

 We'll start with my mother-in-law, Lynette.  Even though her attempt at curing my cough went awry, I still love her and enjoy her company. She has a fun sense of humor and an infectious laugh.   She has the greenest thumb in the west!  Every plant she touches grows bigger and better, (she IS from Texas, after all) whether it's in her yard or inside her home.

Just a little story that always makes me smile whenever I hear the song, "Wind Beneath my Wings."  Every year my FIL's family had a Christmas party at a local church in Salt Lake City.  My in-laws would drive up from Arizona, when they could, to attend the party.  One year a cousin had his ailing father come up front and sit in a chair while this cousin sang "Wind Beneath My Wings" to his dad.  The cousin was getting emotional as he sang, as were some of his siblings and his mother, while his father sat in the chair looking indifferent.  Lynette leaned over to me, and in a voice that was conspicuously louder than a whisper, remarked, "I drove 800 miles for THIS?"  She then threw her head back and laughed her infectious laugh.  It was a great moment...for some!

You're the best, Mom, Happy Birthday!

Next in the birthday line-up is my very own Dad!  He too has a great sense-of-humor!  It doesn't matter where he is or who he's around, he always has a quick wit and a fun remark or two that puts everyone at ease.  He has always said, "You can't trust a beady-eyed Texan. (whatever that means)  He worked hard as a brick contractor all of his life, providing well for his family.  I have great memories of camping, waterskiiing, and vacations with my family and feeling safe because Dad was there.

Here we are at my wedding reception.  Doesn't Dad look handsome - kind of like a movie star.  You'll notice we had the same color of hair.  We still do!  ;)  Dad can do lots of things.  He is quite a cook - from breads to main dishes - he does it all.  He has written short stories that are delightful to read.  (Good thing there's spell check on the computer) He has taken on a new endeavor since Christmas.  He's learning to play the piano!  He and Mom are still very much in love and they are fun to be around.

Dad. you're amazing!  I sure love you!  Happy Birthday!