Sisters

I have a sister. Her name is Toni. Every now and again we will have a small tiff. Not often anymore......although we just had one. She called today and asked when we fought because she had things to tell me. I had been thinking too, I wonder if we are done fighting now? I have things to tell her.

We used to be very different people. I used to think that she was boring (very boring). I on the other hand was very not boring. I was fun! I liked the bar, staying up late, dating, and even at times being a bit irresponsible. I waited for the day that she would be a little irresponsible with me, but instead something amazing happened. I grew up and became that boring person too. Funny though, I don't find it very boring anymore. Don't get me wrong. I still have (and always will have) a bit of a wild side. But now that I'm all grown up like my sis.....I can even get her to find her wilder side every now and again. Now that's fun!! We've even taken sister vaca's...and will again.

Did I mention that shes funny??

To my "Dark and Twisty" sister. I love ya!!

From your "Bright and Shiny" sister.

Father Daughter Dance

Each year Madison's school has a Father Daughter Dance. This was something new to us as her last school never put on such an event. I had mixed feelings the first time she brought home the flyer for this dance. Madison's "dad" (I use the term lightly) has been for the most part nonexistent these last 10 years, and over the last 10 years I've done a great job at wiping tears, and mending a broken heart by telling her "your dad has to work a lot". Let me tell you....this guy has worked 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for a very very long time. As many kids do, she has created an image of what her father is to her. He is a very hard worker, and he has a great job as "vice boss" and if he could he would see her all the time.

Almost 4 years ago I met Troy. He is a fantastic father to his 10 year old. He calls her almost every night, sees her almost every weekend, and any other time he can too. He is a great father to her, and has become a great father to Madison. More of a father than her "dad" has ever been. She loves him very much, but at the same time, while seeing what a great father Troy is to Breanna, she continues to put her "dad" higher on his pedestal. She wants to believe that her dad is like that too....he would be like that too if only he didn't have to work so much. I know that someday she will figure it all out on her own.

Last year she asked her "dad" to take her. After sometime of hearing "I'm not sure", "maybe", and "I have to see if I can get off work" she asked Troy if he would take her to the dance. He of course said yes, and they had a great time. She was so excited! I think she was very proud to have him with her.

Well, a year has gone by, and the flyer was sent home on Friday for the dance. The first thing she did was grab the flyer and ask Troy if he would be able to take her to the dance. There was not and has not been any question of if her "dad" would be able to take her. Troy and Madison will be arm and arm at the Father Daughter Dance. And thanks to Breanna for having no problem lending her dad to Madison for the night.

We have come a LONG way over the last 4 years. I will be the first to tell you how hard it has been at times to blend our family into one.....how I have thought it maybe easier to just throw in the towel. And while I'm sure we will still have our ups and downs going forward I feel so blessed to have Troy and Breanna in our lives. I love them both so much.

On a side note: Tammy, Breannas mom, has given the final okay, for Breanna to come to Texas with Madison and I. GIRLS TRIP!!! Its nice to know that Tammy trusts me enough to know that I'm not going to try and sell Breanna while were gone. :) In writing to her penpal, Breanna also talked about her stepmom Deb, and her stepsister Madison. I love it!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STACY!!!

This is Stacy (and Sophie) on the day of her wedding! Today is her b-day. Happy Birthday to her! Those of you who read the comments know her as the one who was only 47 steps away, but has moved on to bigger and better opportunities and is loving it!

Hugs and Kisses to you. I wish you a day of all things great and beautiful!

The Girls!

Pay It Forward

My newphew (a junior in high school) left last Friday for "Spring Break" with a group of college students from the University of MN.

I must clarify the definition of his "Spring Break". Patrick boarded a bus with this group of kids last Friday to travel states from here to Texas completing various community service projects. He has had a wonderful experience! He has done projects from building a 5 mile bison fence in Colorado, to working at a "lock in" for "children at risk", and cleaning apartment homes for disabled and single parents.

I'm so proud of him. I'm so proud that he is taking the time to help others, and that he is loving every minute of his trip.

To read about his experience..visit his blog at patrickfogarty.blogspot.com

I love you Patrick!!