Love Letter to My Mom

Sweet and Sour
there has to be a balance.
This is our kind of love.
The rule follower and the rule breaker.
We need both.
There is fear
of not being able to love,
how you need to be loved.
The love I have to give takes the correct route.
You have sacrificed and my child eyes
have blinded me from remembering.
The love I have to give will look for a bargain.
This is not enough for balance.
I love your loyalty.
I love your cooking.
I love your thoughtfulness.
And so our dance continues as
two different kinds of chefs
in the kitchen
to find a balance
so we can feast on our beautiful creation.

Daughter's Love

I remember dancing to the music that filled the church
like a gliding eagle on a warm summer's day.
I remember you being the tickle monster that seemed to
have strength like a gorilla but fingers floating like a butterfly.
Some have said I have put you on a pedestal.
A servant's attitude.
A devoting husband.
A shoulder to cry on.
A lending ear.
A man after God's own heart.
Where else would you go?
I remember more.  Much more.
So much, that love comes pouring out of my heart and eyes.
Has someone told you how special you are?
"Yes, in God's word."
I remember. 
I remember your love.
I will always remember God's unconditional love.
It's here.
With us.
I remember, when I dance like a gliding eagle on a warm summer's day.
Solid Gold Dancer.

Love Letter to my Niece

Love so big is swells my heart.
The connection
The bond
The unknown
I love your speed on the soccer field.
I love how your fingers dance like waves on the piano.
You were the first one to give me the wonderful blessing of being an aunt.
Mama's favorite curl
Your energy bouncing like that curl,
that wrapped around my heart.
My swollen heart because of so much love.

Love Letter to my Nephew

You move your eyebrows to the beat of the comments in the room.
How I love the voiceless reaction that produces giggles from my mouth.
Our snuggles warm my heart in hopes that the embrace would last forever.
Tus palabras en español son musícas para mis orejas.
And your empathy, oh how I love your empathy that dances over the darkness like sparklers on the fourth of July.

Love Letter to my Sister

To the one who lights up the room with her smile.
I love the way you bring a smile to my heart and a beat to my step.
The mixed tapes to rock our trips
and the safety of my secrets.
Let me not hold back the blessings you bring to my life in this new year.
Love you with all my heart.

Christmas Present Exchange

My sister bought me the most delicious dress (pockets and all) for Christmas and it didn't fit.  So, I was off to exchange it during a wonderful sale and I couldn't decide which one to buy!  They were all so wonderfully unique and 40% the sale price.  Also, with the return, I might have been able to buy more than one.

Luckily, we are in the age of text messaging so my sister was able to help pick out the new number I'll be wearing the first day of work....unless the weather doesn't cooperate.

And if you know me, you will know the ones I picked.  The one my sister picked?  Well, that surprised me.....I think she will be raiding my closet the next time she comes over.  Originally, $495 is what I would have paid for my purchases....nice when the total rang up $65.  I do love a bargain!  Thanks Sis!  Love you!

Pizza Crust

Made my own homemade pizza crust and I will never buy store bought pizza crust again!