HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

For all of you who read my blog, I will share my Valentine's Day flowers with you. (I'm sure Scott won't mind.)

Last week, a dear friend of mine buried her father, and my heart breaks for her. I know what it's like to lose a parent to cancer.

Five years ago this week, my wonderful, sweet mother lost her fight against cancer. I may be a little biased; but to me, she was the best mother that ever lived. She was a Godly, Christian lady with high ideals and morals, who did her best to live up to her high standards. She was an example to many young ladies who crossed her path over the years. Most of all, she was the most loving grandmother. The bond between her and Sam was indescribable.

This picture, taken sometime in 2002, is one of my all-time favorites of my mom and Sam. You can truly sense the love between these two!

Swim Team

Sam has joined a swim team at the YMCA. Last night was his first practice. Although he enjoyed it, he said it was harder than he had expected. Nonetheless, he's looking forward to practice next Monday and his first swim meet on the 16th.

Pearl

When I hear about the problems burdening people I care about, it makes me realize that my problems aren’t as bad as I had thought they were. It’s good for me to keep that in mind, since I’ve been getting a little depressed lately, especially this week.

Pearl has been sick all week, vomiting and messing in her crate, which is not like her at all. I’ve been distraught about her all week, and have been very busy every day: cleaning her crate, giving her baths, cleaning the tub, etc. I’ve been hoping she’ll get better so I don’t have to take her to the vet. Well, this morning, when I went outside to let her back in, she took off. It was raining hard, and I had a towel with me to dry her with. I think she was afraid she was getting another bath, which she hates, and bolted out of fear. I drove around the neighborhood and walked around the houses close to ours, but I couldn’t find her. I finally had to go on to work. I’m praying that she comes back home before she gets herself run over and that she gets over whatever has been ailing her this week.

I know that’s not nearly as bad as what some people are going through, but it has made me sick to my stomach, worrying about her.

What Is a Friend?

If you have been following my blog for a while, you know that I dabble a little in poetry. Here's a poem I wrote for a friend of mine back in 1991. Unfortunately, she died of cancer in 2002. Today, I'm posting it on here for two very good friends of mine -- Mary Katherine and Patti.

WHAT IS A FRIEND?

A friend is someone you can trust
With all your dreams and fears,
Someone who is always there
To share the laughter and tears.
When one is in need, a friend will help
To heal, patch, or mend
Anything that has gone wrong.
Such is a true friend.

You have been a wonderful friend
Whether I have deserved it or not.
Your friendship is a special kind
That cannot be stolen nor bought.
I value your friendship very much,
And pray that in the years ahead
It will grow and flourish
Because it is constantly fed.

©1991 Suzanne Mulkey

Happy Birthday to me!!!

No, today is not my birthday. Saturday was, and it was a good day. It started off with breakfast in bed, which I believe was the first time for me. Scott gave me two beautiful blouses from my favorite store in the mall and took us out for supper at a Chinese buffet which has the best crab legs in the area. Our friends David and Rachel joined us for supper and a movie afterward. We went to see "I Am Legend". It was great, despite being a little scary. (Sam held firmly to my hand for much of the movie.)

Sam gave me the most beautiful little birthday card I have ever received. Although it doesn't do it justice, here is a picture of it.

Hapy New Years!!!!!!!

I hope your New Years Day was fun. Mine was! Not only is it a holiday, meaning a day off work, but it's also my anniversary. Scott and I went out for supper at Carraba's, and it was DELICIOUS!!!!!!!! Scott had the spiedino di mare (grilled shrimp and scallops), and I had my favorite food -- lobster ravioli.

Since New Years Day also marks the day Sam got a dad, we always do some family activity with him. In the past, we have gone to a movie; but since we saw the new National Treasure movie on Christmas Eve, there wasn't really anything we wanted to go see this year. Instead, we took Sam to the mall where he spent some of his Christmas money; and we played games at the arcade. It was a lot of fun (especially when I beat Scott at air hockey!)