It's my birthday............

So today, I have turned another page in the yearbook of my life. I am now 35 years old. I am also a college graduate, continuing her studies beginning in September. I am a mom to three fantastic boys, who sometimes drive me absolutely wonky. I am a wife to wonderful man; it is hard to believe that just three years ago this week decided to "date". I am a daughter-in-law to the sweetest lady and great man.

See, many woman (or so I've heard) have a rough go of it with their mother-in-laws. Not me, not with Diana. Oh, I've had my fair share of not getting along with my ex-mother-in-laws that I have had. It wasn't all bad, don't get me wrong. I still have a great relationship with my ex's mother but we did certainly not always get along so well. But Diana, if she ever had her doubts about me or concerns about Shawn and I; she never once made them known. And today I got the sweetest birthday card from her.

With my own mom passed away, I am not the warmest and fuzziest when it comes to other mother figures. I can be stand offish and I know this. Diana, if you are reading this, please know I am sorry if I have been this way with you. The card today, was so very heartfelt, I could nearly hear Diana reading it to me. The card is the wish of every mother raising a son. I could hear myself in the card with the boys later in life.

Now, it is no secret I have been married multiple times. I am not proud of that, but it is what it is. And I cannot change that now. I can live in the present and be thankful for all I have and all I am blessed with. I have never before had a mother-in-law tell me she was glad her son was married to me. Here is what the card reads:

For my daughter-in-law, I'm so glad my son married you.
I like to think I always knew
my son would marry a wonderful woman...
one who would be a partner and friend to him,
one who would inspire him
to dream and do his best,
and work right along with him
to make those dreams happen.
A woman with a wise and beautiful mind,
as well as a beautiful smile,
and an inner spirit strong enough
to soar along with him
when the sun is high in the sky,
and to weather tough times with him,
side by side.

Christie, you're all of those things
I hoped my son would choose,
and more...
he's so very lucky to have you for a wife,
partner, and friend...
and I'm lucky to have you
for a daughter-in-law.


I am so very grateful for the card from Diana and so far my day has been wonderful. I woke up to a quiet house at 6:20 this morning. Read my cards from Shawn and the boys. I got a new candle and a new deep fryer too. Got tons of birthday wishes from all my Facebook friends. Then I checked my mail and found this card too. I am a loved and blessed woman and best of all, I know it, I feel it. Thank you.