Happy Retirement to my Mom

Today my Mom retires from teaching.  For the past 38 years she's provided an educational foundation for hundreds of children.  Thank you for your relentless passion and dedication to others.  Now it's time for you to relax, spend time with the grand kids, enjoy the Florida lifestyle and not worry about another snow day again!  Congrats!!

5 Year Anniversary

To the one who runneth my cup over, squeezes my heart and is more than enough, I can assure you the world is a better place just because he is in it.  Happy Anniversary to my everything. 

My Birthparents

Several of my friends and family members have contacted me requesting pics of my birthparents.  They are as anxious as I was to see what they look like and what similarities we have.  Without further ado...

Golf Party

A couple week's ago we celebrated Addison's 4th Birthday by having a golf party.  We had about 20 guests join us for a fun filled afternoon. 

 

Location - Fiesta Falls Miniature Golf - St. Augustine

Invitation - Pink Pickle Parties 

Cupcake toppers and wrappers - Pink Pickle Parties

Water Bottle Labels - Pink Pickle Parties

Catering - Panera

Cupcakes - Sweet City Cupcakes

Paper Straws - Bella Cupcake Couture 

Straw Flags -  Free Printable

Favor Bags - Amazon

Golf Visors - Oriental Trading

First Contact with my Birthfather

After my friend was able to locate my birthfather's address, I sent a letter to him last week.  I wasn't sure whether or not he would respond.  When my birthmother became pregnant she never told him about the pregnancy.  I couldn't imagine the shock of opening a letter and finding out that you had a daughter over 30 years ago.

He received my letter on Friday(4/26) and called me Saturday(4/27).  He was diagnosed with cancer (leukemia) in 2003 and is in remission.  He has 2 sons.  His voice box was scarred from chemo so it's very difficult to understand him at times but he gave me his yahoo messenger screen name because he said it's easier to type.  His oldest son actually called me and spoke to me first giving me information about his Dad's cancer, etc.  When I spoke to David(my birthfather) he never denied or questioned anything about the situation.  He stated that he didn't know but for me to tell my birthmother that he's not resentful to her for her choice.  He also stated twice to thank my parents for giving me a good life.

David was a horse farrier and also did reining.  When he was married, they owned a saddle shop.  This explains my love for horses as a child...it's in my blood.  He also stated that I'm part Santee Sioux Indian and that his great grandfather was a medicine man.  He currently resides in South Dakota.  His oldest son is currently stationed in Alaska for the Army and his youngest son lives in North Dakota.  

Another new journey that I've emarked upon.  I'm so thankful that this experience of finding my birthparents has been such a positive one.  I look forward to meeting them in person. 

What a Week!!

Saturday:  Addison's Birthday Party was amazing!  I promise to get the pictures posted soon.
Saturday Evening: I spoke on the phone for the 1st time to my birthfather and one of my half brothers...I will be writing a separate post about that soon too.
Sunday:  Relaxing day.  Brian took Addison to the park then my Dad and Brian went fishing. 
Monday: I took the day off to spend Addison's birthday with her.  We started our day off at the beach, then met my Dad for lunch.  After lunch Dad and I took her to the movies to see the Croods.  Great movie!  Brian wanted to see her on her birthday so we traveled to met him halfway between his work and home and he surprised her.  We were at the mall and she was riding on some toys.  She looked at me and said "I wish Daddy didn't have to work."  Perfect timing.  I told her to close her eyes tightly and make a wish and maybe he would appear.  So she did then opened her eyes and said "That didn't work Mommy.  He's not here."  I then told her to turn around and Brian was standing behind here.  She squealed so loud that several people turned and looked.  :::Tears:::  Some pics below from Monday.

Morning at the beach

Oysters for lunch

At the movies with Papa

Daddy came to surprise her

Tuesday:  Talked on the phone with my birthmom.  She is just awesome.  We get along so well and I'm so thankful she is a wonderful person.

Wednesday:  Addison woke up saying she had an earache.  I gave her ibuprofen and sent her to school because I had a big day at work that I couldn't miss.(feeling like a bad mom)  I have a mole that started itching so of course I googled it and the results say "Itchy moles can be a sign of melanoma"  Great!  I called my dermatologist and can't get in until the 17th.  Thankfully my sister in law's best friend is a dermatologist so she's sending her a pic so I know whether to anxiously worry for the next 2 weeks or to put my mind at ease.  Had a great text message conversation with my half brother.  Addison had a fever when she got home from school.

Wednesday Evening:  Chatted with my birthfather on instant messenger.  It's great getting to know him.

Thursday:  Addison woke up at 3:40am this morning buring up.  Gave her some more medicine.  Thankfully I have the world's best Dad and he's coming over to watch her and take her to the Doctor this morning.  When Enzo woke up he had a nasty cough but no fever so I sent him to school.  I'm sure he'll be sick tomorrow.  Ugh!!
Can't wait to see what the weekend brings...