Getting ready for yet another birthday. It is strange to say when asked how old I am that I will be 42 on Friday the 13th. It sounds like the next Jason movie. My little brother, does seem to like teasing me about my age; how soon he forgets he will be 41 this year, he isnt that far behind me.

This month hasnt been too kind to my mom, she lost her sister a couple of weeks ago. The month of May I am told is not a "good" month for her family. The death of a few family realtives were mixed in with the births of us May babies. I all ways wondered as a child, why my mom would have a private moment and cry on my birthday, she finally told me about the deaths in the family that happened in May, I can understand now why she cries and I hope that as time goes by it gets easier for her.

My parents went back home to Utah for my Aunts services, although my mom was extremely sad, she was so very happy to see how much the family has grown. My dad is still talking about meeting Mia, my cousins little girl. He just is in love with her little voice. He said she was a brave little thing, and stood there and said "My name is Mia" he said she said it so matter of factly. I am surprised that none of the little one didnt run away screaming and crying, my dad has that affect on kids...but maybe now that he is older and not so "mean" looking, and a grandparents, kids dont run and hide from him now.

My nephew is going to be 11 soon and in junior high. Where did the time go? Wasnt he just being born on that 4th of July night? I am still in Awe of how smart he is. He is growning like a weed and he is just so very handsome. He has a good head on his shoulders and I couldnt be anymore prouder of him. He makes me the happiest and the proudest when I see him help out his grandmother and hitting the books.

My niece will be 9 soon and she is just the greatest gift I could have ask for from my brother. She is such a wonderful girl. She wants so much to be older but yet she will still curl up on our laps and watch TV. She has a great eye for fashion now ... I tell her when I was 9 all I wanted was a football or softball. She thinks that is "old fashion" now. She doesnt like to share her birthday with her brother anymore, so she tells me, she would rather have her own special day. She inspires me and keeps me on my toes. I am so very proud of her and the progess she has made.

That's it for now....