Happy Anniversary, Webb!

Even though my Rick doesn't read my blog, I want to wish him a Happy Anniversary! These 19 years have been a roller coaster ride!

19 years ago today, I became the married mom of 4 instead of the single mom of one. I became the mom of a 16 year old, a 8 year old, a 6 year old and a 2 year old. Now, I am the mom of a 35 year old, a 27 year old, a 25 year old, a 21 year old and a 17 year old. Not only are there now 5 children, I now have a son-in-law, a soon-to-be son-in-law and 2 daughters-in-law; as well as 2 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.

First and foremost, I want to thank Rick for the wonderful gifts he has given me.

Rick has tried to teach me patience; which I might finally master in the next 19 years.

He has taught me to love Christmas and all holidays. Rick introduced me to old Christmas ornaments; thanks to him, they are now one of my obsessions. He has given me the gift of a Christmas Party for our friends and family.

He has given me the gift of music I would have never found on my own. Because of Rick, I love Jethro Tull, Moody Blues, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Garth Brooks, George Strait and many more.

He has given me the gift of theatre; while I will never step on a stage to act or sing, he has shown me ways to make the theatre mine.

He has taught me to ride on the back of a motorcycle. I have less fear each time we ride. There is nothing like it!

Rick has shown me that dogs are awesome! Before we met, I was a cat person.

He has shown me that I can overcome rheumatoid arthritis with a positive attitude and his help. Rick has given me the gift of not obsessing about housework; it is okay to let it go for a little while if I don't feel well or if I am in the midst of crafting something.

Rick has given me the gift of pursuing my crafts. He doesn't blink an eye when I need new supplies or when I want to learn a new craft. He has even (almost) mastered sitting in the car in front of Joann's or Micheal's!

He has given me sports of all sorts: NY Yankees, Utah Jazz, and NASCAR. I will even watch Pro-bowling and golf on a Sunday afternoon!

He has taught me how to thrift at thrift stores and yard sales. It is not a normal week, if we don't go thrifting on Saturday mornings.

He has taught me to love, when my heart was broken. He has been a great father to all of our children; fair and honest in his love. Rick has taught me to hope for the future.

Next, I would like to thank my children for sticking with me long enough to be my friends. Our first few years were extremely rocky and, to be honest, not very pleasant. But, we have learned a lot through this time and we are a family! I can count my grown children as my friends, how sweet is that? I cannot wait to see how my family grows in the future. When I am a very old woman, I will have children and grandchildren and God willing, I will have great-grandchildren; because of Rick.

I hope that everyone that reads this has as great a ride as I have had these last 19 years!
Have a great day!
Donnelly