February and Family Memories

Aah February...........it's a meaningful month for me! Other than the obvious that it is my birthday month, I still love February.

When I think of February I think of "over the hump" month. We made it through January and February is a short month that leads to March, which is Spring! I'm not a person who hates winter but I can't actually say I love it either. I tolerate it. I enjoy breathing "fresh" cool air and snuggling in flannel loungers and a quilted throw. To me it is such a blessing to be able to experience four seasons. Since I am a nature/creation lover I truly enjoy God's world, even when it is cold. The snow we have on the ground right now is beautiful to me. I suppose that's easy for me to say since driving in it is an option in my case most of the time. But to look out and see God's world blanketed in white and glistening like diamond chips in the sun just takes my breath away and again I utter thanks to my Creator for His artistry. Who but God can paint scenes like that?

Yes, February brings me another year to enjoy God's world and I praise Him for that. Today, February 1st, is my birthday and although I would love to be about twenty years younger I am so thankful for the years I have had! Actually on my birthday I generally think a lot about my parents. I reminisce about my life growing up in a large family and I think of all the sacrifices my parents made to provide a happy home for us. I am so thankful to have had a father who kept a good job and provided for all of our needs and most of our wants. I especially remember the hard work and sacrifice my mother made so that her five little girls could have the happy childhood that she didn't get to have growing up in a home for girls. She worked hard as the owner of her own beauty salon and then stayed up into the wee hours of the morning sewing clothes that were fashionable for us so that we wouldn't feel bad about not having "store-bought" clothes. Birthdays were always a big deal at our house thanks to her. We were always made to feel special with gifts, cake and ice cream even though she was probably too tired for celebration! Although I never had a "real" birthday party where others outside the family were invited it was always happy! So, today, February 1, 2010, I want to honor my mother and father and publicly thank them for teaching me so many good lessons in life and for a love of family so deeply carved into the hearts of their girls that I can truly say that today my sisters are also my best friends! Thanks Mama and Daddy for having me!