Thank-You, Grammy.

Coco: Thank-you, for being her Oreo cookie. Her need for a firm outside, ready to pick her up when she falls, her reminder that eating gravel is not a good idea and to wash her dirty little face. You are also her sweet cream filling. Her cuddle when she is tired, her open arms for running in too and her easily convinced shoe buyer when she demands new flip-flops for her chubby little feet... like RIGHT NOW!

Tink: Thank-you, for being her real-life Rubbing Stick. Her lap full of love. Her spot to feel comfort and safety. As any proper rubbing stick should... you respond to her bossy little grunts, by quickly making her life even more comfy, even more agreeable and even more beautiful with a new sparkly pink outfit.

The Kid: Thank-you, for being his library on a rainy day. For being his Go-To place, full of knowledge. You are his favorite book... two beautifully written characters, with engaging conversation and stead-fast devotion. Giving my son, the ability to feel snug, secure and forever welcomed, within your warm walls.

My Brother: Thank-you, for being his life-long Pokey (his childhood blankie). For keeping him safe. For wrapping him up in an unwavering love and support, while promising to never leave him cold or afraid.

And for Me: Thank-you, for being my 'First'. For always being my first and only "Yes! I would like to bring a Guest to Oprah with Me!!"... For being my first phone call, with good news or bad. For being my first friend. My first hug in life (even if they drive me crazy now!) or my first hug or last kiss on the cheek, before I leave on a trip.

You have helped create our five lives. We are your tiny imprint in this world. True... all five of us are flawed, a little bit of a mess and undoubtedly a needy bunch of attention-seeking 'Drama for your Mamas'... but we ARE pretty cute, we can deliver a hilarious sarcastic quip and we have a killer eye-roll.

Most importantly, we are all very loved.
Thank-you Grammy and Happy Birthday!
Well lobe you, two.
Lobe you three.
Lobe you four.
Lobe you more.
(though 'more' is probably impossible.)