Birthdays Galore!!!

We’ve got TWO on the table today kids! TWO! I knew they were both brilliant in their own right but when we got together for a cookout at the Ringo-Hawk homestead this past summer and Cindy taught Ringo how to grill a marinated portobello mushroom…well. The admiration society became one member stronger that day!

Ladies and gentlemen, today is my beloved Cindy and Scotty Ringo’s birthday. God gave us not one, but two specific cases of fabulous on this day. Let’s get together and give them a big fat WHAT WHAT!!!!! There are good things in store for these two this year. I can’t tell you what they are…What I can tell you is that each one graces my life to a degree that is unmentionable.

They make me laugh. Laugh so hard that I snort and sometimes toot simultaneously. They give love without boundaries. They teach me what a real relationship looks like. Hawk and Ringo, Cindy and Chris. I can tell you that, while it hasn’t been an easy road, these couples personify family. They are the model that I have in my head…the girl with her chubby cheeks pressed against the store front pointing, I WANT THAT! I WANT THAT! When I meet someone, or like someone, these are the ones that I want approval from.

I hope that you have people like this in your life. I feel bumbly and stumbly trying to express how much I love them…so I will just say it.

Cindy…my sweet sweet girl. I love you. I am sooooo blessed that you and I have become sisters. You teach me daily about being better, about dreaming bigger, and loving harder. You lead by example and I am better…each day I am on this earth is better because you are in my life. I am so thankful to your crazyass SALmon eating Mama for birthing you. Happy Birthday, sugar!

and Mr Scotty Ringo…you my brother are the guy. The one who is the standard by which all others are measured. Your ready laugh, your generous heart, your love for your family…we’ve been told all of our lives that men like you exist. It’s reassuring to know that it’s not just an urban legend. You make me happy just by walking into the room. Thank you for your friendship, and your guidance. Thank you for your love and your laugh. My life is just better with you in it. Happy Birthday my dear brother. Cheers!