Nicole's BIRTHDAY!

So she's one of my dearest friends and cherished sister and I just have to write some thing about Nicole that make her wonderful. No, I'm not going to write it as 19 things about her (because her birthday is today!) but I do want to highlight some of what makes her so great.

- She's always up for a game, regardless of if she loses every time! (like the Birdie Game) or if she rocks everyone everytime she plays (Sensosketch in Cranium)

- She really takes time to treat her children as individuals, to react differently to them, based on what they really need.

- She's one of the most organized mothers I know, always having a stocked diaper bag and never missing a doctor's appt, birthday etc.
- She's a really good cook and is always up for trying new things, even if it's just to appease me and Ryan's fascination with all things food.

- She makes the most delicious sugar cookies, breakfast burritos and spinach artichoke dip.

- She's an athlete in disguise. She runs a bazillion miles a week and makes it a priority. I believe someday she will tackle tennis and be really, really good.
- She's one of the easiest people to get along with, but has opinions and doesn't mind sharing them, which I love.

- She treats my brother so, so well and isn't shy about telling us all what a great guy he is.

- She always makes me feel so welcome in her home, even stocking her fridge with my favorite sodas.

Nicole has blessed our lives from the time that she snagged Ryan. I, personally, will be forever grateful that she knew how much Ryan would need her before he did. And now, how much I need her and hold dear my relationship to her. She's an exceptional example of how to fulfill all the roles of a woman with poise and grace. She's a wife, a mother, sister, daughter and the kind of friend everyone looks for in life. She's much better at formatting these dang posts, but I hope she knows how much I love her and has a very happy birthday!