Amy is a friend of mine. She is one of those constants that make living in the Twin Cities somewhat normal. I admire a lot of things about her... She started her own business years ago based on her talents to listen to people and create marketing pieces that reflect that heart. She is creative and this is reflective in her not only in her scrapbooks but also in the small things like creative birthday party themes. It's easy enough to glue photos to a page however she has taken time to add a special touch to those pages as well. She is a great mom. I can say that not because of some vague knowledge but in observing her during the good times as well as the difficult times. She is fair and loves her kids beyond the edges of their loveablity. She juggles a massive amount of logistics in getting her kids to events and appointments and still finds time to run a business, be a friend to her husband and run the rest of her household. She takes time to send a note and a card. She remembers birthdays even when others don't. When I moved up here almost nine years ago she and her husband allowed me to live with them until I figured out what I wanted to do. She is the person I think to call when my heart is breaking and the person I call when I want to share joy and even in the midst of chaos.

And so, Happy Birthday to my lovely friend Amy. You are a gem in the midst of a sandy life and I am blessed to know you.

There's a song on the radio right now that's sort of appropriate of my wish for you:

Verse 1:
Wake up to the sunlight
With your windows open
Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress
Use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
Have what you want
But want what you have
And don't spend your life lookin' back

Chorus:
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
Cuz it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live

Verse 2:
So go to the ballgames
And go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children
Dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don't run from the truth
'Cause you can't get away
Just face it and you'll be okay

Chorus:
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won't regret it
Lookin' back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did
It's how you live