Dear Florida

Dear Florida,

It is almost time for me to say goodbye to you. It was just over a year ago that I flew here to meet you. Never knowing that you would become such a big part of me. I love so many things about you. I love your oceans, your beaches, and your attractions. I love the smells, the many cultures, and the feeling you give me just by being here. I love Gator football, and roar of enthusiasm at game time. I love having a cold beer, on one of your hot summer days. I love driving down your long stretches of highway until I reach Miami. Singing my heart out, until I am surrounded by beach and palm trees. You have so many beautiful places. You take my breath away at times.

More then anything, you hold some of the most beautiful people I have ever met. I never thought that I could fall in love with so many different kinds of people in one place. They are different, quirky, and funny. They taught me fashion, religions, cultures, and friendship. I was destined to meet each and everyone of them. Florida to me has become them. All their smiling faces, surrounded by your beautiful background. :)

Thank you for the moments you have given me here. I am amazed at who I have become since I have been here. You took a depressed, Midwestern girl, who hadn't quite found herself and turned her into a woman who has her own sense of style, courage, and strength. This year has been packed full of "Florida memories"- ones I can't wait to take back with me.

The Midwest is my home.. but you FL... well you have my heart! I'll be back, you're far too alluring to stay away for long.

(its not goodbye its...) See ya later (gator),

Brittany!

Happy Valentines day my son!

Dear Aidyn,

Today is our third Valentines day together. I can't believe thats it. I feel like you have been around forever. Before you Valentines Day could be very lonely. If I didn't have a boyfriend- I wanted one. If I did, I had such high expectations for myself and them that it was always a let down. Then you came into my life. With your blue eyes, adorable smile, and most wonderful kisses in the world. You taught me what it was to love.

You taught me that love is selfless. You taught me how love can fill you up in such away that you beam with happiness. You taught me that love is waking up at 7 am even when you didn't get to bed until after 2am. You taught me that love is kissing me at 7am and making getting up worth it! You taught me that love is being scared when you have a fever, and laughing until I cry. You taught me that love is potty training. You taught me that love is scribbles on a piece of paper. You taught me that love is tickles, and cartoon mornings. You taught me that love comes in all different shapes and sizes.

You taught me how to love myself.

You. you at only two years old did all that! Imagine what you can do with the rest of your life! Thank you my son for showing me the true meaning of this holiday. To some it may just be a Hallmark holiday, but to me.. well its discovering what love really is. Dwelling on it, and realizing just how lucky I am that you are in my life. :)

So tonight I will go to bed knowing that you- my little romeo are happy, healthy, and loved. Thats the best Valentines gift I could ever ask for! :)

I love you to the moon and back,

Mom