Amy's

Today is Amy's birthday!

Amy was our second child and second daughter and she was born in New Mexico.

She is a very important part of this large family,

this smaller but still large family,

this even smaller family,

and of course, this core family where it all started.

And she's been married and an important part of this very small family for almost 14 years.

I wrote about Amy last year on her birthday in this post and visiting there will take you to links to all her previous posts.  In these, you can find lots of pictures and stories about Amy and how she's changed 'through the years' so for now I'll just post a few pictures here.

And talk about what's been going on in her life during the past year.  There were a couple of big changes for her.    First of all she passed the Nitro on to Jeremy who now drives it to school and work and she acquired these new wheels!

and after both Britta and Sheba crossed over the rainbow bridge and left gaping holes in the hearts of everyone in the family, they adopted Heidi knowing full well that she could never replace the two they lost but she's doing an amazing job of trying.

She's cute, quirky, and loving; and Amy says she's so smart that when she gets in trouble and has to go in her kennel, she tries to look extra cute so everybody will feel sorry for her.

Amy and Tracy have also been busy with the house again this year.  They finished the living room with new walls, trim, ceiling, and floors; and everything that needed to be stained, they did themselves.

Of course it was a change for Amy when Jeremy started driving and going to college but she still spends a lot of time in the car for work, Jenna's practices and weekend tournaments.

They had a wonderful camping trip to Waffle Farms in August which she loves and where there was a special visit from her favorite little people - her grandchildren.

And they visited Gulf Shores over the holidays.  This picture was taken just before they left.

But Amy doesn't just love her grandchildren

and her pets - she loves all children (which is probably why she is an excellent paraprofessional) including her nieces and nephews.

and everybody's pets (even if they have glowing, green eyes).

But there's lots more to say about Amy.  She's a wonderful person and always fun to be around - just ask Tracy.

She's a loving sister,

a devoted mother

and no one could ask for a better daughter!

She's always helpful, cheerful, sensitive, and understanding.  And she's one of the most selfless people you could every know.  For these reasons and so many others, we're wishing her the best birthday EVER and a year that surpasses all others in every way!  Happy Birthday, Amy!  We're so proud of you and love you so much!