ITS.........a GREAT

Day because August 19th is the celebration of Melissa Ann Zinn Lough's birth!

(yes, that would be her BIRTHDAY!)

What a joyous day that was........Two beautiful sons and then we were blessed with a precious daughter! I was so HAPPY!

Those two "big brothers" LOVED their baby sister and

always looked out for her!

Melissa's first birthday!

We just had a family reunion and all my married children talked about how quickly their children were growing up. I just smiled "inside" because they have NO IDEA how quickly it does happen. Was it not just yesterday all my children were home and our household bustling with so many activities?! I remember them as if it were yesterday! :)

Melissa was full of "adventure"....... there was the permanent magic marker art work all over our hall way and when she had completed it, she came to get me to show me her masterpiece.

Melissa kept our house hold "hopping"!

Melissa was a "good big sister" to Marnie, (discount the time she tipped over the bassinet when Marnie was five days old, Marnie ended up face down on the floor and the bassinets on top of her!) By the time Amanda came she was old enough to enjoy doing her hair and dressing her like a live doll. Then Eric came and Grant and Cameron. She was always a GREAT BIG SISTER to each of them!

Melissa is a loyal friend, a beautiful daughter of God. She grew up........ went on a mission to Argentina and has always served the Lord faithfully. After her mission she went to college, fell in love, married and became a mother to my THREE beautiful grandchildren.

Melissa has always had great strength......and this past May she accomplished a goal that she had worked hard for and defied may odds when she became a Registered Nurse!

Most of her family came to celebrate this great occasion and to let her know how proud we are of her.

Yes, Zinn children........it happened to me, all my children grew up and are beautiful people whom I am so proud to call my children....... Sometimes I feel sad that my children are not "little" any more but then I realize that they grew up and gave me the most amazing grandchildren.

Melissa, I hope you know what a vital part you are of our family. I hope you know how much you are LOVED and how much I hope and pray you have a FANTASTIC Birthday...... that you will take a few moments for yourself and reflect upon all your accomplishments!