Happy Birthday and Congratulations, Manami!

Manami's birthday celebration on May 4, 2008

Happy Birthday, Manami! May you have a thousand more birthdays to celebrate!

And congratulations on your graduation from junior high,
and for getting into the senior high school of your choice.

I am sure your parents and your sister are proud of you. We all are. Keep up the good work!

Birthday Blessings

Instead of counting candles,
Or tallying the years,
Contemplate your blessings,
As your birthday nears.

Consider special people
Who love you, and who care,
And others who’ve enriched your life
Just by being there.

Think about the memories
Passing years can never mar,
Experiences great and small
That have made you who you are.

Another year is a happy gift,
So cut your cake, and say,
"Instead of counting birthdays,
I count blessings every day!"

--Joanna Fuchs