Almost 22 years of marriage, and we have so much to show. First, and most importantly, our family is happy.

I am 46. I work parttime in my high school friend and college roommate Bonnie's travel agency, doing mostly secretarial stuff. In the spring I accompany groups of high school students on cruises for another travel company. I have had rheumatoid arthritis most of my life, but it got much worse when I turned 30. With good medical care, I feel almost normal now. It's a tricky desease and I never know when the rug will be pulled out from under me. It's happened before, I've survived, and I will again.

Being outside is my favorite thing. I don't mind the Florida heat and enjoy camping quite a bit. Mark does not share my passion for warm outdoors and wild animals, so I leave him behind to enjoy the "hermatically sealed against heat and bugs", house with cable TV and cold A/C. Mark will go with me if we camp in the pop-up camper in the fall or early spring, never summer. That's okay, I think it's healthy not to spend every moment together.

Mark and I met on a blind date at an FSU football game on November 1, 1980. We were the most unlikely couple, as Mark is 6'6" tall and I'm only 5'2". We fell instantly in love and got married on October 10, 1981. We still hold hands.

Mark graduated from Clearwater High School, is an FSU graduate and has worked for Snap-On Tools as a manager and currently a dealer for 17 years. Mark LOVES football and follows not only his alma mater, but also UCF, Apopka High School, and the Tampa Bay Bucs. He loves the History Channel and his car (1995 Corvette). Mark will be 47 in October.

We bought a house way high on Beech Mountain, NC several years ago and go there often. Mark loves the change of seasons and is pleased with the new basement, which is actually a downstairs, 3/4 exposed with a huge deck. The view of the mountains from both upper and lower decks is breathtaking. It's Mark's plan to retire there. I think we'll just spend summers there, but we'll see. I don't think we have to worry about that decision just yet.

Robert was born May 12, 1984, the day before Mother's Day. He's outgoing and charming, always surrounded with friends, joking and laughing. Robert is a talented guitarist. Robert plays tuba in University of Central Florida's marching band, and is a sophmore studying Business. Robert would really like to be a musician.

Robert lives in an apartment near school and has a parttime job at Abercrombie & Fitch. Good grades got him a scholarship. We're so proud of all the wonderful aspects of Robert. It's like he has the Midas touch in life.

David was born on April 24, 1987, four days after I turned 30. He's sweet and thoughtful. David has a few good friends, but does not need to be constantly surrounded by people. He enjoys his space and down time. David is quiet, but when he has something to say, listen, because anything from David is well thought out.

Like Robert, David loves music and has a full drumset at home. He plays percussion in his high school band and the 5-top tenors in marching band. A high school Junior, David works parttime at a nursing home, and plans to be a surgeon or a psychologist.

David never ceases to amaze us, rising from the adversity of learning disabilities, and overcoming drug addiction. David is a bigger man than most people his age. We swell with pride and trust.