Blessed

  Life has a funny way of working out how it should be. God truly works in mysterious ways. You see this guy right here, Tom Balata,  came back into my life in 2017 after a 30 year absence. We met in junior high sometime. My earliest memory is 8th grade. We dated for a minute back then, as most junior high relationships do. 

  I was lucky enough to have lunch with him one day in 2017 and was mesmerized by his intelligence. Truly, I fell in love with his mind that day. We kept in touch throughout the year and when I moved out into my own apartment (and out of my previous relationship), we started hanging out and doing things together. We've been together ever since, almost daily. He's been my rock and my angel through some tough times as I started my self-healing journey and adjusted to single life and living alone.

   It's been 5 months (in April) and through all my self-healing, anxiety and doubt, he's been right there by my side, handling my every emotion in a true gentlemanly fashion. I am blessed beyond measure. I didn't know such a man existed until now. I didn't know how he would affect me and change me on the inside. I've never been happier and more at peace than I am at this point in my life. My love for this man is immeasurable beyond words. I can honestly say that my love for him is comparable to my love for my children.  Every single day there is something new to discover with him. He teaches me about life, even when he doesn't intend to. I can only hope and pray that my daughters find such a man. 

  He is humble, kind, compassionate, smart, funny, intelligent, and all around amazing. I pray every single day for him and us. He is my gift from God. Yes, I truly am blessed beyond measure.

I love you always,  

TT

Back at it!

I'm going to have to start blogging again. Not for any of my previous purposes, but more for just getting my thoughts out into some form of writing.

So many things have happened since I've last blogged. I don't have time to go through them all right now, but I will address it in the next posting.
Stay tuned folks! 💓 Happy Tuesday!

Thanksgiving 2013

For those of you who don't know, Thanksgiving was the holiday that my dad, my sister, and I always spent together. My mom always worked on Thanksgiving, but never failed to prepare a feast for us to eat when she got home. We almost always had duck. At least it was a bird. 

Last night I had the opportunity to go out into the night (something I rarely do anymore) and listen to the great Denny Tuma play his saxophone and tell stories of my dad.  I was reminded of my dad's love for the almighty can of Fix A Flat. Denny told a story that took place in Decorah, Iowa one night on their way home from a gig they had played.  They got a flat tire and while Denny offered to change the tire because he was younger, my dad whipped out his can of Fix A Flat and proceeded to "fix" the flat tire. Denny had never seen the stuff before and was amazed. This was a story I had not heard until last night. A rare memory indeed that I will treasure always.

I presented Denny with a framed photo of a montage that contained my father's things last night. He was so moved that he let a couple tears roll down his cheeks. I was happy to give it to him as he was my father's best friend and band mate. 

This Thanksgiving, I'm reminded of the little things that make the difference in people's lives. It's a photo or a story or just spending time with loved ones. 

So enjoy that today, for time is so precious.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Love,

TT

2 Years, 1 Day

Two years ago I opted to change my life. Little did I know that it would be a blessing and a curse. I had bariatric surgery (the Sleve Gastrectomy procedure) to help me loose the extra weight that I had been carrying around since I was 10 years old.

So today, November 18, 2013 marks the 2 year and 1 day anniversary of the above mentioned surgery.  I took my measurements this morning, as I did last year and every month for the first year, so that I can see the progression or digression.  Here they are.

Weight=178 pounds (up 12 pounds from last year)
Hips=44.5 inches (up 2 inches and my pants tell me this)
Waist=34 inches (up 1 inch)
Bust=37.5 inches (up 1.5 inches, more boobies for me!)
Chest=34 inches (down half an inch)
Thighs= R=27.5, L=27.5 (up 2.5 inches and symmetrical)
Arms= R=14, L=14 (up 1 inch and symmetrical)

So while I've digressed a little bit, I am not worried about it as it's been about the same for the whole last year. I see the dietician and the doctor tomorrow and I'm sure they will be pleased with my stability, but at the same time last year, the dietician told me that 140 pounds was my "healthy" BMI range to shoot for. Not sure that I agree with her, but it's something to shoot for. 

Remember in the beginning that I did not set a weight loss goal, but rather my goal was simply to fit into my sister's clothes. While last summer I achieved that goal, now I must set a new one (or two) for the next year. 

This next year I would like to lose 28 pounds and get down to 150.
I would also like to start exercising more so that I can tone up instead of flab down.

I'm hoping with the new position at the Faribault Correctional Facility, I will achieve these goals.  That's a lot of walking and being on your feet, which burns way more calories than sitting on your ass charting about behaviors. 

Until next time,
Love,
TT

Crossroads

Today I am at a crossroads in my life. I have choices to make. Hard choices.
I can choose to stay in my current position as the Lead in a group home or I can start a new career as a Corrections Officer at the Faribault Prison.
Do what I love and stay happy for less money or do what I'm unsure of unhappily for more money.
Those are my choices. 
This is why I'm at a crossroads.
So I prayed. I prayed to God in Heaven above to show me the way to the right choice. Because when you can't handle something, you should give it up to Him. So I did. It's in His hands now. 
I will trust that He will show me the right choice so that I can follow His plan and not mine.

Even though I work odd hours and sometimes long hours, I love my job. Although it's not a job if you enjoy what you do. And it's certainly not work.  It's a cush job for sure, but it's my family away from my family. The pay isn't all that wonderful, but the rewards are awesome.  When I see the crooked little smile on my girl and she gives me that giggle, that's what it's all about right there. My heart is in it. And the boss knows this, sees this, and loves me. She sees my potential and she's willing to work with me on it. She teaches me, not just preaches to me. And I like that about her.

So, hard choices to be made with some guidance from up above. I think I got this. 
Love,
TT

14

14 years ago today I gave birth to my fourth and final child. I can remember my father coming to see me at 6:30 in the morning. I had asked him if he wanted to see her be born as this was the last grandchild and his last chance to experience such a thing. He declined and told me that only daddies should see their babies be born. He was such a modest man. He went home to bed as he had been working the night shift at Wal-Mart and was tired. Little did I know that 5 1/2 hours later, she'd be here.

Dr. Howell walked in at 11:58 a.m., put a glove on, and caught her head as she was coming out. I only pushed a couple times and there she was. I almost had to deliver her myself as the nurses were telling me to not push. Seriously, if you're an OB nurse, that's one thing that should NEVER come out of your mouth.

Two of my most favorite memories from the day you were born.
So, Miss Monique Louise Trump, at 14 years of age here's what I know.

You have a love for animals. Clearly seen here as you cuddled with Denise's puppy and fed her horses.
You are a smart girl, although you don't always act that way, I know better.
You love your family, but would rather text than talk on the phone.
You've played Volleyball, Football, and now Basketball.
You've been on the Danceline team.
You're still best friends with Mollie Kaupa.
You're still the Princess in the house.

You'll always be my baby no matter how old you get. Even when you're 71 and I'm 100. And I'll always love you, even when I'm dead and gone.
Love,
Momma

43

I turned 43 yesterday.
I was lucky enough to spend my day with my nieces at the State Fair. And it was Labor Day.
I crossed two things off of my bucket list as well.
1. Take my Godchild Ashley to her first concert EVER and
2. See the infamous Tim McGraw (Brantley Gilbert was an added bonus).
Seriously, I am not sure who had more fun, her, the other girls, or I.

This was taken at the 102.9 Buz'n booth. They had Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, and Sheryl Crowe lined up in a row. These girls posed for all the guys and loved it.  I'm glad I could be a part of their day and them a part of mine.

So, back to Ashley and her first concert ever.  Because she's sensitive to sound, she's never attended a real concert before and probably won't attend an indoor one until I can get her to about 4 more outdoor ones (and maybe score some meet and greet passes too!).  Her mom thought she would freak out and not like it. WRONG. This is the child in which music is her whole world. She was in choir, listens to the radio, KNOWS every.single.song. that ever was (I swear).  She was so excited to go that for 2 weeks before the concert she was posting to my facebook page about just HOW excited she was.  I didn't want her pacemaker to kick in and have to rush her to the hospital, so I was very careful to explain things to her prior to Brantley Gilbert taking the stage.  I explained that the volume would be louder than what the pre-concert music was set at. She was okay with that.  Then I explained to her about the house lights going down (usually in an indoor arena, but not outdoors with the sun not set yet) and about how the encore performance worked. She was okay with all of that.  Now let the jamming commence. And the good 'ol Georgia Boys took the stage. (LOVE me some SOUTHERN!)

And oh geeze. DON'T play the "Highway Don't Care" song or she's going to go nuts on you. I thought she was going to pee her pants she was so excited for him to play that! 

Yes, she truly had an absolute blast last night. I must say it was probably the best birthday to date, just to see her face light up and realize a dream come true for her was all worth it.  I say this all the time, but you truly CAN'T put a price on memories because their precious factor is priceless.

So with that said, y'all go on out and live like you were dyin' because this little girl did and always does.

Thank you Tim McGraw and Brantley Gilbert for doing what you do and touching people's lives even when you don't know you do it.  There is something special about a singer/songwriter that can't be expressed into words.  You have made a little girl's dream come true and we love you for that. You will always be loved.

Love Always,

Tonja Trump

Southern Girl at heart

Doing It For Diggy

2's never stand alone.

It's my favorite motto. It's my favorite number.

This rang true at last night's W-E-M Buccaneers football game and section semi-final.

 

Yesterday the team lost one of their own in a tragic duck hunting accident. The boat the boys were hunting in capsized and Brady "Diggy" Hruska #2 drown on Lake Elysian, getting hung up in the duck decoys. The team had a meeting with his parents at noon on Saturday and unanimously decided to play the game and "Do It For Diggy" as that is what he would want.  Brady's dad was given his jersey and walked out the center of the field with the team Captains for the Captain's coin toss.  It was very emotional.

The boys all had the number 2 on the back of their helmets and all of them had bright green somewhere on their person, whether is was their shoelaces or athletic tape, it didn't matter. 

They were all thinking about Brady without a doubt. 

Even the opposing Medford Tigers had white stripes on their arms in memory and honor of Brady. 

They showed true class and sportsmanship and lost gracefully to the Buccaneers 34-21. 

They all truly played a great game.

They were ALL winners. 

And after the game, both teams, coaches and players, came together to say a prayer for Brady, a teammate and football brother forever gone, but never forgotten.  Even the Medford fans stayed after the game in honor of Brady.

Brady's parents were given the game ball by all the senior football players, a momento of a night never forgotten for the rest of their lives. 

R.I.P. Brady "Diggy" Hruska

1995-2012

 

 

 

8 Months

This is me.  Friday the 13th.  2012.
Today I weigh 165.6 pounds (down 78 pounds since surgery, 88 total).
I still wear a size 8/10 (down from a 22).
My hips are 40.5 (down 13.5 inches).
My waist is 32.5 (down 8.5 inches).
My bust is 35.5 (down 7.5 inches).
My chest is 34 (down 4 inches).
My thighs are L-25.5 and R-26 (down 8.5 and 7 inches).
My arms are L-13 and R-13 (down 4 inches each).
And the BEST PART of all of this?? 
I got to raid my sister's closet on Tuesday to find a shirt for the Neil Diamond concert!!!!!
Yes, another goal accomplished!!!

When I went to see Dr. Leslie and my dietician Liz for my 6 month post op check-up, they informed me that my procedure was one of the first that insurance approved for the doctor to do and so they weren't sure where I should be exactly since they had nobody really to compare me too.  But they both agreed I was doing fantastic and the good Dr. did say I needed to lift weights to build up my strength, so I will be working on that.  He also said I could skip my 9 month post-op visit and just come back in November for my yearly.  Nice.  And Liz told me I was no longer OBESE, but just overweight and if I lost another 20 pounds I would be in the HEALTHY BMI range.  Seriously, I don't think I've ever been in the healthy BMI range EVER. 

Now on to the Neil Diamond concert.  July 11, 2012 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. 
Neil Diamond Tickets--$120 (Thanks to my mother for the best Christmas present EVER!)
Dinner before the show at the Eagle Street Grille--$10 (Thanks to my sister for splitting the meal!)
Stealing our State Representative Patti Fritz's table--PRICELESS (Thanks Patti for asking if we wanted a table!)

That concert celebrated 40 years of me attending ND concerts.  Since I was 2 years old at the MN State Fair, I have been seeing this man live in concert.  It's also the 40th anniversary of Hot August Night.  Get your anniversary gear at NeilDiamond.com if you dare!
My mom, sister, and I had a blast and of course I sat next to the fuddy duddy's and the people in front of us couldn't dance their way out of a paper bag if they wanted too, but it was all good.
My dad was there in spirit and I wore his rings that night to make sure of that. 

More good things happening at the end of the month to honor my father as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of his passing this year.  My sister is throwing a celebration BBQ party on the 28th of July from 6pm-2am if you're interested in attending.  833 Home Place and monetary donations for a marble garden stone are welcome, but not required.  Come reminisce with us and have a shot of Christian Brothers in honor of my dad.

Today I found out some sad news.  My friend Lucky PegLeg Christopher Graham passed away last night of a heartattack.  I will forever miss him and the way he called me "Brat" all the time.  He was a good, kind hearted man and he will be forever missed and never forgotten.  Ride the wind forever my friend!

I guess that's about all for now.  More next month, I'm sure! :)
Love,
TT

7 Months

7 months post-op and I feel great.  And I look great.  Although sometimes I still think I'm fat, but I'm working on that.
I weigh 171.2 today.  I wear a size 8/10. 
My hips are 42 inches.
My waist is 34.  My bust is 36 and my chest is 33.5.
My thighs are 27 (left) and 26 (right) and my arms are both 13 inches.
Remember when my hips were 54 inches?  Yeah I don't miss those days.
I do NOT regret my decision AT ALL regarding surgery.  In fact, I HIGHLY recommend it.
No, it's not an easy way out, not at all.  It IS alot of work, but it's SO worth it.
This was the best decision that I have ever made and I'm so thankful to have the love and support of my family and friends.
I am on vacation this next week to get ready for my niece Megan's graduation party, but while I am off, I will try to get a before and after shot together (side by side at the request of Erica) and get it posted.
Happy Father's Day to all the daddy's out there.  I sure miss mine today!  Love you daddy! :)

Love ALWAYS,
TT

16

Today my first born girl turned 16.  Seems like yesterday I was in labor and watching General Hospital pushing her out with 2 pushes.  And I didn't miss any of my soap.

  

She was the easiest of my four children to deliver.

She was the one who got stuck in a tree at the age of 5.

She was the one who was the princess first and tomboy never.

So now that she's 16, it's time for driver training and getting that license.  After she keeps her grades up, of course.

I'm so proud of the young lady she has become (minus the potty mouth she gets from my parents).  I can't wait to see what's in store for the next 2 years as she prepares to go off to some sort of college and start a life on her own.

I love you Natalea Rose Trump!

Love,

Momma



Today

Today, I am the mother of a high school senior.Today, I am the mother of a high school junior.
Today, I am the mother of a high school freshman.
Today, I am the mother of a 7th grade girl.
Today, I am a size 8.

Today, it felt good trying on clothes in a store.
Today, it felt good getting my school work done for the week.
Today, I realized that I like being called "Skinny Minny" by my niece.
Today, I couldn't be more proud of my children, myself, and my family. 
We have accomplished things that people have said we NEVER, EVER would and well, as my dad would say, "Screw them."  Gotta love a Marlar's response like that.
Beware folks, there are more accomplishments to be had by us Marlar's and more things to cross off of our Bucket Lists.  I see an airplane in our futures.  Trips to Europe and Asia come to mind.  Skydiving with my brother, skiing and golfing (and drinking whilst chasing that damn ball around) with my sister, and traveling to my southern kinfolks' houses often so that we can bond like we should have been allowed.  Yes, good things are happening for us and they will only get better.  Of course we are chasing our dreams and going for it.  Life really is too short.
Love,
Tonja Marlar Trump


Prom 2012

Natalea went to the Faribault prom with her date Collin McFarlane (who is a senior).  They met at a church youth group so I was ok with them going together.  The story goes that he didn't have a date, and Natalea stepped up and volunteered to be his date.  She's only a sophomore, so it was a good practice for her for next year.  She had fun, but they kinda ditched each other at Valentino's and kinda paired up with another couple.  Such is the teenage life.  He went home after the prom and she went to the post-prom party with some friends and spent the night at Lexi's afterwards.  Thanks Lexi for letting her stay so we wouldn't have to go get her at 5am.  Appreciate that! :)  Natalea's dress only cost $20 and her shoes were $29.95.  Best investment I ever made.  Now to save up monies for next year when I have both going to WEM's prom.  Looking forward to it. :)

Erik took Briana Adank to WEM prom this year.  She told him he would have to be creative in how he asked her.  He came home and asked his sisters (of all people) for some ideas.  They came up with blow up a balloon, write PROM? on it with a box for yes and a box for no.  So that's what he did.  He put it in her locker and she attached a post-it note with a check mark on it and put it on the "Yes" box.  I have to take credit for the creativity of my children.  They come by it natural from both of my grandma's who were quite crafty.  They all had a great time at the Vintage Ballroom above Bernie's Grill in Faribault and then partied at the post-prom until 6am.  Erik's tuxedo was $98.  Sweet, simple, and he picked out the black shirt and wore his rebel flag suspenders under his vest.  Yes my kids clean up nicely when they want too.  I am super duper proud to have such great kids, even with all their flaws and backtalk, they are mine and I love them all!!!!!. :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Since the last posting about my surgery, I have managed to buy 2 pairs of jeans.  That actually fit.  Size 16 and they are starting to get a little loose.  I can wear a medium t-shirt/sweatshirt and a large shorts. 

I have managed to lose 56 pounds since surgery and 8 inches off my hips, 6 inches off my waist, 8 inches off my chest, 4 inches off of each thigh, and 2 inches off of each arm.  Amazing.  And I feel great.  Other than not being able to finish a whole meal, it's been a pleasant ride.  I just have to get used to the idea that I don't have to finish it all and I CAN throw it away afterward (unless it's enough for leftovers).

Thank you to all my family and friends who have been so supportive over the last year!

Love,
TT

Today

Today is the 3 month mark. Today I weigh 200 pounds.  (Yesterday at the Dr.'s office I weighed 199!)
Today my measurements are as follows:

Hip:  47 (down 2 from last month)
Waist:  36 (down 2 from last month)
Bust:  38 (Chest is 35) (down 2 and down 1 from last month)
Thighs:  R-28 L-29 (both down 2)
Arms:  R-16 L-15 (left is down 1, right remains the same)

Now to put this all into perspective.  The last time I weighed 200 pounds was in 1988.  I had just graduated high school and was about to embark on a wild rollercoaster of an education and friendships at the Model College of Hair Design.  For then it was my dream to be the hair stylist for Days of Our Lives...just so I could work with that hunk Tony Dimerra.  I should have went for it, but fear of failing stopped me. 

Today, I try not let fear get in my way of my dreams.  If I want something I go get it, even if there is a price to pay.  Life is too short to not take that chance on your dreams.  One day, all my dreams WILL come true.  Only I can make that happen.  This I know.

Today, I am proud of my accomplishments and failures.  I know you are probably sick of me posting about my weight loss journey, and that's okay, but I do it so I have a journal to scrapbook one day.  It's part of my history.

So with that, Happy Friday y'all!!
Love,
TT

P.S.  GOOD LUCK TO MY NIECE MEGAN MARLAR AND THE FARIBAULT EMERALDS DANCELINE THIS WEEKEND AT THE STATE TOURNAMENT!!!  SHINE ON LADIES!!!

2 Months Post Op

This post is a bit late for the 2 month mark.  But here is a photo from January 19, 2012 in my bathing suit.  I should have taken a photo of me in my suit the day before surgery, but I didn't.  I do have one from the doctor's office from back in December 2010 with my sweats on, but you can't really tell just how big I was because they are so baggy.

 

I took my measurements on January 18, 2012 and at that time I weighed 215 pounds. (I weigh 207 today!)  They are as follows:

Hips:  49 inches

Waist:  38 inches

Bust:  40 inches (36 inch chest)

Thighs:  R-30 L-31

Arms:  R-16 L-16

All I can say is....Victoria's Secret here I come! :)  And I feel good. Physically and otherwise.  I do plan on joining the gym here in the next couple weeks to tone up and get some muscle.  I want to avoid the saggy skin syndrome most often associated with bariatric surgery.  If I want to look good, I have to work hard.  Lots of that going on these days too! 

I switched houses within the MSOCS organization so now I work in Faribault with my bestie Cheryl Benzick.  So excited for her to come back to work full time and actually work together. 

And in order for me to advance in my career and become a Supervisor, I have to have a Bachelor's degree.  So back to school I go!  I was partly inspired by a good friend of mine, Ricky Webb, who is attending Rasmussen College in Eagan and I followed him there.  I will be taking my classes all online however and they will start a mock class tomorrow with real classes starting next Monday. 

So go me.

I just can't give up and have to keep on trying and work hard!

Until next month,

Love,

TT

4 Weeks Post Op

Four weeks ago today I had my life changing bariatric surgery.  I took my measurements on November 16, 2011 and here's what they were:

Weight:  243 pounds
Hips:  54
Waist:  41
Bust:  41
Thigh:  33(R) and 34(L)
Arm:  17(R) and (L)

Today, December 15, 2011 I took my measurements and am happy to say they aren't the same as above!

Weight:  221 pounds
Hips:  51 inches
Waist:  38 inches
Bust:  41 inches  (Chest size is 37 inches)
Thigh:  31(R) and 32(L)
Arm:  16 (R + L)

So while progress is being made according to the numbers, I really haven't noticed too much.  My favorite pair of jeans still fit, but are just a tad bit loose.  I did notice right away that my bra can be clasped on the first set of hooks.  Maybe now I can go to Victoria's Secret! :)  I could never do that before.  I will try to take a photo today for my scrapbook to show the progress, but I'm pretty sure you don't want to see me in my underthings on here. :)
Thanks for all your support and love through all this.  Everyday I thank God for my family and friends!
Love,
TT

14

On December 3, 1997 I gave birth to my Gabryelle.  She is my second daughter and has been a joy (for the most part) for the last 14 years.  (I apologize for the late post Gabby!)

So at 14 she plays basketball (00) and volleyball. She's quirky, sarcastic, and humorous. She can come up with a quip faster than a comedian on the Comedy channel and it's so natural.  She gets almost straight A's and doesn't have to even TRY hard.  She does her homework and chores without being told or nagged on.  She loves to hang with her friends, both in and out of school.  She loves to do artsy fartsy things and has a great imagination.  She makes her parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles proud everyday.  I can't wait to see what the next 14 years brings from this child.  She will succeed in whatever she chooses to do in her life!
We love you Gabby Girl!
Love,
Mom

My Journey

Nine days ago I started a journey that I have been looking forward too for a very long time.  I had a bariatric procedure called Sleeve Gastrectomy.  It's where they cut away a portion of your stomach so that it's shaped like a banana.  YouTube has some good informational videos if you're interested in learning more.
 
You see all my life I've been a "big" girl.  I can remember being 9 years old and getting a pair of navy dress pants for a gift that were a size 14 juniors.  I also can remember how cool I thought it was that I was 9 and can fit into a 14, thinking I was 14 as I always thought the number correlated with your age. Silly me.  I also remember my senior year in high school weighing 195 and thinking, "Oh I'll never let myself get to 200!"  Yeah right.  When I started the process to have this surgery on December 14, 2010, I weighed 254.  46 pounds away from 300.  Now that's perspective.

I actually started this with my husband as a support for him and just for shits and giggles so to speak.  Who knew it'd be me having surgery first.  Back in August when he got ill, after he got out of the hospital we went to an informational class so that he could be less scared to have the procedure and well, get more information.  We decided to do this together since I qualifed with a BMI of 42%.  Now mind you, there are hoops to jump through.  We had to do a minimum of 6 dietician visits, a psychiatric evaluation, change our eating habits, and I had to lose 10 pounds on my own  (Tommy 25 since he weighed more).  Easy right?  Not even.  Those 10 pounds were the hardest thing to do.  And my weight had to be documented at the Dr.'s office, which meant many trips there (after constant weighing of myself at home to make sure I'd hit the mark).  I was so proud of myself when I hit that 10 pound mark. That meant I could schedule my surgery.  And my goal was to lose 100 pounds.  Half of me.  So that I could go to my sister's closet (who has been skinny all her life) and borrow her cute clothes that I could never fit into. 

As of today I have lost 24 pounds.  I weigh 230.  I am so excited.  And I'm so grateful to my family and friends for supporting me on this decision to be a healthier me.  I will try to post monthly updates here, along with measurments and weights, so that I can track my progress and make a scrapbook album about it (of course).  So stay tuned for progress reports!

Love,
Tonja

12

Twelve years ago today at exactly 11:58 a.m. I gave birth to my last child Monique Louise Trump.  The history of her name is deep as she was named after my childhood friend Nicole Monique Johnson.  I loved Nicole's middle name and always told her I was naming my daughter after her.  Monique was supposed to be Monique Nicole after Nicole, but my mom was a little jealous that Gabby's middle name was after Tom's mom so we named Mo after my mom's middle name.  Turns out that Louise is an old family name and belongs to a great-great aunt, my cousin Janine, and my mother.  We couldn't be happier with our choice of a name for this baby girl.  She has nicknames like Mo, Mo-Lou, Louie, and MoniQue.  She has amazed us in ways that we could never imagine.  She was walking at 8 months old and talking shortly afterwards.  She is funny, silly, goofy, and beautiful all wrapped up in one.  She has had to fight for herself with her 2 sisters and brother.  Although she favors her brother over her sisters (when he's not picking on her).  This year she played football on the 6th grade boy's team.  She learned alot, played hard, and kicked ass and took names.  She is my blonde baby and sometimes shows it (Bless her heart!).  She is the good child still and doesn't sass back her parents yet.  Hopefully she never will.  At 12 she is in the 6th grade.  She gets good grades and still listens when we tell her to get her homework done.  She still loves on her momma and daddy.  She's still a little girly, but sometimes lets the tomboy out.  She is my pride and joy and my baby of all my babies.  She's everything we hoped she would be and much, much more!  We love you baby!!

Love Always,

Mom