Happy Birthday Mom!!

Today my Mom celebrates 60 years of a life well lived, so quite an occasion. I wanted to do a little something to show her how grateful I am for what she decided to do with her life. My Mom is amazing in every aspects and sets the bar high in terms of motherhood and life in general. Below are a few of the reasons I feel so lucky to have her be my Mom:
* She is supportive. I am the youngest of seven children and can rarely think of anything (small or big) that she has ever missed in my life.
* The picture above is of her in High School. She was and is obviously beautiful, but I love her smile, which she has the majority of the time. She taught me to be happy.
* She is talented (at pretty much everything) -- in the past year since she moved home she has helped me build porch steps, lay linoleum, sew stockings & diaper bags, helped me plan my future house, given haircuts, cooked countless meals for me and my family, and the list goes on...
* Her life is all about service and always has been. Since I am the youngest, she carted me around delivering so many meals and assisting in so many projects, when I was little, I just assumed that's what all women did.
* She has instilled in me the "I can do it" attitude. We started a basketball group at church and although she never formally played, she came and played with us. While my Dad would like her to do a little less :), I love that she is fearless in terms of trying new things.
* She works constantly. Being around her almost exhausts me because I wonder how she has so much motivation all the time. Mark is hoping it's all rubbing off on me.
* She is fun to be around. Both of my parents have a great sense of humor so I always look forward to be at home.

Happy Birthday Mom! My life is what it is and I am who I am because of you and I am so grateful. You have good reason to be proud of the life you have lived. I love you!