Happy Birthday MOM!

My mom's birthday is today. Hmmmm...Where do I start? Now you know why by Mother's Day tribute was short, simple, and sweet.

This amazing woman is 62 years old today. I know she won't mind me sharing her age because she is delighted with where she is in her life. She has raised 4 children, 1 being special needs and continues to be an active grandma in the lives of her 6 grandchildren.

She is a breast cancer survivor, yet EVERY DAY battles the pain of a surgical complication that has plagued her since her mastectomy, 4 years ago. Despite her continuous discomfort, she refuses to allow it to stop her from living her life to it's fullest capacity.

My mom gives the BEST hugs! There is a warmness and gentleness about her that makes you want to stay in her arms forever. Nothing beats snuggling with my mom.

She is determined, creative, and persistant. She enjoys scrapbooking. Is a MEAN scrabble player and playing with her and my brainiac sister is like going to war having already been gunned down. She taught me everything I need to know about cooking and crafts. Except she can't take credit for my sewing talents. She would have rathered burned the sewing machine than used it. She loves to read and will never pass up an afternoon to assemble a puzzle. She loves to garden and tend to her 'wrangled looking' flowers. Rumor has it she is planning on taking flute lessons in the near future.

She serves on the board of directors for Village Northwest, a community within a community that serves the needs of disabled adults. Recently she became an ordained Stevens Minister and now visits those home bound to serve communion and lend a listening ear.

Nothing beats your mom. She is there to listen and offer advice. She encourages you and sometimes reminds you to 'put your big girl panties on'. She always loves you.

What really would the world be like without moms? Moms kiss your skinned knees and make sure you have your school supplies. They help you pick out just the right outfit for the special occassion and serve as your taxi driver for years. Moms gracefully push you out of the nest, while encouraging you in your life pusuits. They come and help when you have babies and they never stop worrying about you. There is just something special about a mom.

So in honor of her birthday being on the 14th, I asked her 14 interview questions. This is what I discovered or already knew!

1. What is something that people do in traffic that really bothers you? Exhibit road rage

2. What is something your parents used to say to you as a child that you promised yourself you'd never say, but now you do? When I was your age.......

3. What is something you should throw away, but just can't. I just did---my last bra--black! SIMPLIFY LIFE

4. Rate your dancing ability on a scale of 1 - 10 and explain why you gave yourself that rating. 8 I got rhythm---grew up in the 60's with good old rock and roll

5. What books have made a big impact on you? The Shack

6. What bores you? Hmmmmm--too much business talk!

7. What do you do when you want to relax? Read

8. What is your favorite season of the year and why? Easter because it is what my life is all about

9. What was your high and your low last week? Mother's Day talking to all of you-----being with a friend and realizing how much she is hurting

10. If you were given $100,000 to celebrate someone or something, who or what would you celebrate? I would ask each of my children what was their biggest concern at that moment and would try to help and then as a family we would give the rest away.

11. If you could be any age for the first of your life, what age would you choose and why? 62

12. What is the most important thing about you? I am at peace

13. If you could do something daring without fear, what would you do? parasail

14. What is the greatest memory of your life? A trip to Riudosa, N.M.

hmmmmm...wonder what happen in Riudos, NM?

Anyways....Happy Birthday MOM.

I love you!

Jill