Oh, mom!

Dedicated to my mom

I remember after Ella was born, after the room became quiet (Spencer snoring :)), as there I sat there with my baby, (my baby!) I was overcome with emotions. I cried (with joy) for many reasons: becoming a mother, seeing Spencer hold his daughter, and the love and warmth that I felt in that stark hospital room. But the tears that I noticed most were the tears I cried after realizing how much my parents loved me.


And after mothering for a year now, I am realizing that the love for your children just keeps on growing. I'm speechless...



My mom and I had a conversation a few months ago and I remember her saying, "I'm just not the kind of person that has a strong passion for something in life."


Well Mom, that's just not true.


See, you maybe don't realize it, but you have a passion for EVERYTHING. Every job you do, you do it well. With a big beautiful smile and a big beautiful heart.



You are the ultimate fixer-upper. You can see potential and create masterpieces out of junk. You make life easier. And happier. I hope you know just how wonderful you are...



You attended billions of games, plays, concerts, speeches, award ceremonies, and meetings (times four!), you took pictures, you helped with organizing, you helped with homework, you listened, you gave back rubs, you snuggled, you comforted, you drew picture lists when we needed to pack for Grandma's, you fed us tasty meals (even for a picky me!), you sang with us, everywhere, in the van, the house, outside, inside, at church -music was everywhere!- danced with us, played with us, you told stories, you made us play outside (and let us bring back toads!!), and you let us make messes inside. You sewed us matching outfits, gave us silkies, cut and dyed our hair (and fake permed it!!!), you made road trips fun, and kept us warm at school with tights under jeans. You've nursed broken bones, raspberries, stitches, hurt feelings, flus, black eyes, smashed noses, colds, coughs, surgeries, and everything in between.



You taught us to love life, and to live with passion. We learned from you (and Dad) to love one another, and treat people with respect and kindness.



I consider myself pretty lucky. I have two wonderful loving parents, and three sisters who are undoubtedly my best friends. What more could a girl want? An amazing husband and a spunky little one? Got that too!


And, you continue to share your gifts. When you could be enjoying life without noise and clutter and toys and mediating squabbles and more noise(screams!), you welcome it into your home with open arms. Another round of "parenting" for you! Those little ones learn SO much are are SO blessed...


I have grown past blowing up your hair dryer (it was Sarah's idea) and stealing your socks (maybe). Now, you fix my ice machine, paint, paint, and more paint, clean, do laundry, and most importantly, answer my endless questions of parenting, ranging from, "Is that what her belly button is supposed to look like?" to "She won't poop!! Help!!!"


I just hope that in my 23 years I have learned enough to be as good of a mother to Ella as you are to me. At least she has you as Grandma :)

Happy Birthday Mom

Love you!