Happy Birthday!!

I've been pretty bad this year (on this blog) about recognizing special days for extra special people in my life. I can assure you I really am not playing favorites!! The Lord has given me some time today, and I'm excited to seize this opportunity to recognize a close friend.

Today, May 30th, is My Mama's birthday. Happy Birthday, Mama!!

Most of you know Mama is an amazing wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and Child of God. Each day the Lord gives me as Mom, I'm very, super slowly, learning all my Mom sacrificed for my brothers and I. Being a Stay-at-home-Mom truly is the highest calling I think... It's certainly not always easy staying home all day, with your precious, testy little children. And, on top of that -- Mom followed the Lord's leading for our family, and homeschooled us all the way through our school years. For me, that's a 'wow'. That's ALOT of time to always be around your children. I don't remember Mom having special nights for just herself, or hanging out with friends. She might have, but I don't remember that at all. She worked Mother's Day Out for a few semesters when we were little -- but that certainly wasn't a break...and, I know what a brat I was with those other teachers...nope, not a break for Mom. So, lets fast forward 20 years...wow...20 years...you must be getting old Mama!

 From rambunctious toddlers, to grown adults -- life for Mom has taken another spin, but she's still Mama. I know she still lies awake some nights praying for each of us kids and our families... She's not laying there trying to make sure she can hear us breathing in our beds or grinding out teeth like she used to; but rather, praying us through the tests and trials she knows, or just feels we're fighting. Mom's know -- those 'eyes in the back of their heads' don't go away, I think they just pierce through hearts and minds now. How Mama's know, I'm not sure... I think for our Mom, being the mother of adult children is almost harder than to toddlers. That's how much I know Mom loves and cares for each of us. When one of us hurts, she hurts for us probably twice as much. And when we're sick, she'll drive miles to bring us whatever might make us feel better! She's just amazing like that. 

As I'm learning Motherhood -- I'm so blest to have MANY wonderful examples of amazing Mom's in my life. And, each day as I face various craziness with our precious little girls, it makes me grateful for my Mom. The thing is though... Mom isn't just my Mom. Our relationship has changed from mother/daughter to incredibly close friends who are blood related. Does it get better than that?! Mom knows me probably better than anyone, and although we can frustrate each other to no end sometimes :D, we help and encourage each other  too. But, in the end, I still have to obey her...guess you win in this friendship, Mom!  

All this is a lot of random rambling. But, I'll sum it up as this. Happy Birthday, Mama! Thank you for sacrificing all your life ambitions, goals, dreams...dates with Dad, outings with friends, time for yourself - which includes sharing desserts, Olive garden chocolate mints, Dr. Peppers, Sonic drinks, and so many other little life pleasures that kiddos always seem to get into -- to invest in the lives of your children & husband. And, now, your grandchildren - plus countless others who lives you touch through letters, emails, texts, hugs, or even just a bright smile. Your life has impacted far more people than you'll ever know this side of Heaven, and I can see how the Lord has used your willingness as an empty vessel to further His Kingdom and draw others closer to Him. I'm very grateful for your life, and that He placed me in your family. 

I love you! Praying you have an extra special day!