Happy Birthday, Mom! My sister, Mandi, paid a beautiful tribute to our marvelous mother today and I had to add in my two cents--because I have to and I'm the oldest--it's my right.:) I've known her the longest (out of my brothers and sisters), so I can verify that Mom is beautiful, talented, kind, smart, caring, driven, thoughtful, interested, and nurturing. I love how much my mom loves my dad. I love how much she loves my kids. I love her strong convictions and unwavering faith.

I love all of the funny things about my mom. She doesn't like peanut butter. She used to stick one of her teeth in her straw and drink through the impeded tube. She's highly competitive and hates to lose; thus, is not the biggest lover of games because she hates to risk losing.:) She is very fashion conscious. She used to vacuum just to make sure the lines in the carpet were visible. She can use the sound effect "tch, tch, tch" for just about anything. She rubs her feet against you no matter who you are. She gets excited over little things. She's so organized, her fridge has "aisles" on the shelves.

My mom was my greatest fan--and still is. She pumps me up every day. I am so grateful for her knowledge of cooking, cleaning, music, grammar, spelling, and how to run a family while juggling life. I appreciate her wisdom and experience. I love our relationship and how it's changed over the years.

Thanks, Mom for all you do and all you are. I can't express how much I love you! Today, I celebrate you!