Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my mom's *ahem* 55th birthday. I just wanted to say Happy Birthday and share 55 things (in no particular order) that make my mom a fabulous mom and a really lovely lady.

1. She lets me be my own person.
2. She's very supportive.
3. She's an awesome Grammy.
4. She supports my parenting.
5. She adores my boys...
6. but won't put up with them misbehaving.
7. She taught me how to cook...
8. but still cooks for me.
9. She makes amazing carrot cake...
10. and granola...
11. and soups...
12. and stuffed shells.
13. She taught me to iron...
14. and never made me do it.
15. She is always striving to 'grow'.
16. She was so supportive when we decided to move to England...
17. and stay for another year.
18. Whenever she visits she does laundry...
19. and washes dishes...
20. and cooks.
21. She still hugs me when I'm feeling down.
22. She helped me labor with Elam for 12+ hours.
23. She taught me to enjoy the simpler things in life.
24. She went back to college when I was in high school.
25. She likes daisies.
26. She loves the ocean.
27. I don't think she loves games, but is always up for playing because I love them...
28. and because Elam and Silas do, too.
29. She loves to watch movies with me.
30. She treats me to fabulous lunches out.
31. She prays for me and my family.
32. She listens...
33. and puts up with me when I don't.
34. She has an amazing world view.
35. She's really, really brilliant.
36. She has an incredible work ethic.
37. She is a friend to many needy people.
38. She loves books.
39. She takes on her gluten allergy with incredible patience and grace.
40. She loves to tell Elam great animal stories...
41. and science stories.
42. She comments on our blog all the time.
43. She confides in me.
44. She's helped me stay calm in some sticky situations.
45. There was a pumpkin pie incident...
46. and a garage incident.
47. She is listening to God's call.
48. She talks to me on the phone even when I have to stop 47 times to answer the boys' questions.
49. She emails jokes to the boys.
50. She helps me see the 'big picture'...
51. when I ask.
52. She's taught me to be wise with money.
53. She's a 'master' gardener.
54. Really, her garden should be in Better Homes and Gardens.
55. She really loves me!

I love you, Mom! Have a fabulous day. :)