Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday.  My mom has gone through several stages during my life span, and I'll cover a few of them.

When I was a baby, she was my whole world.

When I was a young girl, she was a very important part of my life.

When I was a teenager, she was stupid, mean, and demanding, but great on trips to Worlds of Fun.

When I was a young adult, she was someone to hide my vices from, and avoid at all costs.

Now, she is my whole world, a very important part of my life.  She will leave soon for vacation with Dad, and it makes me quite sad.  What will I do with my weekend?  Who will I visit?  Who will cook that wonderful weekend meal? 

My mom doesn't play mind games, and doesn't mince words.  If she thinks you're being stupid, she'll tell you so.  If she thinks you're doing well, she'll tell you so.  She watches my girls every day, so they don't have to spend time with strangers in a day care.  She dogsits for me when the day is too long for Hawkeye to stay in the house.  She loves to feed people, and is the best I've ever met at doing just that.

My mom takes wonderful pictures.  She has a full life, and takes great care of my dad.  She isn't afraid to have a good time, and roll with the punches.  She can take something that someone else enjoys, and find a way to enjoy it herself.  She is:  Mom; Grandma; Wife; Mother-in-Law; computer guru; cook; dishwasher; pet owner; camper; horse rider; gardener; cow milker; song writer; singer; guitar player; friend; conversationalist; CSI fan; traveller; bargain hunter; nurse.  There are many more things that describe her, but that is what came up when I typed without thought.

You're amazing, Mom.  I love you.  I miss you when you aren't around, and appreciate you when you are.  I love you!