Tuesday, April 15, 2008

A Tribute to my Mom

My mother turned 50 this past weekend (the 11th), so we traveled to Alabama for her birthday party. My thoughtful step-dad Tim and my sister Erin did a great job pulling everything together to make it a nice day for Mom. He invited mostly just my grandmother, and my mom's sisters, and a couple of close friends of hers so it was a small party but it was a lot of fun. We had a good time even though our trip was very short.
Michael, the boys and I barely beat her to the house that day because they let her out of work early (because of the weather)! So I had to rush to get ready before she got there.
She was surprised (Thankfully!) ,and we were glad to share this special day with her. Tim and Erin did a great job decorating. Thankfully there were no tombstones or skeletons like I thought there would be! The black actually looked great contrasting with the shimmery decor.

There are several words that come into my mind when I think of my mom.

First of all, I think of STRONG. I always knew my mother could handle any situation. I cannot imagine how hard it must have been to be a single mom (we lost my dad to tragedy when I was 12). She recently recovered from cancer. She never complained!
I know the Lord has been a there through her life because I can look back and see Him (and I could feel Him with us when I was a child/teen). There is no doubt in my mind that He did carry her. And He still is there today. I thank the Lord for a strong mother.

I also think of hard-working. She has always been a hard worker. Michael and I were laughing this past weekend about how we couldn't even set our drink on the counter for fear that she would pick it up and load it into the dishwasher. She works hard at her job and at home.

My mom is dependable. I know that if I were ever to need anything, she would be right there. She came up to spend time with us after I had my babies, and I really appreciate that she did that. When Ryan was born she had just started her cancer treatments, but she still came up to be with me.

She loves us (her children, children's spouses, and step-children) and she loves her grand-babies. We don't ever have to wonder about that.

Mom, THANK YOU for who you are and have been in my life. I would never trade you! I love you!

Here are some pictures from her party. They are in random order:

Mom on her big day!

Mom and Tim

Mom and my grandmother ( "Mudder")

Mom with "Mudder" in the middle and my aunts from the left: Sandra, Pam, & Anita

Ryan showing me his tongue after eating black cake. Hannah, my niece, giving him a kiss
Singing "Happy Birthday" to Mom.

Our good friend Trish

Getting ready to cut the cake

Justin - celebrating!

My cousin Trevor showing me his tongue after eating the black cake

Hannah loves her Aunt Erin

Justin conversing with Chris & Harold

Me & Anita

My cousin Traci

Josh & Hannah: I love this picture!
Michael and Jonathan
(My cousin Dylan is in the background bopping my cousin Traci with an inflatable cane).

She doesn't act her age. Mom with her "baby" sister Sandra

Hannah was excited to see "Mummy"
My Uncle Joe and my cousin Dylan

My siblings!


My little family

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed seeing all the pictures so much!!!! I have to go see everyone next time you are out here! That was so sweet what you wrote about your mom.....she is one strong lady! She had to be strong to put up with everything Josh and Stephen did. :) She and Josh look so much alike! When you talk to her again tell her I said happy belated birthday and many many more! Love, Lisa Oh and did you know that Trish's grandson was in Trevor's class when he was in pre-school?

Laura Thomas said...

Well, after reading the post about your mom you can only guess what I did.......cry. Of course. Anyway, that was so sweet and yes now that I look back on things your mom is a strong person. You know all the time I spent at your house when we were kids I never even thought of you mom being single and how hard it must have been. Now I see and can only say she did a really really good job raising all of you. Well, except Josh HAHAHAHAH nah just kidding...you know Josh and I use to be like brother and sister! Remember when I ran into the tree in your yard because I was crying. I think I was either crying about you leaving for college or some other person I won't name here but sure you know. Then when I made Josh mad and he grabbed me slung me over his shoulder and sat me out in the snow and wouldn't let me get up? So many memories I wouldn't trade for anything! Tell your mom happy birthday! Love Laura

Anonymous said...

I agree...Mom is really strong and when she had cancer I knew she'd be ok just because of who she is. =) The party was a lot of fun, and I had fun decorating and stuff and seeing Mom's face when she saw y'all. Love the pictures..I'll have to send you the ones off my camera.

loree2000 said...

Looks like a hoppin' party! :)

Being with family can be such a blessing!

Anita Marie said...

Happy Birthday to someone who raised up a beautiful woman and friend.

Anonymous said...

Love the pictures! I always enjoy reading your blogs, you've always had a way with words. Take care and keep in touch. ~ Paula

Kelly S said...

If she's anything like you, I know she's one special lady! I cherish our friendship. You're one of the greatest friends I have!

Teresa said...

I love this post! It brings back so many memories! Does she still vaccum the house early on Saturday mornings?.:) She is one strong lady! She has gone through alot but so glad that she trusted God through it all!
I love you girl,you are my other sister!

Cindy said...

Kim,
Looks like a fun party. So glad you got to go. Your mom is indeed a very special lady, and I'm glad she is doing so well.
And that is one good lookin' little family you have there :)
Love ya!