Happy Birthday Mommabear!

Today is my wonderful mom's birthday! When we were young, she somehow convinved my brother to tell people she was "21 and beautiful" when they asked him how old his mom was. He was quite old before he realized he had been tricked! But it sure was cute and super funny to see my little toddler brother running around telling people his mom was 21 and beautiful. Mom, you may not be 21 (close to it though!!) but you are the most beautiful woman that I know!

When I was young, I wanted to be just like her - people always noticed when she walked in a room, because she lit the whole place up. She is more full of life in her baby finger than most people are in their entire bodies, and she can make you laugh even when all you want to do is scowl. When I got older, all I wanted was to be my own person, but it became a source of great pride when people would tell me I remind them of my mom. We are very different people, and we don't look much alike, beside our startling similiar eyes, but I nonetheless inherited some of her traits. We both have a VERY small tolerance for annoying people, and we both are quick to laugh at pretty much anything. She taught me how to be strong, and gave me a sense of adventure! People say that I am stubborn "just like your mother!" but they also say "wow you talk exactly like your mom" (Which I am going to take as a good thing!). It always made me laugh when I lived at home and my friends would call and start talking to her, thinking it was me, or vise versa and her friends would talk to me, because we sounded the exact same. Here are some reasons why I love and adore my mom so much:

All dressed up, but still being silly. The night before my wedding, we got sick of "fluffing up" the car decorations, so we did what we do best: turn the music up really loud and had a massive dance party! She is just so fun, and always makes me laugh.

She is ALWAYS my biggest fan. She is the one that I remember being there at every soccer game, every parent teacher interview, every graduation. She always told me that I could be and do whatever I wanted to, and she truly believed I always had the smarts to go anywhere. Knowing that she is always cheering for me makes my accomplishments that much better. Mom, all I ever wanted to do was make you proud, and pictures like this make me so happy, because anyone can see the pride in your eyes! Family comes first, period. Me, her and my brother have been through a lot together, and we love each other more because of it. She welcomed Jon fully and entirely into our family, simply because I loved him (and because he's a good cook, and she likes that haha!). The four of us are a strong house, and we always have each other's back. This picture is one of my all-time favorites. She gave me her eyes. Looking at someone's eyes can tell you so much about that person, and every single day I am grateful that mine say "I am my mother's daughter".

Mom, there are a billion more reasons why I love you, but just know that I am missing you SO much today! I wish I could give you a hug and celebrate with you. I am far away, but distance does not change this family. I am so glad you were born! (I will be sure to tell Grandma that I think she did great!). Here's to you, and to hoping that 42 is a better year than any one so far! It sure is looking that way!