Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my mom's birthday. Its not proper etiquette to talk about someone's age....but, it starts with a 6 and ends with an 0. So young and sassy, this Nana.

My sister, mom and I got pedicures for her birthday--AND we let her pay. It was a sacrifice, but my sister and I are just generous that way. I was trying to be really cool and pick a vibrant color. My toes are so orange that they could stop traffic in the dark.

My mom is an amazing lady. Of course she is, she didn't strangle me as a teenager, and she lets me call her and whine about my life. The older I get, the more I realize that she has taught me:

• Being a stay-at-home mom matters--even if it doesn't feel like it right now.
• "Isn't it great that we are all different. If we were all the same, the world would be quite boring."
• There is ALWAYS a good reason to buy a new purse.
• It is never gossip....it is information gathering.
• Slapping the wooden spoon on the counter doesn't scare your children, it just makes them giggle.
• Use your voice. Open your mouth and speak up. Speak up for whats right, speak up for your standards, speak up for your family, and speak up for yourself. Always.

Over this last year, I think the Lord is showing my mom that she is stronger than she thinks she is. She is an amazing example of pushing forward, even when you don't want to. And along the way, she'll have a cute purse, a good book, and even a nap or two. Maybe 60 is the new 30.

Love you mom, happy birthday.