Happy Birthday, Mama!

Today is my amazing mom's birthday.  Many of you reading this blog know my mom personally, I assume...but for anyone who doesn't, let me get you up-to-speed on this lady.  She is one of the most loving and warm people I know.  She fiercely loves her family and there is nothing on this planet more important to her than us.  She has high expectations of herself and others - she demands excellence of us and has always led by example in that department.  She loves opening her beautiful home and heart to others and as a result, our "family" has grown many "adopted" branches as we have grown up.  There are many, many people in our lives that think of her as a mom or an Oma {German for Grandma and what our kids call her}...she simply wouldn't have it any other way.  She is one of the hardest workers I have ever known.  She works 12 hour days at a minimum most days, and usually does it with a smile.  I always joke that while my dad and I would quit our jobs tomorrow if we won the lottery - my mom and sister would continue working...that's how much they adore their careers.  Not only does she work hard, she plays hard too.  She enjoys time by the pool, vacationing with family, and attending the kid's school events whenever she can.

I could go on and on about her, but I think you get the picture.  I would say as I've gotten older I tend to be more and more like my dad - and I (admittedly) make her crazy sometimes.  My fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pant attitude about some things sends her over the edge.  She just shakes her head and smiles at my perfectionistic drive towards other things.  She even plays into my need for routine {for example, everyone is required to sit in the same spot for opening Christmas gifts.  If the gifts are mixed up, I really struggle to deal with that...so my sweet mother carefully places all gifts in the appropriate location}.  She has allowed me to simply become who I am, and loves me unconditionally.  She is a remarkable woman and I consider it one of the greatest blessings of my life to call her my mother.  This world is a better place with her in it - and I am so lucky that she's my mom and the Oma to my kids.

Happy Birthday, Mom!  I wish I could be there to celebrate with you today - but I love to celebrate you any day!  Enjoy your day - and maybe only work 8 hours today and do something special instead?!

Love you,
T