Mama, Mama, Mama

Yeah, I hear that about a thousand times a day but that's not what this post is about. This post is for my dear sweet Mama. I realize I've written several about my Daddy but not really any about my mom.

Mama is one of my best friends. She can drive me crazy more than anyone I know (even my own kids) but I can't imagine not having her around. I'm very fortunate to live about five minutes away from my parents and I'm even luckier that neither of them work. So they're close and always available if I need them or simply want them to tag along with me. My mom has several health problems but she keeps on going and is always there for me when I need her most. When we're together there is never a dull moment and we're constantly laughing.

My mom & I have so much in common too. We love to read and cross stitch. We like the same kinds of food and we both have a weakness for all things chocolate. We're content just to stay home and relax. And generally we have the same thoughts and observations about people and situations.

She's always up for swimming at the State Park or shopping in Anderson (in fact I don't know of a time that she's said 'no' to shopping!!). And just the other day she & my sister took Hannah and Samuel for the entire afternoon so I could have some time to myself. She's constantly saying she'll watch them so I can have "me time" or so Bobby & I can go on a date. For our anniversary this year she had a sleepover at her house for them so B & I could have the entire evening to ourselves. Mama is so thoughtful too. She always remembers if I say I want something or I need something for the kids. I don't know how many times she's bought us clothes or found something we would like while she's out shopping.

Every year we have a birthday party for my Dad but my Mom never wants anything big for her birthday. This year Bonnie and I disregarded that and planned a surprise party for her. I can't believe we pulled it off because we never actually got together to work out the details. Everything was done over the phone because my little family was in FL for an entire week and right when we got back she left to go to the beach. But we did it and my mom was totally surprised (she even cried sniff sniff!!) We invited everyone from my parents church as well as a few of their neighbors. My mom couldn't believe that so many people knew and no one slipped up and said anything (for that matter I'm surprised too!)

I wasn't home for Mother's Day because we were on another adventure up north but my sister and I have plans to take her shopping in Anderson and to lunch at Red Lobster (can you believe she's never been to Red Lobster?!) I know all of this is old news. Really old news. But happy birthday and Happy Mother's Day Mama!!!

I love you so much and I'm so proud and blessed to have you as my Mother. You're an excellent Granny to my kids and we love having you around!! Thank you for ALL that you do for us!!

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My Mom's birthday was in April so these pictures are really belated. We had a Luau and it was so much fun!!

These are the monkey cupcakes I made for the party.

Hannah on her lei and is ready to party.

Sammy just woke up from his nap so he doesn't look too excited in this pic.

Me, the kiddos and the birthday girl.
Opening gifts...
Mama & Don (her neighbor)
Slow Joe Crowe. He's the preacher at the church they attend.
Daddy & Emily (my neighbor) having a friendly chat.

Unfortunately there are no pictures of my sister b/c I forgot my camera and she was the one taking all the pics!! Sorry Bonnie!!