Three Score

This blog is long over-due but I wanted to take the time to pay tribute to an awesome lady, my Mom. We just celebrated her 60th birthday on on June 22nd, although by looking at her, you would never know it. I always have a hard time imagining her age as I always see the woman that would put animal barrettes in my hair after combing out the "rat's nest". I have so many wonderful memories over the years but what I remember most is all of the little things that she did to make us feel special. Things were not always easy and some days were harder than others, but we were always made to feel like the luckiest girls around. We were lucky to have a Mom that was always there for us. She made us costumes, helped with our homework, picked us up when we fell, put together the ever important Barbie pool, and she knew the value of sharing M&M's.

One of the first things that she taught me was that I could be anything I wanted to be despite the fact that I wanted to be a bunny growing up. Obviously I chose a different career path, but when someone would tell me that I could not be a bunny, I would emphatically respond that I could be whatever I want to be. Mom also taught me to stand up to bullies in the sandbox and to stand up for what is right. She taught me that you must have persistence and courage to achieve your dreams.
Most importantly she taught me about love and that no matter what disappointment or success that might lie ahead, she would always be there with us to share it.

Thank you Mom for always loving us even when we drove you crazy. Remember the time I "forgot" to tell you about my speeding ticket in San Antonio until my court date? I thought you were going to kill me by traumatic whip lash! And.... well there are a lot of other times like when I was going through my nasty 15 year old phase and I know that you could add plenty of stories. I will suffice by saying thank you for your patience and love through all of those moments. I love you very much and I am grateful for our memories and life together.

Now that being said on with the party! Cricket, Mom, and I originally started celebrating Mom's birthday on Saturday by having a fabulous time getting pampered at the spa. It was wonderful! We were pampered and relaxed and then proceeded for a much needed coffee break. Sunday of course was Father's day and we celebrated William and then proceeded to dinner at Abuelos for a combination Father's day and early birthday dinner. We took all the boys, so needless to say there was entertainment for everyone from the crazy toddler.

On Monday, Mom's actual birthday, we met over at her house she has around the corner from us, to get the much awaited festivities going. All of the boys had made special cards for Nana and we were putting them on display along with plenty of pink flamingos and 60 roses of course.

The boys even decorated the windows with the flamingo window gel stickers although Christopher kept trying to shred or eat them.....if we were not fast enough to catch him first. Cricket even put up a artistic version of Mom's baby picture to make the decorations even more special.

Decorations in place it was now time to open presents. The anticipation was mounting for Nana and all of us involved.

She first opened all of her beautiful birthday adornments including her sexy and sixty button. Next she opened her Nana M&M's.

You will have to look close at the photo to see the "Nana M&M's".

As I mentioned earlier M&M's are a big deal in our family, you can't beat them. One of her next presents was a digital photo frame filled with pictures of the 4 boys. It was done by Cricket the expert photographer, and she was able to catch the 4 monkeys sitting still and smiling for a few moments. Needless to say, she was excited.

She then opened her main present which was a watercolor picture of the boys framed on canvas and she seemed to be tickled. The final thing that we saved until last was all of the cards that all of her friends had sent.

She loved them. She laughed and enjoyed every card that she opened. The cards really meant a lot and helped to make her birthday that much more special. Here is a picture from one of the cards that I really thought was hilarious!

Overall I think that Mom had a fantastic birthday, and everyone there really enjoyed sharing it with her.

Happy 60th Birthday Mom! We love you!!!

Lori