Isn't She Lovely?

Really, the title should say, "Aren't THEY Lovely?" But not many songs written about multiples of love.

Thursday meant my mom has another year under her belt. She has done some amazing things in her life. She's raised 6 kids (all born within the same decade). I am not following in those footsteps. She has spent a portion of her life living her dream as a farmer. My black thumb and I will not be following in those footsteps. She has amazing sewing skills. I have tried, unsuccessfully, to follow in in those footsteps. She has patience and love for many four-legged animals. Again, not a match.

But there are many things that I have learned from her:

1. Creativity. I attempt it in my own little way. I think a portion of this comes from her ability to create a new homestead while moving every two years for many years.

2. To dream. She always wanted to be veterinarian, but didn't do that because "that's not what women do" back when she went to school. I think she has encouraged all her children to do what they love to keep us from having regrets. (There is more of that rebel spirit in there too!)

3. The love for road trips. I have happy memories driving across the country. It may have been out of necessity (who can afford to travel with 6 kids?) but regardless, I find myself with the hankering for a road trip every year.

My kids are lucky to know her and we are even luckier to just be a couple of miles away!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Meeting Max

Last month a friend told me they were giving their kids a yorkie for Christmas. I thought it was the perfect gift for Mom. I called to see what she thought of the idea. She was interested. So we scheduled a time to meet the dogs. She found one that matched her criteria: mellow and sweet.

Since it was a Christmas gift, we all felt it important that she wait until Christmas (afterall, SHE taught us that principle.) And to my shock (and disappointment) she was completely OK with that. I wondered if this was an indication of her true interest, or, lack of it.

But I didn't have to wait long before she broke down and started using all the tricks we'd tried for years to get our gifts early. Logic, necessisty, the "benefit" for us, etc. She wanted her gift early and the anticipation of waiting was beginning to do her in. Yipee! THAT's what I wanted to see. (heehee)

She had different conversations with us each individually trying to weaken our resolve. Some kids holding much firmer than others.

But last Saturday an early faction (Jenni) took the majority and convinced us all to relent to an early delivery. We all parked a block away and caroled up to her door.

She'd been leaked a clue about our arrival a couple hours early and wasn't quite surprised. But that did not lessen the thrill of her Christmas gift.

Welcome to the family, Max! (After the Grinch's dog.)