Happy Birthday Mom!!

Today, I had the privilege of celebrating yet another birthday of the single most influential person in my life...my mama!

She, along with my father, are the reasons I'm who I am today.

 I owe her so much for my success in life. Hours upon hours sitting at my bedside, keeping me awake in the elementary/middle/high school years, helping me to study for my tests. The projects she helped me do...The school events she didn't miss. 

The dance lessons, pageants, and proms she helped me me get ready for. 

The cheerleading practices, games, and competitions she coached at....The tumbling lessons (both professional and in the front yard) she endured.

This is the most selfless, most family-driven, and most dedicated person I know. She has set SUCH a shining example for the mother I hope to one day be.

 

To my knowledge, not a day has gone by that I haven't spoken to her. More often than not,  asking for her advice on something.

 This advice has changed drastically over the years, and I'm sure it will continue to evolve.

  It used to be choosing which dress to put on my baby dolls...then it became which dress to wear on my first day of school...then on my first date...then to prom...and, finally, THE dress to wear on my wedding day.

 She was the first person I called when I got engaged, the first person that will know when I'm pregnant (although I have a feeling she will already be able to tell).

Through the years, she's stuck by my side, guiding me in the right direction. Never with an iron fist either...maybe a convincing voice, however.  But I wouldn't trade our times together for anything in the world. 

I hope she sees what she's done...her years of raising babies were well spent. I have an amazing little brother as well. As her marriage? The one I strive to have in 30 years.

I feel like the luckiest daughter in the world, and when I say my prayers, I thank God for blessing me with the mother and family that He did.

 Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you very much.