Happy Birthday Mom

My mom's birthday is today. She's not old, but Cam thinks in a few years she'll be 99. He's learning to count by 10's, and that's only like 5 numbers away from where she is now.

Since moving here three years ago, I've really missed being around her and my dad in NM. Their house is always fun and different. They have horses and dogs and mules and a farm that we love to go to. Not a trip goes by that my dad doesn't have us doing some kind of manual labor. It's character building, and I miss it. The kids love ridding the tractor and picking up rocks and other misc. dirty things while we're there. Last weekend while visiting, we harvested some corn from their garden in one corner of the field. There were pumpkins ready, too, but we didn't bring any home on the plane. I was flying with them alone, and wasn't a fan of carrying on extra vegetables. (we'll have to get one at HEB like everyone else here).

Anyway, back to my mom. She's really cool in a makes-you-laugh-at-corny-jokes sort of way. She really loves her kids (especially Ty) and shows me all the time that being a peacemaker is how it's supposed to be done. (I really struggle with that one). I love that she know so much about plants and animals and other nerdy stuff (she's a science teacher), because I'm like that, too. Mostly, though, I love the way she grandmothers my kids. She's the best grandma ever. From sending Cam smashed pennies (they share a hobby of collecting them), to mailing letters addressed just to them, she makes them feel special. It's a good thing- because it compensates for my inadequacies!

Today the kids and I called to wish her a Happy Birthday, and she said that's all she needed as a gift. If I had a million dollars, I'd buy her something really great that she'd love- like a custom turtle habitat, or self-irrigating garden or something. Instead, I'm writing this blog and saying Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you!