Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! This is a day of mixed emotions for me. As a school teacher, I loved celebrating with my students. As a mom, I love seeing my kids enjoy the festivities. And even as a wife, I've had my share of fun Valentines surprises. But today is also my Mom's birthday. She would have been 58 this year. I miss her so much.

Growing up, I loved celebrating my mom's birthday. We always did really fun things and as the dating years approached, I always had a convenient excuse for not having a Valentine's Day date- a better family bash somewhere else! One of my favorite memories is of the year Mom turned 50. One of her best friends, Marge, planned a surprise party for her...and there was never anyone more deserving of that party. I'll never forget how Marge told my mom that she needed a ride to her husband's work party. We all went up to Marge's and then she told us all to come downstairs to see something amazing from her daughter. As we rounded the corner going into the basement, a bunch of my mom's friends were there to surprise here. The evening was filled with laughing, eating, reminiscing and talking, talking, talking (Mom's favorite!). That moment is made even more priceless, because Mom got sick just a few weeks later and passed away that summer.

Last week, a friend and I were talking about parenting, with all it's wonderful challenges. She turned to me and asked, "What was your mom like as a parent?" As I have pondered that question, the reply that comes most readily is, "She was phenemonal." Now, I don't mean to imply that she was perfect, but she was a very amazing mother. I didn't even realize what an amazing parent she was until I myself became a parent. And I can honestly say that in so many aspects of my mothering, I am modeling myself after my own Mom. What a blessing.

Anway, Happy Birthday Mom! How I wish you were still around to meet my little munchkins and be part of our lives. You are always in our hearts. Thanks for everything! (These pictures are from 1982...I don't have recent pictures of Mom available on CD...but don't you love the couch and how about my stylin' boots that are back in style!)

More "FUN" pictures of Valentines Day tomorrow.