Firecracker Mama!

The 4th of July holiday is coming up. It has always been one of my favorite holidays. Some of my reasons for loving it include:

1)being out of school for the summer
2)the fireworks
3)celebrating it with family -- pretty much every year growing up!
4)grilling and eating great food
5)and, it is my Mom's birthday! So that always made it an extra special day.

I remember many years traveling down to my cousins' house in Kansas and watching the parade. There was often a car show afterwards. We'd play games in and out of the house and just have a great time.

The past few years I have missed getting to spend the day with my Mom because I always associate such wonderful memories with this holiday. So I want to spend part of my post telling what makes my Mom special, since I can't be there with her.

My Mom is special because...

#1. She shows people how much she loves them. She's not usually the chatty one in the group nor an overt gusher of love words, but she is the one who wakes up early and makes you your favorite breakfast or stays up late - when she should be sleeping - cleaning the house and making everything look nice for your arrival. Because when you come to her house, you are her special guest!


#2. Everyone says this, but it's because it is true - she is an excellent cook and baker!


#3. She works hard ALL THE TIME, but when it's time to play games, she brings it on! Board games, volleyball, croquet, tag/hide and seek - she's a fierce runner, and more; you can just tell she loves to have fun!


#4. Her laugh! I'll be honest, I went through a stage where I may have thought it was a little too loud (high school brat much?) But now, I love to hear it. One of my friends recently coined me as a "loud-laugher" and at first I was embarrased. But then I thought, this is ok, I do love to laugh and I am ok with people hearing me. Maybe then other people will want to laugh more too... but I digress. Regardless, I think Mom's laugh has been passed on to both my sis and I, and I wouldn't change it for anything.


#5. She's self-less. She's always putting other people ahead of herself, almost to a fault. She wants what's best for her family and friends and it shows in all of her actions and words. I can hardly think of anyone else who demonstrates this characteristic as much as her.


Quite honestly, I could go on, but these are a few of the first things I think about when I think of Mom, firecracker Mama, my wonderful Mother! I hope you have a wonderful birthday Mom and maybe see a portion of how much you mean to me. I love you!

To life... full of beautiful memories with and of my Mom!