July 4th

 Mom had a wonderful party on Saturday.  Her sister and niece came down from Phoenix and my step-sister flew in from Indiana to help celebrate.  It was wonderful making her "queen for a day"!

Thank you all for helping my mom to feel so special last week with the messages you left.  

It meant so much to us both!!!

Ron and I are laying a bit low this 4th of July.  We feel like we've celebrated enough recently but we both carry in our hearts what this day means!

Happy 80th Birthday Mom!

Mom I know you've loved this little tribute this week and I'm so glad!!!  You are a great mom, grandmother and so much more.  We are blessed as a family to have you in it!!!  You make the world a better place.

We are celebrating mom's birthday tomorrow and I'll share more pictures after the gathering.

(Mom. . . . . no model stitching today.  You have the day off!!!)

Mom, Part IV

There are so many great moms in the world. . . . past and present.  My mom is one of them!  She always put her family ahead of herself and stood by each of us with unconditional love.  Even when my brother and I were teenagers!  To this day, she is there for me in more ways than I can count.  When I was thinking about where to start this last blog post before her actual birthday, I was overwhelmed with the knowledge of what a true blessing she is to those that know her.  

That includes me mom!!

The photo comes from 1965 when we lived in Indiana.

Mom, Part III

Showcasing mom's life with her 80th birthday fast approaching wouldn't be complete if I didn't show you a photo from the day she married my dad in 1951. 

Dad had been in the navy and was anxious to marry mom but his release from service was delayed a number of times.  When they finally said their "I do's", it was a simple ceremony in my grandparents home with just family present.  The war years were so uncertain for them and I know they were more than ready to begin their lives together at that point.  

Mom and dad were able to reach their milestone 50th anniversary before dad passed away.

Mom is enjoying the trip down memory lane on this blog and I know she is enjoying your comments!

Mom, Part II

This is the only photo of mom as a young child.  

She was born during the depression and times were tough at home.  This photo was taken when a traveling photographer came to the house one day and my grandma decided to have pictures taken.  I am so glad she did!  Mom. . . . this is one of my favorites and I know it's one of yours too! 

I love photos of family.  The old photos are especially near and dear as they let us peek into the lives of family before even we ourselves were born!

Mom still loves to read.  In fact I gave her a book the other day that she finished already.  That must mean she isn't doing much stitching.  :)