Taking a break on the strip after some Coca-Cola and M & M shopping.
Mom opening presents at breakfast at The American Cafe. A daily ritual.
Out at ROK...wet rats. Sweating from dancing hard for hours! Oh, we had such fun!
The 6 of us-Mom, Sister, 2 Aunts & 1 Cousin-made the annual trip to Vegas for Mom's birthday. This is the 3rd year for the fun celebration. We had wonderful meals, shopped, saw Jersey Boys, gambled of course, went to many hotel/casinos and laughed so much. It's such good therapy for me to get to be me and dress up, wear jewelry, make-up, heels, sleep without monitors, eat uninterrupted meals, shop, etc. etc. It was a nice little break, but I couldn't get back quick enough to see Justin, Macy and Jack! Their MDO was cancelled the day after I got back due to the snow, but I was secretly happy so we could spend the day together and play. We played and played and played the week before I left and the week I returned and pretty much nothing else. Needless to say, I'm behind on everything! The trip was the first weekend in Feb. and my suitcase was completely unpacked last week! And to top that I had to unpack the suitcase from the Liberty Bowl trip to Memphis Jan. 2nd to pack for Vegas! WOW!
Anyway...Happy Birthday to My Amazing Mom Feb. 7th!!!
I could write and write about her for days. She is incredible! I talk to her everyday and many days way more than once. She is one of my best friends! I go to her for about everything and need her constantly! I don't know how she finds to the time to talk to me and help me so much! She is very selfless! She has never put herself first. She has so much energy and never needs a nap! She can work circles around me. When she is here I get way more done in a day or two than I would in a week. Mom is such a good listener too, which most people are not. She can listen and listen. I have tried to be the Mom that she was/is to me. I am so thankful for her! God sure knew what he was doing! I have the best memories growing up and we're still making them! I don't remember Mom EVER saying I'm busy or I'm tired or in a minute or leave me alone or I'm doing "this" and when I get done we'll play. I don't know when she paid bills, cleaned, did laundry, made phone calls, ran errands, rested, etc. Now, that's truly amazing!!! Now, don't get me wrong my sister and I knew how to dust, vacuum, do dishes, fold clothes and iron and we did this regularly! Now, that's truly amazing too! I promise you I'll be teaching Macy and Jack these things as soon as possible. I need to get them to mind me first, huh?! ha!
She is a fantastic mother-in-law too. She tries to never interfere and she doesn't. And she's always telling Justin how lucky he is..ha! Shane calls her Dandy Sandy!
She is a fabulous Nanny! Macy and Jack just love their Nanny! She is so patient and kind and funny! She will play outside with them forever, pull them in the wagon, drive them around in the mule and make mashed potatoes at the drop of a hat! Every time Macy is in trouble she says as she's crying, "I want my nanny".
Mom tells you exactly like it is and what you see is what you get. She doesn't judge anyone and treats everyone the same. She loves to be home and clean or organize or drink diet coke out of a can with a straw, eat popcorn and watch a movie. This is where I get my "love to stay home" thing. Her and dad have so much going on and find time to be more than wonderful parents and friends. Going home is such a treat! Mom spoils me and I love it!!
We are so blessed to call her our mom, friend and nanny! Thank you so much for everything you do all the time! We couldn't imagine one day without you and don't want to! You are our sunshine everyday even when it's cloudy. Thank you for teaching me to be the woman I am today! I love you so much and look forward to all the years ahead!
Happy Birthday Mom!
