Today is a really special day! It’s my mom’s 80th birthday and my brother and sisters have come in from all over to be here to surprise and celebrate with her! I wish I could tell you everything, but we all chipped in and bought her an ipad and decided to give it to her last night so she could get familiar with it. I thought she might decide she’d like to read my blog today, (Yikes!) so I deleted much of my original post and I’ll have to keep it a secret until tomorrow or the next day to let you know what happens. Sorry, momma… you’re not gonna get any spoiler info from me!
My mom has been a wonderful matriarch of our family; holding us all together and being the strong one of the bunch. Since my dad died so early and she was 9 years younger than he, she was left to care for 3 children at age 39. My older sister had just gotten married in September but daddy got sick the night of her wedding and momma went home with him. He only got worse from then on and died on December 23rd. She slept on the floor beside him for months when he was sick. That’s a strange thing to remember about your mom.
She was always there for me… I mean “always” there! She gave good advice… in fact my friends in high school would ask her opinion on things… I think they call that Wisdom! She is a mercy person and cares very much for hurting hearts and wounded spirits. She can make a mean meatloat and pineapple sheet cake! She’s quite independent and still mows her own lawn with a riding mower, rakes her own leaves and gumballs, drives where she wants and opens her home to visitors.
She let me start using her sewing machine at a really early age and when I went away to Bible College, she helped me find a good machine to use at school. We used to spend almost every “Easter Eve” staying up late making our Easter dresses. I don’t know why we didn’t get them done sooner, but it was always a late night affair with her sewing machine.
There are a zillion stories I could share, but I just wanted her to know how special she is and how much I love her.
Love you forever momma!
Doesn’t she look like the “coolest” grandma?
Here she is with Rebecca…
This is my mom, my grandma and me… a long time ago…in our “curly hair” days!
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy 80th Birthday to your mom, Jeanne. She sounds like a wonderful to person have as a friend, and lucky you to have her as your mom! Hope you all have a super day celebrating with her. Wishing her many, many happy and healthy years ahead.
My niece has a 24th birthday today. It’s always fun to know of others born on your birthday. They are happy times.
Cindy, Thank you for the birthday wishes to my mom. She was more shocked than surprised at her party. It was so much fun…
Blessings, Jeanne
Happy Birthday to your mom. She is obviously a very strong woman who made her way and that of her children under difficult circumstances. How very blessed you all are to have a such a woman as an example of strength and dedication. I know she is going to enjoy all the celebration activities with her family.
As an addition I will also say that today is my son’s birthday. He is my youngest at age 42. He also was a surprise in our family as being the first boy born in 26 years of girls, girls, girls!!! He is a 20 year retiree of the US Navy. We are very proud of him.
Hi Jeannie, thank you so much for your kind words about my mom. We did have SO much fun…memories were made…for all of us. Momma cried when she walked through the door and we all shouted Happy Birthday. We all smiled and clapped… It was so special! I bet your son got spoiled like no girl could have.
Thank you for all your sweet comments you have left about my blog posts.
Blessings, Jeanne
There is no doubt your mother is a wonderful and very strong person under all sorts of life experiences. How nice to hear all about her. She is a very elegant lady too. Love the pictures of her with the babies – indeed she is a fun grandmother. Happy birthday and blessings to your mom and may she have many more!
She is a special mom – it reflects in what a wonderful person you are!
Have a great time with all your siblings as you celebrate her birthday. By the way, you have the greatest smile!
Hi Paula, thank you for all the special moments you have shared with me and your sweet spirit. I love your sense of humor and the stories you tell. Hope to see your comments in 2015 too!
Blessings, Jeanne
I hope that your mom has a wonderful birthday. How nice that you get to share such a special day with her. She looks like a fantastic grandmother. It is neat to be born close to Christmas so that you can enjoy the decorations still on your birthday. My daughter’s birthday is January 3rd and I always liked that the Christmas things added something extra special to the day. Christmas and birthday decor together.
I agree with Paula, you have a very sweet smile and look so happy.
Many happy returns for the day.
Thank you Laura, It has been so nice to share momma’s birthday with you all, but to receive all the birthday wishes has been so nice. I have shared them all with her…
Blessings, Jeanne
Jeanne,
I certainly see where you get your “spunk” and curly hair! What a beautiful redhead your mom is–inside and out! Have fun at the party and tell her “Happy Birthday” for me! She certainly had many roadblocks in her life, but she sure made the best of it, and it looks like she succeeded in everything she did! What a wonderful mom and grandma she is to her children and grandchildren too!
Hi Linda, thanks so much for being such a “close”” subscriber. I’m serious…if and when I ever get to St. Louis we will HAVE to meet! Thank you for your sweet words in all your comments. Blessings, Jeanne