Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday. She would kill me if I revealed her age so I will refrain, but she still looks like she's 30!

My mom is one of the bravest, strongest, determined, hard working women I know. She had 4 kids before she was 30, was a stay-at-home mom and worked for my dad's business doing all of the behind the scenes paperwork and scheduling - dad could not have done that without her - cared for my brother Paul that had Leukemai (driving back and forth to Mott's Children's Hospital) and was always involved in all of my brother's sports and my extra-curricular activities. For years she was the team cook for the high school football team. I don't think the woman ever slept!

She is the beautiful mother of 5 children - 1 girl, 4 boys (I'm the oldest). All of her kids are grown, in college or moved away. A few years ago she decided to go to college and get her degree in medical coding and billing. She got a 4.0 grade point every semester, completed her externship and received her degree. She is now looking for a job on top of still working for my dad, remodeling their house, (and boy is it awesome!!!), teaching Sunday school, taking care of our 21 year old cat (hi, Spumoni!) and cleaning up after my brothers who are home for the summer.

So today, mom, here's to you. You have taught me to work hard, dream big, love much, give always, cry freely and laugh often (most importantly at yourself). Because of you, I am the woman I am today.

Happy birthday. I love you today and always. XOXO