Happy Birthday Mom!

I don't think I truly appreciated who my mother was...

until I had children of my own.

When I held my babies in my arms, it dawned on me

that a long time ago, my mother held me in the same way, 

and felt as strongly for me and my sisters,

as I did for my girls.

And that small realization blew me away.

I just hadn't understood until I experienced it for myself.

It is also amazed me, how wise my mother became as I got older.

With every year after I left home, she just seemed to get smarter and smarter.

And after having children, well... she had her Ph.D.

And her cooking?

It became better and better : )

I never knew the 18 year old girl who left home to work in Bermuda for three years.
But I wish I had.
I never knew the young mom who had four girls under the age of six.
The mom who always made sure there was a special birthday cake for us,
and a fun party.
I was too little to understand how lucky I was.
I'm not little anymore.

When I look at this picture and see my mom,
you would never guess she was just one week
into recovering from a full knee replacement.
And with the battle with TB to follow, she survived against all odds.
My mom? She's one tough cookie.
I'd like to think I take a little bit after her.

And while her family might seem a little off kilter sometimes.

She loves us anyway.

Loyal to the very ends of the earth.

A mama bear.

I'm glad she prayed for us girls every single day.

Prayed that we would find good husbands.

Prayed that we would be happy and healthy.

Prayed that we would have a faith to carry us during the hard times.

Her prayers paid off.

She did a great job.

Just look at us : )

Mom,

We hope this next year is a year filled with lots of visits with grandchildren, 

and many laughs with friends.

A year of good health and great shoes.

You deserve it!

Have a wonderful Birthday.

All Our Love,

Your Bungalow Clan!

xoxo,