Missing my mom on what would have been her 50th birthday!

Today would have been my mom's 50th birthday!! Unfortunately, that is not the case, since she passed away 2 1/2 years ago. I remember on my last major birthday (30) that she orchestrated a surprise party - and worked her rear off preparing a mexican fiesta for an army. She had a way of making everything BIG.



For a couple of years we had 4th of July parties at my mom and dad's house. My parents had a restaurant that had caught on fire 10 days after they opened, and we had brought the oven, mixer, hot and cold bars out to the shop. So, mom insisted on cooking all the food for this party. We had about 100 people one year, and we spent a lot of time cooking. We had fried fresh fish, brisket, homemade salads (potato etc) and homemade cookies (about 6 inches in diameter) among many other things. All of the work was exhausting, but there was NO talking her out of it. I just wanted to cater some food.



At night we had awesome fireworks - and if any of you had been there you know what I mean. My mom also liked to have a lot of fun. One year after this party, about 30 of us got in an above ground pool and were playing with a huge beach ball! There was also some drinking mixed in with this - some even had drinks in the pool. We had such a great time.



A couple of months before she died, we had a big birthday party for my husband. He had a lot of scotch and got sick (literally). We had a lot of people over - and we made jello shots. My mom and Eric's brother pretty much downed them all - and my mom ended up being sick when they got home! But she definately knew how to have fun!!



Last weekend at our friend's wedding reception, it reminded me of my wedding. My wedding was supposed to be at the Eureka Springs Botanical Garden - but it rained and we had to move it to the lovely sight of our reception, the Ramade Inn. Not what I had in mind or had planned for. My mom and I spent the day rearranging everything - so by the time the wedding was over we were thrilled. We had our dinner, reception - and then it was time for the dancing. Now, I was only 21, which means my mom was only 37 (only 3 years older than I am now!). On the dance floor - my mom and dad got down! - really. I swear my mom did a John Travolta slide on her knees move in her dress!! It was stress relief after our crazy day!!!



Like us, my parents didn't have many close friends. For me she truly was my best friend. We could talk about anything, tell each other our problems as well as good things. She would give me advice. We never got mad at each other. No matter how many good friends you have - there is truly no one like your mother. I hope as Kiana grows up we are able to have the same type of relationship. My mom was in the room when both of my kids were born - knowing she couldn't be there for another child is one reason I don't want to have any more kids.



Every day without my mom is a little less full. Still after all this time I sit typing this with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. To anyone reading this that still has your mom with them, tell her you love her and give her a big hug - because you never know when tomorrow may not come. The day my mom died I had talked to her 3 times. I had no idea what was about to happen. I am thankful for every day I had with my mom. Her guidance helped shape the person I have become today.

You can see the scrapblog I made at the very bottom of my page. I am going to have Cameron at the least guest blog this week and talk about his grandma - as well as try to find some pics and video that I don't already have on my sight!

Mom - I miss you so much!