Happy Birthday to my MOM!

Today is my Mom's birthday...my wonderful, amazing, talented, beautiful and loving Mom!  Not only is she my mom but she is also one of my best friends and I am thankful everyday that I was blessed to have her in my life.  

My Mom has been there for every important event in my life.  She was not only wonderful when I was going through my childhood and my teens, she has supported all my craziness!  What fun we had planning my wedding...the wedding budget meeting with Dad at Taco Hut in Manhattan, the days spent choosing the amazing dress at the Plaza in Kansas City, choosing the wedding cake, deciding on the flowers (and what a beautiful job we did!), and then the actual day itself was just perfect!

Then, after a few years, came the babies!  Katia arriving so quickly and us leaving the hospital so soon afterwards...she had to search us down. These were the days before everyone having cell phones...she finally arrived at the house and me coming down the stairs to tell her that SHE had just woken up and her reply "Oh, it's a girl!"  How excited she was to finally have a granddaughter?!  She stayed with me 2 weeks.  We have always had such a good time together, no matter the amount, and are always so sad when it's time to go home.  Then came Zander...she stayed with Katia for 2 1/2 weeks while Zander went through all his stuff.  Grandma and Katia had such a magical time together...I think they will both always cherish it.  Katia may not remember it all but their special bond is there because of it.  Then came sweet Lili and back came Grandma to help out!  We just couldn't have done it without her!  

Over the years we have had some wonderful times together...we both love the same things and never run out of things to share and talk about.  It's always been this way and I know it always will be this way.  I can't believe how close we will soon be (only 1 1/2 hours apart compared to 8 hrs) and I can't wait!!!  

Here is a picture of my sisters and I with my parents @ their 50th Wedding Anniversary party!  I loved celebrating their amazing life together and it was so great to get the entire family all there.

Mom is in the center, as deserved, my 2 sisters on the left, me (on the right) and of course my Amazing Dad!  Thank you Mom (and Dad-your birthday is coming up-just wait your turn!) for giving me such a wonderful life!  I am very thankful and love you dearly!