Happy Birthday Mom!

I love my mom. It is so hard to believe that she has known me my whole life. From the moment I took my first breath she has been a part of everything I have done. Even now, when I live halfway across the country, she is so much a part of me. Nate sometimes says we should have walkie talkies to communicate...he is so right.

But, before I was a part of her life, she had her own. I know her as my mom but her life started long before me. She was born the first daughter of Vida and Cliff Hughes, the apple of their eye:

She showed the early signs of quite a silly side:

She channeled Twiggy as a tween:

And met the love of her life at the age of thirteen:

Her beauty was easy for the eye to see when she graduated high school in 73':

She married my dad looking perky and cute, he was equally handsome in a baby blue suit:

She was a teacher by trade, but her true talents were seen in the art that she made:

Pictures show things I couldn't see, like this one of her shortly before she had me:

Then came the babies, I was the first of three:

How she managed us all is a mystery to me:

But, manage she did to make everything fun:

And in planning our lives she made us all one:

And as we grew older the fun didn't change:

The only thing changing with time was our age:

I can't think of a moment when she hasn't been there:

I am who I am all because of her care.

I love you mom and I hope you have the Happiest Birthday! Wish I could give you a big hug...I can't wait to see you soon!

P.S. I decided that one of the most meaningful gifts you can give has to come from the heart. So, here it is. Please appreciate the humilation I'm putting myself through for you! For your viewing pleasure--Happy Birthday from Carter and I--Roger Rabbit style:

I'm hoping this will release me forever from the "Monopoly deal"! I love you!

P.P.S Carter just couldn't believe that I didn't post a picture of her with her Roxie-she loves you!