Happy Birthday Mom!

47 years ago today in Charleston, South Carolina, my grandparents celebrated the birth of the last of their three children. I talked with my mom this morning on her way to work and asked the typical birthday question, "Well, do you feel any older?" She chuckled and replied with a very honest "Yes."

Two of my favorite memories...
As a little girl, I always thought my mom was beautiful, and to this day I still think so. I remember asking if I could borrow her clothes all the time. This makes no sense because I was then 9 and she was 35- obviously her clothes wouldn't fit me, but it didn't keep me from asking over and over and over again. I wanted to be just like her.

One Sunday morning before church she washed my mouth out with a bar of soap for repeating a word that was inappropriate, especially for a 6 year old. She always threatened to do it when I talked back to her or said something that wasn't nice, and that Sunday morning I finally believed her. Strangely enough for me, the distinct taste of Dial soap is all too familiar.

Today I not only celebrate her life, but I celebrate her faith, her friendship, her guidance, her love, and the fact that she's put up with us for this long! Here's to you, mom. Happy birthday.

Here's a candid of my mom and brother at the beach a few weeks ago. Corey Michael wouldn't smile for my picture if his life depended on it. Go figure.