Happy birthday, Moomois!

Okay, I'm totally behind. I keep telling myself that one small post is better than waiting forever and forgetting what I wanted to write down, so I have vowed to post once a day for the rest of the month. Shouldn't be too hard, since the month's almost over, right?

In "awesome" news, today is my Mom's birthday. Let the record state that my mom is the most awesome mom ever. See the quilt posted below for one example of her craftiness. Or my Orlando pictures when Mabes buried her head in Grandma's lap for the entire Dinosaur ride for an example of how she comforts. Or my countless chocolate chip cookie posts (a recipe perfected by her) for an example of her culinary skills. Or her blog to read of all her cycling adventures for an example of how ridiculously in shape she is--seriously, she could dust most people half her age.

Most importantly, though, she has a way of reassuring when we're overcome with self-doubt, comforting when things seem hopeless, and encouraging when I'm convinced I'm failing as a mother. All in a way that, like her aforementioned fitness, is genuine and non-annoying. You know what I mean: someone like my mom could be annoying with non-stop spin classes and a sugar-free diet, but my mom enjoys indulging in a good steak, hot caramel sundae, or even Taco Bell. She has the perfect balance of experience, relatability, self-deprecation, and humor, so when I call to vent, her advice never seems preachy. She just makes everything better.

So Happy Birthday, Moomy! Enjoy the take-out Pappy's bringing home, and then have a big bowl of ice cream with SYTYCD. (I'll have a bowl in your honor, though we don't have Mrs. Richardson's caramel here, either. I looked. I was going to send you some for your birthday.) And then maybe do a pirate jig. Because that's another awesome thing about my mom--she has a great silly side. And does a mean pirate jig.