But your virtual age is only 45

Today is a special day in our family. It's my mom's birthday. Typically she hates her birthday because she's a beige person. She likes to blend in and not be noticed.

In preparation of a low-key celebration, Zoe and I decided to make grandma some yard ornaments. My mom has a major deer problem, so flowers don't really work for her. Zoe and I decided grandma still needed flowers, just wooden ones that the deer won't eat.

That means we had a painting project. With a 2 year old. I'm very proud to say Zoe is a natural. She only got paint on the box we used as a table and on the wooden flowers. My kitchen and my shirt are totally fine.

I have to share what I did because I thought it was pretty clever. I taped the wooden flowers to an upside down, paper bowl. Taped the bowl to an old box. Then taped the paper bowl with the paint inside to the same box. That way nothing would move while Zoe painted and if it did, it would just be on a box that was slated to go to the dump anyway. Clever, no?

I'm getting off subject. Here are some pictures of our very own Picasso in action.

The pre-painting. Or drumming in her very own band.

She is totally serious. Look at that attention to detail!


The finished product!

Grandma LOVED them. They were her favorite gift ever. I think Zoe might have grandma wrapped around her little finger!

My mom is one of the most amazing women I know. She raised me by herself, worked full-time, was head of the PTA, head of the Camp Fire Association, my Camp Fire leader, an AWANA leader, co-director of the singles group at our church and managed to get dinner on the table each night and spend quality time with me. She single-handedly put me through college. Even though she works two jobs, she still manages to take care of Zoe and set aside time for quilting with me.

She is my compass for so many things. She taught me how to be a mom, showed me what kind of relationship I want with my daughter, showed me in a real way what it means to be a Godly woman and how to find the blessings in each day.

Her life hasn't ever been easy, but her attitude would never let you know that some days are a struggle.

She taught me how to love and how to freely show it. I am forever grateful that God gave me her. She is not only my mother, but my friend.

Happy birthday mom. Sorry for all the gray hair, but according to a life expectancy test you're really only 45. You don't look a day over 36. Love you!