Thanks, Mom!

During a conversation about Mother's Day plans my mom said something to the effect of, "Don't get me anything! Mothers going un-celebrated is part of the job..." Typical mom. Well, too bad, I'm celebrating you anyway!

Teenage Joanne (1970's)

At my baptism (1984)

At the shore (1987)

You wouldn't believe her when she says that she used to be an introvert and "uncool" growing up. You might not even believe her when she tells you her age. My mother is the friendliest, most vivacious and active person I know. She is constantly doing something. Cooking, gardening, entertaining, singing, volunteering. She's the person who stands in the grocery line and makes two new friends. Mary Poppins and Martha Stewart in one, she has finger puppets in her bag, "in case she comes across antsy children" and dog treats "for making doggie friends!".

Growing up I had amazing handmade costumes, not only for Halloween, but just for fun. My favorite "everyday" costume was a jaguar jumpsuit that had a hood with ears. As a stay at home mom, she completely spoiled me, although I might not have realized it at the time. Breakfast was hot, and my lunches were usually Tupperwared leftovers. And as a kid I longed for Lunchables, Dunkaroos, and Capri Suns. Or even a crustless whitebread PB&J. Instead I got Beef Stroganoff or Chicken Pot Pie. Or sandwiches that you needed to strategize how to eat, they were so large. For better or worse, my mom let me dress myself and "do" my own hair from age 5 on. During elementary school she must have cringed every morning I stepped out the door with my dandelion mop and crazy ensembles, oh fashions of the early 90's.

She never pressured me in school, but somehow instilled a need to succeed within myself. As a little one I made drawings all. the. time. So my mom had to be selective on the fridge. It would make me try to create something better with each drawing so that it could replace an older one. I still carry that competitive nature against myself today. She also let me learn tough lessons on my own. She was smart enough to know early on that no matter what she warned or advised, I had to try it out for myself. There were a few times as a teenager, and my adult life too, that she really worried about some of my decisions, but instead of telling me so, let me figure it out on my own. Well, she must have done something right, because I'm a pretty normal adult, and now, I consider her one of my best friends. Our newest tradition is to take a mini weekend getaway together in the fall. It's fun to be together just the two of us and I feel like I get to know her even more, I mean I didn't know her for 29 years of her life...

So thanks, mom. I have always felt loved and supported throughout my life, and I have nothing but heartfelt gratitude and admiration for you today, and everyday!

At my wedding (2011)