Happy Birthday To Us!!: Sweet 16 Jan 12, 1994

OVERNIGHT GUEST LODGING

My Love and Gratitude to Jessica

My first born. My sweet little girl that so quickly grew up. It seemed within just a breath that at one moment she was a snot-nose picky little girl and the next a Woman; then a big sister, then a wife & mom with her own problems & her very own world. And still through it all, always my best friend. I guess this is why I want to share my birthday day with her. For she is the most awesome, most wise person in her young years, and caring woman I will ever have the pleasure to know. She is my little pumpkin. She is my mentor. She is my best friend. And foremost she is a daughter I am so proud of. I love you honey.. Mom

Why celebrate with my mom?

Growing up I was always the lucky kid with the cool mom. Being younger than any of my friends' moms, and just having that great personality, she knew how to have fun. Embarrasing?.. yeah - definitely! But, she had to teach me how to cut loose! My friends all loved her while I sat back snottily thinking "oh how immature"! But there was nothing I loved more than just the 2 of us hanging out together. That's when I could be myself and be just as silly as she was. She was the best mother growing up. Somehow she knew when to be completely honest about life & when to soften it up; how to be strict yet still be a friend; when to let me make my own mistakes or when to step in. She always knew when I was trying to get away with something.. I even knew she knew - so I knew I'd better not mess up! She knew how to always make sure I was loved no matter what - that sounds easy.. but not all mothers succeed in that, or not all kids feel it even if it's there. It's not easy being a parent, as I now know. My mom and I somehow made it through my childhood, crazy adolescense, and the emotions of marriage & babies, coming out closer than any other mother-daughter I know. She has been my best friend & always will be. For, now as adults - a good mother & friend are almost one in the same - she is someone I can get advice from, vent to, cry to, laugh with, someone who will always be there for me, and as my mom, she knows me inside-out. Who else would I want to celebrate my 30th birthday with?! Well, and not to mention her 50th is only four days before, so it just makes sense!