Grab something to drink, sit back, relax and enjoy this blog post. It’s dedicated to my Mom because today is her birthday. And because I think she’s special. And I love her very much.
The boys and I set out downstairs to go through several boxes of old photos. So much fun! I wonder if Mom even knows I have so many of her/our old family photos. The boys had fun holding up the pictures to show you and I took pictures of them. Who needs a scanner when you have willing 3 year olds that wanted to join in.
It all started with this wonderful couple, Grandpa & Grandma Zoet. Thanks to them, my mom was born. Oh how I miss them so. I teared up as I described to the boys who they were.
I found these old pics of my Mom as a child. From what I understand she was quite a knock out. Her sister was 8 yrs older than her so she was really the baby of their family. She went to college and was married when she was 20 yrs old. I think she had a little bit of a wild side, but for the most part was a good Christian girl who was loved by many and kind to everyone.
And then came me. Mom did a fantastic job of religiously getting my pictures taken. I have many of them!!!
Mom made it a priority to hold onto many, many keepsakes for me. Tonight I found everything from my progress reports in elementary school to notes from teachers when I was young to all of report cards/grades from high school and college! I plan to do the same for my boys. They are such neat memories to preserve.
Between my mom, my sister and I we have seen many struggles, hard times and good times. No matter what my mom has always been there for me. This picture brings back memories of getting my face painted at Roger’s Department Store (did I have that right, Mom?)
We had many fun vacations as kids. It’s funny because it’s hard to remember all of those things, so having so many pictures is priceless. Whether it was heading up north Michigan or fishing at my grandparents cottage, spending time with your children is also priceless.
My mom provided me with all the cool clothes that I needed as a teen. The big round earrings, the parachute pants, collars standing straight up, short shorts….and she even let me wear my Jordache jeans to school 4 out 5 days each week. Hey, I had an image to upkeep, and she knew it.
Christmas’ were always perfect. At least as a child I remember it that way. Why is it nowadays that the holidays are filled with stress and aren’t as fun? Because I was a child then and unaware? Or because we are forgetting what is important about Christmas nowadays? My mom’s favorite quote: “It doesn’t matter what you give me, but at least give me a dishtowel.” She taught us the importance of giving to others, at holidays as well as in everyday life. She has a VERY giving heart. If you know her, you know that.
Mom paid for me to go to Christian summer camp once, twice or three times a year, even though she knew I’d come back with a new boyfriend each time! She taught me the importance of a relationship with God and has always been a wonderful Christian example to me.
Mom spent countless hours following me across Michigan to watch me march in band parades either playing my flute or being a flag girl. She also sat through countless football games in the cold just to see me march at half time. And she also went to all of my basketball games for what…6 years straight I guess, always cheering me on in the bleachers.
Mom helped me graduate and supported me through my accomplishments. She made it possible for me to reach for my dreams. She has also been there for me when I failed. No, I am not perfect. And she knows that, and loves me unconditionally.
Fast forward to my adult life. Mom supported me in my 20’s when I got married at age 21 after graduating from college, when I moved to Atlanta and lived far away and when I went through my divorce when I turned 30. She knew my struggles to have a baby all of those years and knew that giving me a gift on Mother’s Day, even though I wasn’t a mother, helped me feel that little bit of extra love that I needed. She was there for me in some difficult times and always lent a shoulder to cry on. She shared in my joy as I married Dave and when I got pregnant with Brady & Tyler. Her and Mark were on vacation when I had the boys and they quickly ended their trip and drove all the way to the hospital to meet the boys when they were 14 hours old. I could not ask for a better Grandmother to my boys.
And I’ll end this with some pictures of Mom and I from the past few years. We have made a new habit of taking a vacation together once a year. Just Mom and I. Taking time to be alone, to talk, to have fun, to experience life together and continue making more memories.
I love you MOM!! Happy Birthday!!
16 Comments
Kristi that was a very nice post to your mom! Even made me tear up a little. I really liked seeing all the old pictures.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHERRI!!! Hope you have a great birthday!
Hi Kristi - what a fab post! So sweet. And you are VERY brave posting those 80s photos!!!! i have mine hidden away somehere!!!! Clare
What a fun post!
Yep I got teary eyed.. This was a beautiful post to your mom and I hope she has a special birthday…I love all the pics and it is so neat you have all these memories..
Hi Kristi,
great post and loved the pics. I got teary eyed too. It’s great that you have such a special relationship with your Mom and that she is such a wonderful role model. I wish her all the best on her birthday.
Such a nice post. I have always loved your mom so much and I still think of her so many nights as I cover up with the afaghan she made me 15 years ago.
Yes Kristi, we’re (Judi and I) still enjoying your blog (a whole lot today, great job for your Mom)…it’s great fun to see you and Dave and those two boys who are about the cutest little guys I’ve ever seen (I do have grandkids, you know!). Lots of fun “stalking!” And to Sherri, although I’m getting to my computer late today, I hope you’ve had a wonderful birthday and I wish you many, many more. You’ve always been a great cousin (also for being my motel provider recently, too, thanx!) and I certainly remember you as you grew up and had those pictures taken. I recall all the great Christmas times at your folks’ home…I’m certain I could drive right to it if it’s still there! May God richly bless “all y’all” as we say here in the South.
Forgot one thing…the idea of having the kids hold the pictures was really good!! Also, my other comment must have been too long…hope you got it!
Ditto what Sara said! Also love how you had the boys hold the pictures up.
WOW, Kristi, what a tribute! Your mom sounds like an amazing person! Your thoughts make it easy to see where you get your best traits from!
hello, i’m totally emotional and pregnant now i’m bailing my eyes out and my house is full of construction workers!!!! Thanks for the smiles and the tears even if they are all looking at me crazy!
wow that was very nice. Your mom is very kind and generous. Now I know where you get it from!
That was a wonderful tribute to your mom for her birthday. I am glad to see the relationships between mothers and their daughters they are a one of a kind.
How did i forget to comment on this post?? Wow..i love it so much. So beautiful and sincere…you are lucky to have such a great mom and she’s lucky to have you! I enjoyed these photos too, it was cool to see you when you were younger. Plus, i love the way brady’s eyes are peeking out behind the older photos…cute & clever way to show the pics without a scanner!
I enjoyed looking at your pictures. What a nice tribute to your mom.
Kristi that was a lovely tribute to your mother. Having the boys hold up the pictures was a super terrific idea. You are such a sweet person and this tribute shows how loving you are also. Just loved it!