what's a good number

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday. I figured it would be appropriate to write a post in honour of my incredible mother and one of my best friends.

I figured she probably doesn't want me sharing how old she is... so I'll just share with her 26 reasons why I love her... in honour of how long she has been my Mom.

I Love my Mom Because:

1. When we bought our house she insisted on us renting this "amazing" vacuum from her local town - and it WAS amazing... you've NEVER seen so much stuff come up from a carpet - she's got our backs like that.

2. On our moving day she prepared the most delicious "Sister's Chicken" and Greek salad to feed our crew - a definite crowd pleaser.

3. She has the most beautiful, natural teeth I've ever seen - I know this seems weird - but honestly she does - I'll take her smile any day.

4. She knows how to dress - and when I mean "how", I mean - HOW WOW! Dad - you're one lucky guy.

5. She's always instilled in Mr. Hall and I how important it is to COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE! It's definitely helped our marriage and for that I'm grateful.

6. She was willing to take the "Mac" plung and has never looked back - Macs rule!

7. She takes pride in her vehicle - you've never seen a woman so happy to shine up the chrome on her wheels! Love it!

8. Ok... I know I already said my Mom dresses well... but she also has amazing shoes to compliment her outfit.

9. And jewelry too! Always so funky!

10. My Mom has an amazing group of friends - not an abundant lot of them - but an authentic lot of them. This is something she always has encourage me to keep in mind. She's always gently reminded me when she feel my friends are not being authentic, and also encouraged me that I deserve the graciousness actions of the friends that cherish me.

11. She has quirky interests - whether it's old gramophones or accordions or knitting - she's definitely no Grandma (yet).

12. She's taught me to take pride in the things I own - even if they aren't the most expensive things. This has been a great lesson to have learned in my early experiences as a homeowner. I truly have pride for my home, even though it's still very empty - and for that I'm grateful (and so is Mr. Hall).

13. She can rock short hair. I've always felt that only a certain type of woman, looks aside, can "rock" short hair... and whatever those qualities are, my Mom definitely possesses them. Thanks Mom for really teaching me that femininity doesn't have to come from long locks.

14. Speaking of hair... my mom is also quite talented when it comes to cutting hair. I know Mr. Hall definitely trusts her when she's cutting his hair... and well... some of us know how his hair has looked in the past...

15. My Mom is one of the most creative people I know - I know she is definitely where I get my creativity from. I can always take my creative endeavours to a point - but she can always finish my projects off with just the right touch!

16. I love how my Mom is always seeking more from her career. Growing up, I felt that I always watched her struggle to find her calling - and I'm not saying she's found it, only she can answer that - but she's always seeking new avenues - that and she enjoys a good spreadsheet just as much (maybe even a little more) than me.

17. One of the things I love the most about my Mom is how she has granted me the time and space to strengthen my own independence. She's never asked me to conform or pressured me to do something I didn't want to. I really appreciate how she respects this about me.

18. I think my Mom has the cutest nose. It's just so small, perfect, and petite. I know Dad feels the same way too. It's just so cute!

19. What I beginning to understand about my Mom is why she's never really encourage me in an area that I already have my own strength. She's never really challenged me to do or be something that she already knew I could do on my own, in my own time. Gotta love someone like that!

20. I love how Mom created a home, with Dad where their children know they have a safe place. A place to speak their minds, share their hearts, and share ideas. We may not always agree with each other - but home is always a place where we can truly be ourselves.

21. Mom taught me how to sew. It start at a very young age sewing sleeping bags for dolls - and evolved into grad dresses, costumes for a play, and more recently, quilts. This is a skill that no one can ever take from me - and for that I am grateful.

22. She has instilled in me that sometimes it's okay when things are "All About Me!"

23. I love how my Mom can be an open book when it comes to her emotions. I rarely have to guess how she is feeling - it's always pretty clear... and everyone who truly loves her, love her for that reason.

24. Mom's pretty clever too - she likes to sometimes say "Well, Dad thought you'd really like this..." but I know the idea came from her entirely. She doesn't always like to take credit where it's due, and sometimes I think that's pretty cool.

25. I love how my relationship with my Mom has gotten to such a strong point to where I can put her in her place... or give her "lectures" (as she likes to say). It's so comforting to know that we're both adults, and we both respect ourselves and each other enough to get real with one another. I really love this.

26. My Mom taught me that it's completely fine to say "I love you". I often say those words to people, and I always mean it. I know it may take people off guard sometimes, and make them feel uncomfortable, but I know I'm being genuine when I say it, so I don't really care. Sometimes Mom and I say this to each other a couple of times before we get off the phone with each other. And that's what my Mom has taught me. I love you, Mom!

I hope this all made you think about the special people in your life. I know I am truly grateful for this one in particular.

I love you, Mom! (Told you I'm kinda excessive... but I love her!)