Happy Birthday to my momma.

Today, July 12th, is my marvelous momma's 60th birthday. I mean, it's the 21st anniversary of her 39th birthday. However you want to slice it, though, I think that Ruth Ann proves that 60 really is the new 40! I mean, look at this picture. Granted, it was taken about three years ago at my college graduation, but I think my point still stands. She always looks this marvelous, too.

As you can see, Mom blazed the redhead trail before I did.

In addition to being mistaken for a woman who is 10 to 15 years younger than her actual age, though, Mom is pretty incredible in and of herself. She's a Homecoming Queen who managed not to let popularity go to her head. She's a former high school algebra teacher who is still recognized and approached at the store by students she taught 30 years ago (They always comment to me how well-dressed she was, too!). She's a basketweaver who has taken her hobby and turned it into a small business. She keeps my family's hectic home running smoothly, a feat for which I admire her more and more as I get older.

As a parent, Mom was always what the kids at school designated a "Mean Mom." She was strict. My brother and I weren't allowed to watch TV at will--we had to do something constructive (horror!). We had to get up two hours before school started so that we could practice piano. We were expected to work hard and bring home grades that were in keeping with our intelligence--or else we'd be in for it. We didn't get to go out whenever we pleased. We had to always make sure Mom knew our whereabouts. And we had to sit down for a family dinner every night.

I'm so glad Mom was "mean." I credit her strictness with my love for reading and for learning, and for my drive and determination. Because she set boundaries and didn't let Jordan and I run amok, we both had the blessing of parents who were good examples and who we knew loved us very much. I hope I'm as "mean" to my future kids as my mom was!

I'm 99% sure this picture was taken 20 years ago at Mom's 40th birthday. Also, if I ever do anything exceedingly ditzy, I can prove with this and other photos that I'm a natural blonde.

Happy Birthday to one of the best moms in the world!

On another note, I thought I'd include a couple more pictures that Spike's mom took at the beach. This one is the whole group. There wasn't a single person in Spike's family (and this is just his mom's side!) whom I didn't enjoy meeting. I'm so grateful to be included in such a fun-loving, close-knit crew.

I hope to see all these folks again--soon and often!

And here are the Captain and myself walking in from the beach. Doesn't get much better than this!

Lastly...I fly to Oklahoma tomorrow, and I'll be there through the end of July. Can't wait to see my Captain!