Happy 50th Birthday, Mom!

Today, October 13, 2008, is the 50th anniversary of when my mom, Debbie Hays, discovered America! In these first 25 years of my life, she has been an incredible mother, and I wanted to honor her on her special day. But first, a couple pictures:

The two most important ladies in my life (sister Elizabeth...born November 1986, and Mom)

Mom and the two boys. Mom gave birth to me in September 1983, and she gave birth to Lance in June 1988. We love her dearly!

Now to the part where I honor you, Mom :) Happy Birthday!

50 Reasons I Love You, Mom

(In no particular order)

1. You love me unconditionally.
2. You’re nurturing.
3. Back rubs :)
4. Our great conversations (from college, Russia, and in person)
5. The kisses we exchanged in the van every morning during my high school years.
6. You send me packages in far away places :)
7. Your simple, trusting faith in Christ is an example to me.
8. All those letters you sent me during college (weekly).
9. You’re short and sweet :)
10. You’re an amazing listener.
11. Although you think you’re not a stellar cook, I beg to differ.
12. You raised me right, seeking God’s wisdom continually.
13. You’ve shown me the great importance of family.
14. We both love animals! (elephants, Gibby, Libby, Sugar, Ira :)
15. You serve others selflessly and don’t seek the limelight.
16. You’re a prayer warrior.
17. You are passionate about being a mother and homemaker.
18. You’re sensitive to others’ feelings.
19. You cherish your husband, your kids, and family time.
20. You are a friend and confidant (for me and many others).
21. You are honest.
22. You remember the details.
23. I’ve always loved your handwriting :)
24. You’re a planner.
25. Through you, we kids can trace some of our heritage through Tennessee (hillbilly :)
26. You go to bed when you’re tired (thanks for setting limits…I learn from that)
27. You have such a generous heart.
28. Your kindness and care as a Registered Nurse spills over into all your relationships.
29. You have a hunger to know God better each day.
30. You love Reader’s Digest.
31. You’ve ingrained in me the power of Shaklee and other vitamin supplements.
32. You’ve taught me how to eat a healthy diet.
33. You love to stay warm (sitting by the heat ducts and fireplace, soaking up the sun in the living room during the winter, bundling up, etc.)
34. You are compassionate.
35. You’re athletic.
36. You love to go for walks, especially in nature.
37. You stayed home with us three kids – what an incredible investment!
38. You’re patient with me when I fail.
39. You are an encourager.
40. You let me watch Sesame Street twice a day as a little guy (not three times!)
41. You have been intentional about keeping a baby book for each of us.
42. You have always modeled love, honor, and respect for Dad as the head of our home.
43. You have made 1519 Flushing Road a warm and inviting home.
44. You always attended all of our events growing up (spelling bees, quiz meets, cross country and track meets, basketball games, etc.)
45. You take care of all those little details for me that I can’t do while I’m in Russia.
46. You are humble.
47. You love the Love Chapter (1 Corinthians 13) and strive to live by it.
48. You share in the lives and excitement of your kids.
49. “When Mama prayed, good things happened. When Mama prayed, lives were changed. Not much more than five foot tall, but mountains big and small crumbled all away when Mama prayed.”
50. You are beautiful.

I love you, Mom!