you don't look a day over 45 - for real

sunday we celebrated my cute mom's 54th birthday with the traditional smith family dinner - grandma smith's spaghetti and meatballs, yum. it was one of the best batches ever, just ask ethan. it wasn't too hot to eat outside which is good because everyone was in attendance and my mom and dad's dining room seems to be getting smaller by the baby. it was too hot though for the cutie cherry cupcakes i made for her birthday, they started to slide almost as soon as i had them piped but luckily the heat did not affect the taste, they were yummy despite the sliding. leah's birthday is wednesday so it was a double celebration, luckily she was able to stop in during a dinner break from work. brandon was there sporting something we haven't seen for a long time...a GIRL...yes, that's right, i said girl! and she is cute! and wasn't afraid to smear brandon's face with frosting, ya, we like her. it doesn't hurt that she is a virginia girl either, that just adds to her overall score which was definitely a high 9.8 or so - (i'm definitely watching too much olympics lately i think). the celebrating continued on monday - mom's actual birthday at mimi's cafe, one of our favortie girl gathering spots. the food was as good as the company and we stayed for two hours chatting and trying to get a self portrait without anyone's head cut-off - we were obviously not successful but it will have to do!april and allie and i stopped at macy's on our way home and ended up getting make-overs at the clinique counter joking and giggling the whole time with our funny "lab technician", ya it actually said that on her name tag. whatever, she's a make-up chick, not a scientist! and besides leaving the store feeling a little "cakey" (as in caked-on make-up), it turned out to be a super fun girl day! happy birthday mommy dearest - i AM your biggest FAN! :)

ten things i love about my mom...

1. she's very photogenic, even though hates having her picture taken (this is me telling her she needs to smile). she used to be a LIVE mannequin for sears when she was young! 2. she instilled in me my love for all things homemade. i wish i had a photo to go with this one. she hand-made a ton of my clothes, gifts and treasures growing up. she is still at it and even has her own etsy shop!

3. the grand kids all love her and it's no wonder why - she'll pay you to do projects around her house, has all-girl sleep overs when grandpa's away, babysits last minute, attends every recital, worries all the time about them, brags to all her co-workers about them and is always kissing or hugging someone... ...yes, we all love our mimi.

4. she taught me how to be a good mother. she was a good balance between fun (ok crazy) and no-nonsense, hard working, encouraging and always giving us tons of affection. i want to be just like her when i grow up. 5. she is so much fun, and not afraid to try new things. she played the wii only once before she was addicted. (this was on the boys' list) 6. she taught me to never do anything half way, either give it your all or don't do it, be proud to put your name on it. (maybe this is why i have such a hard time ever getting the bathrooms clean?)

7. she loves the in-laws in our family as much as she loves the original four, we are all family to her and you would never know there was a difference. she finally has more than one daughter! 8. she makes the world's best chicken noodle soup - seriously, there's nothing like it. 9. she taught me to love the gospel. she was my early morning seminary teacher growing up and she is the most awesome scriptorian. every morning she would share her enthusiasim for the scriptures and church history with a big group of groggy, less than excited to be there, teenagers - that takes guts! by the end, everyone loved her.

10. she's not just my mom, she's my friend. she is who i want to call to share good news with, who tolerates my crabbiness and calls me in the afternoon some times just to chat. 11. she has such a great sense of humor, always has a funny story to share.for instance - whenever someone comments about how she doesn't look old enough to have ten grand-kids or whatever, she tells them it's the extra fat in her face - it plumps up all the wrinkles better than collagen injections! :) ok, so that was 11 things but i was having a hard time narrowing it down! she's one great lady eh? happy birthday mom, i love you!