Happy 60th Birthday Mom!

We had another 60th birthday in our family today... and on Sunday we got to go to her house to celebrate with her!

Here I am with my 60 years young mom. Isn't she beautiful? If she looks familiar, it may be because she sings in the Tabernacle Choir and is shown on the opening credits every week for "Music and the Spoken Word." I don't think she looks 60 years old, and she certainly doesn't act it. She is an energizer bunny if there ever was one.

We compiled a book from all 12 children (and grandchildren) with photos and letters to my mom. It was a great way for us to show her the ways in which she has impacted our lives. She said that she really didn't "feel it" as the day was approaching, but as it got closer she said that she started to wonder what she had really accomplished in her life--it is 2/3 of the way over, you know. She was grateful to have (in writing) so many things that we see that she has done. She is an amazing person, inside and out. It was so fun to read the letters and see what lessons she has taught, mostly through the way that she lives her life. I don't think she's ever given anyone a reason not to like her, and she has certainly given many reasons to love her. She's an angel on earth and she has shaped and formed each one of us.

I loved this quote by Abraham Lincoln: "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." My mom has always experienced life to the fullest and is still the most active, energetic person I know. I thought the quote was perfect to recognize 60 years of life, and many more great years to come, so it was on the opening page.

Here is my page...

...and we had each of the grandkids put a page together with a drawing or handprint. Liv and Coleman wrote how they loved her pool and her cooking and going on hikes with her. Coleman even drew a picture of the pool and drew a slide on it, with a little side note asking her to please put in a slide. She makes each one of them feel special and is so fun to be around. Her grandkids sure love her!

We also gave her a framed photo that Ryan took on our family reunion this summer at Jackson Hole. Despite all the craziness there, we had a great time! My mom has always loved family trips (just ask her about the Grand Canyon--her face will light up and she'll look like she just won the lottery--and if you want a real treat, go with her to one of her favorite places... it will be the trip of a lifetime) and Jackson was no exception.

My mom didn't want any candles, but she finally gave in and accepted that she should blow out at least one :).

Olivia and Abi insisted on sitting next to the birthday girl.

Coleman and Evan waited patiently for their ice cream to be served.

Ry's such a good cake and ice cream server :). I made pumpkin bundt cake and Steph made a white cake with strawberry filling. Yum.

My sister Erin with Olivia, Coleman, and David's cute wife Katty.

The best gift that we could ever give to my mom is to be more like her, and I think in our own ways, we are all working on it. I'm not sure if I'll ever measure up, but I will certainly try. I am grateful to have a mother who loves me and teaches me and helps me be better and sacrifices for me in so many ways. She is a great example and an all-around wonderful person. Happy birthday Mom!