Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is the birthday of my wonderful mother-in-law, but I wish there were another title I could use for her that doesn't have such negative connotations. Since Brad and I got married (nearly 14 years ago--has it really been that long?), we have often talked about how thankful and blessed we are to have in-laws that we not only get along with, but actually enjoy being around. We love each other's parents dearly.

So I'd just like to use today's blog space to honor this woman that has influenced my life greatly since I became part of her family. When I hear her name, a slideshow of mental images passes through my mind.

I see her standing over the kitchen sink, washing vegies fresh-picked from the garden and getting them ready to freeze. Her freezer is a smorgasboard of homegrown organic delicacies.

I see her coming in the front door with her latest bargain. It usually goes something like "It was on sale, and they were trippling coupons, so I got it for five cents, and that's not bad!"

I see her diligently preparing her home for guests, adding all those little special touches that make you feel special, welcome, and loved. Although if you are the guest, you never see her doing all this work because she (unlike me) gets it all done well ahead of time.

I see her making long lists of things to do and buy to prepare for an upcoming holiday or special event.

I see her opening the front door to welcome her grandchildren with big hugs, or to bid them good-bye with "Love you darlin'."

I see her switching to decaf at 10 a.m.

I see her making traditional Christmas goodies: sugar cookies, nut snackers, fudge, and pecan meringues. Some of these things I'd never had before I met her, but now it doesn't seem like Christmas without them.

I see her setting out styrofoam plates for Thanksgiving dinner so we can all spend time talking and relaxing instead of doing dishes all afternoon.

I see her going through her collection of fabric, helping me find a suitable piece for whatever I'm about to make.

I see her clipping an article from the newspaper to send to a loved one that will find it interesting.

She's efficient, diligent, and frugile, but never rigid or overbearing. No matter what she does, there's love wrapped around it.

To be quite honest, this is a perfect description of her:

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you.