What can I do for my mom’s birthday...last year amazingly she was with me and we had a quiet and relaxing day as she wanted.  It was great to be with her on her birthday.  This year, I just spent an amazing time with her in the Ukraine. (See previous blog post.)  It was great spending time with my mom and our dear family friends. 

Unfortunately, I wasn’t organized enough to bring her a gift - shucks.  So, I’ve decided to do a little photo montage and let the world know that it’s my mom’s birthday and how amazing she is. 

Mom,

Thanks for all that you do for me.  Your unfailing support and love gets me through the ups and downs of my life.  I am truly blessed to have you as my mom.  I hope you enjoy these pictures....

with much love and gratitude,

your daughter, Jessica.

That’s the two of us in Durham.  

We left a few days later after

a hectic time packing, finishing

my Masters, telling friends

bye. Then we set off on a

grand adventure across

the country.

The joy you see in my mom’s

face here, she always has

that joy with her and

it’s infections. I love it!

My mom has  a sense of humor too.

Here she is petting a bull fountain

in Baku.

Do you see that twinkle or hint

of mischief in her eye... that twinkle

leads us down some crazy paths

but life with my mom is never dull.

That’s mom with papa or

her dad.

While I’ve been gone, papa

moved to an assisted

living home. He’s in his 90s so

that’s to be expected.  Even

though mom lives away from her

family she visit them often

in Idaho and she

taught me the family

is important.

There’s mom buying a picture in Ukraine. 

Yes, it’s another picture of Irises.

The lady she’s with is the artist.  She was

quite nice....

Well, mom I hope you have a very Happy Birthday.  I look forward to our next adventures together.

Lots of love,

Jessica