Mom's Top Ten

I think we all can agree, whether you ever knew my mom or not, that she was one of the great ones.  Ten years ago was the very last time we were able to celebrate her birthday, and I'm so glad now that we took the time to do that.

Ever since, I've tried to honor this day because I think we need to remember a day for someone who touched so many lives.  I usually bake something, and try to have people remember her by doing something nice because that is all she was about.

So, in remembrance of my mom (and in tears), I will give you her top ten:

1. If people had one word to describe my mom, it would usually be "Nice."  She was the epitome of generosity and giving.  Oh sure, if she didn't like you, you knew it, but they were few and far between.
2. The second word that people will say is laughter.  It was joyful and loud and usually a cackle, and many of us inherited this from her.  It's known as the Garmyn laugh.
3. As a mom, there wasn't anything she couldn't handle.  I attribute this to the fact that she had four kids in three years (no twins either!).  Every eleven months, like clockwork, she had another kid. Thankfully, she learned her lesson eventually, and there's a break between Gump and myself, but can you imagine?  No wonder nothing phased her.
4. She was an awesome cook and baker.  Most people are either one or the other, but she had both in her pocket.  My favorite is the chicken and rice recipe, which is hard to read here, but if you want it, I'll get it to you.  *Sidebar: This recipe above is written by my mom, and my aunt Patti sent it to me in a birthday card a few years ago.  I called to thank her, completely overcome, and cried on her answering machine.  
5. She was one of those people who could fix anything, and when I say anything, I mean any thing.  It could be a financial problem (she'd lend you money).  It could be heartbreak (she'd take you to lunch and shopping).  If you wanted cable in the upstairs bedroom, she'd bring over the cable wire and hook it up (no cable guy necessary).  
6. Shopping, mostly for others, was one of her downfalls.  Only because she could rack up credit card debt like no other.  Since she always did the finances in there house, my dad was quite surprised to see how much credit he had in his name.  We giggle now, but he didn't back then.
7. She was an absolute favorite at LCC for so many year, known as Ma G mostly, because she took care of everyone.  As the attendance lady for so long, she was able to excuse many students who probably would've failed out otherwise because of tardy slips.  I got to "work" in her office first hour for two years, and loved every minute of it.
8. She was the best grandma ever.  My boys, especially Evan, were so lucky to have had her even for a short time.  Blake really doesn't remember her at all, but thankfully we have Cathy now, and she blesses us just like mom would :)
9. I think my mom may have invented "doing lunch" and thankfully, I was the recipient of many of those lunches.  Her favorite places... Jacobson's Eastroom (I even remember going in a skating outfit once... why I have no clue).... Chi chi's.... Chilis.....Olgas...... La Senoritas..... 
10. She loved Christmas and made it the most special time of year for everyone involved.  This past year was probably the worst, because it was as if nothing was special at my dad's house.  It broke my heart knowing she was probably turning in her grave.

Well, that's it, but of course an amazing life can't be wrapped up in ten.  I will be baking Pioneer Woman's Chocolate Sheet Cake for dessert today, and hopefully going to lunch :)

I hope you all have a wonderful day and celebrate March 18!

Love you Mom!