Happy birthday mommy!!!!!

Today we celebrated mom's **th birthday!! ;)  We started out the morning perfectly, a nice scenic drive and fresh apple cider donuts--fabulous!  At the same shop that we got the donuts, mom also bought a fabric basket and a jug of pure maple syrup. 

Later we had a late picnic lunch on the shores of Lake Champlain, and the whole beach was quiet, peaceful and empty.  Mom picked a grilled chicken caesar salad (yummy), ciabatta bread, chocolate milk (good brand, tasted heavenly) and tiramisu cheeseball with Nilla Wafers.  We also had a small cake of maple sugar candy, which was a delicious, literally melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.  It was a great picnic and just what mom wanted.  Picnics are one of her favorite things, so why would we do anything else?

This evening dad took mom out to a nice dinner in downtown Burlington.  I highy reccomend dinner dates to celebrate birthdays--they're wonderful (I've been on several myself, with dad of course!).

Mom has been a wonderful example of a godly woman to me.  I admire her in so many ways: her love for the Lord and her loyalty to prayer, the way she serves and loves her husband and daughters and so many other things.  I wish I could be more like her.  We've had our bumps and struggles as everyone does, but I can honestly say that my mom is my best friend.  We've laughed, cried, prayed, and lived life together.  She's the best mom in the world, and I won't admit to being biased!