From CC

How Old?

It depends who she is with.... If she is with me or Angi, and people know she's the mother (most people assume we are sisters) then that would have to put her at 30 something + childbearing age... so she can pass for 49.

If she is with Gabi, most people assume she is the mother.... or they better if they don't want to get a kick!


Stories:
#1: I know how she keeps her figure. When I was little she would always encourage me to get an ice cream. I happily agreed. Then she would have to have a little taste. This dieting principle was applied to meals and french fries. I always remember her having "a little taste" and thinking, "I wish she'd just get her own!"

#2: Early in our company me, Mom and Mary (our wealthy investor) were going to do a trade show to try to launch our new Storybook Kits. We had to carry the bulky kits from her Lexus to the showroom booth. She and Mary were in expensive designer shoes. By the 3rd trip I looked at them loaded down with the kits and said, "Can you believe it a I am with a Doctoral degree and a millionaire and we have become peddlers." They could barely walk they were laughing so hard.

#3: Teague: "What is Bella?"
me: "What do you mean?"
Teague: "Like is she my aunt or something?"
me: "No, she is my mother, that makes her your grandmother."
Teague: "Really?"

#4: One Thanksgiving we had family races after dinner, girls vs. girls, men vs. men, kids, etc. I won, of course, and my mom, gave it her all, but she ended up stumbling and falling in the grass and coming in last (and she doesn't like to lose to Angi). She got up and brushed herself off and said, "Trent, you are a physical therapist, why can't I run anymore?"
Trent pointed to her head, "Because you are 20 in here," then pointing to her body he said, "but your __ out here." (sorry, I have to censor age--I don't want cut out of the will).

10 Things I have learned from her:

1. You CAN wear heels with everything and anywhere
2. Hairspray is a staple
3. Life is to be enjoyed ("Life is what you make it, always has been, always will be." --Grandma Moses)
4. When things go bad call Dad first (just kidding...sort of)
5. You can do anything you put your mind to, especially with Mom on board... ie. Heritage Makers
6. Education is important.
7. Being kind to others is very important.
8. Husbands are great, but your sister and mom rule.
9. Blessings happen.
10. You are only as old as you think you are.

What I love about her?
I love that many years ago she fell in love, married my dad, and had a family (and I was born into that family). I love that she has been the best mother she could be (thanks for my car at 16, and for all the sacrifices you made for us). I love that so many people love her and for the reasons they love her (her kindness, example, etc.) I love that when I go somewhere with her, people are drawn to her and leave her feeling better about themselves. I love her testimony. I love that when you go to her house you don't dare eat the ice cream in the freezer. I love when she cooks for her family and that the two things my kids love me to make most (NooNoos and Ribs) she taught me how to make. I love that she is a fun and doting "Bella" to her grandkids. She is a cheerleader, the most optimistic person I have ever met. She is full of laughter. She is a dreamer AND a doer. She gives the best gifts. She has good advice. She "gets" me.

That's a start. I could go on. I will just end by saying I will never forget the lessons I have learned from her and I will be sure to pass them on to my precious daughters. We may come from a long line of "short femurs" and, thanks to you, we come from a long line of good and faithful women. Mostly, I love the heritage you have given me.

CC