The first birthday of my mom’s that I remember is when she turned 35. My dad put up this glitzy red sign on the front of the house that surprised her when she returned home from an errand. The things you remember, right?

My mom with Beau about 33.5 years after her 35th birthday.

I suppose around that time was when I started to truly comprehend how much my mom cared for me and wanted the best for me. Since then, I have not forgotten it. As my mom turns 69 today, I know for a fact that each day she thinks, prays, and worries constantly about my siblings and me.

My mom with me and my sister at a Mead High School football game. She has always cared about us with her entire heart.

I think the only people she stresses over more are her grandchildren. 😉

My mom loves no one more than all her grandchildren.

But the fact of the matter is that I am so lucky to have a mother who genuinely cares about me. From check-in texts to her 100% willingness to always watch the kids to her frequent dinner invites, my mom has always been there for me—even when I lived across the country.

My mom celebrates her birthday today. This is her and me at my wedding in June 2016.

One quick random thought: It’s kind of funny, but it took me 39 years of my own life to really comprehend how much I owe my mom before I was even born. She carried me for nine months and then went through the birthing process. Seriously, that is a major commitment and investment that I have overlooked for the longest time. For nearly 300 days, I depended on my mom for absolutely everything while anything she did was dependent on the baby she was lugging around. Definitely something I should appreciate more.

My mom with Sloan. I need to do a better job being grateful for all my mom has done for me, including carrying/birthing me.

Mom, you are worthy of much greater than this silly blog post but I sure love you. Please know I immensely value the great lengths you go to be an amazing mother and person. Happy Birthday! Don’t Blink.