Happy Birthday, Grandma Bonnie!

We had the privilege of having Grandma Bonnie at our house for her birthday. Since Uncle Joel's was just the week before, we would usually have a birthday weekend where we would all try to get together to celebrate. But now that Joel and I have moved to different states and mom, dad, and Scott do not seem to be in the same place two years in a row, it is getting increasingly difficult. But this year it all worked out. We went out on Saturday to formally celebrate both birthdays. Noah baked Uncle Joel a Noah-cake complete with Lightening McQueen candle and colored sprinkles. Unfortuantely, Grandma Bonnie did not get a home-baked goodie, but she did get to be serenaded by the Campbell Chorus (complete with instruments) and she got to spend the whole day with her three favorite grandchildren. this year, we even waited to celebrate Dumbo's birthday until the 24th, so she got the whole day to herself. Now I ask you, what could be better than that?
Now in case, you don't know my mom, I thought I'd give you just a sample of what makes her so special. My mom:
+ calls every morning just to see what the kids are wearing
+ eats the egg drop soup and leaves the hot and sour for me
+ will spend every waking hour of four weeks sewing costumes for her sons (and now grandsons)
+ will trade her favorite dinner with you if you don't like what you ordered
+ is at every choir concert and softball game - at home or away
+ will buy whatever you are selling
+ would rather drive you all the way to NYC to catch a plane than have you take a taxi ride alone (even when you are 21)
+ will pay to have your hair straightened just 6 months after paying for a perm
+ sends fun presents just because
+ spends most of her day watching the Weather Channel and will call to warn you of any impending weather
+ will argue with you over what weather you are experiencing at your house from wherever she is if what you say does not agree with said Weather Channel
+ gives compliments freely
+ does our laundry and dishes when she comes to visit
+ believes her children (and grandchildren) truly ARE the greatest
+ thinks everything is better when the whole family is together (like vacations)
+ will drive 650 miles by herself to come and visit
+ HATES to cook but makes sure I get each of my favorite meals when I am home
+ believes homemade everything is better (Halloween costumes, birthday cakes, etc.)
+ needs a bigger house to display EVERY family picture ever taken
+ can laugh at herself (often until she cries)
+ will answer the phone every time no matter how many times I call in an hour
+ loves music
+ loves to help others
+ makes you feel that whatever you have done - having children or backing straight out of the garage - is the greatest feat of mankind
+ pays attention to details
+ remembers special dates
+ loves to encourage
+ fought cancer not once but twice AND WON (and inspired many along the way with her attitude)
+ is truly beautiful

In fact, my greatest wish in life is that my children will grow to love and respect me as much as my brothers and I do our mom. Happy birthday, Mommy!