Happy Birthday Jill!!!

This One’s For You, Jill

So many of us have accessed this blog on our birthdays and found a heartwarming tribute lovingly crafted by you.  Today, on your 38th birthday, we wanted to tell you and the world why we love you so much.

You are the perfect mother.  Mary Kate, Jonathan, Jeffrey, and Winnie are well fed, well groomed, well taught, and, most importantly, well loved.  You spend countless hours seeing that they practice the piano, complete their homework, and get to all their activities.  You keep them clean and well dressed with your impeccable sense of style.  You set a great example, you help them solve their problems, and you teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is such a comfort to know that our children and grandchildren are in your care.

You are the best wife.  Being married to you is like waking up and winning the lottery every day.  You are loving, caring, and definitely patient.  You like to stay up late talking to me.  You laugh at my jokes even though they’re not always that funny.  You like to read books with me (on the rare occasion I’m reading a book).  You’ll go out on the lake with me even though you think the water is gross.  I couldn’t have dreamed of being married to a better person.  You make me want to be the best person I can even though I know I can never really measure up.  You make me happy!  Thanks for being so great!  And thanks for being mine.

You are an amazing daughter.  No parents ever had a better daughter.  You are thoughtful, helpful, considerate, and fun.  You enhance our lives and bring us so much joy.  You are not only a daughter, but a dear friend and a trusted confidante.  We are so proud of your accomplishments and with what you have made of your life.  We only have one daughter, but you are the very best.  June 13, 1974 was a truly magical day for us.

You have the wisdom of Solomon.  You have always been a problem solver, and in your efforts to meet and handle life’s challenges, you have become so wise.  Many are the hours you spend on the phone with friends or family who seek your perspective and your advice.  You have time and answers for everyone.  We have all benefitted from your good common sense and your deep understanding of human nature.   

You are a gifted homemaker.  Your cooking is phenomenal.   Meals are well planned, mostly healthy, and beautifully presented.  Your home is organized, clean, and pretty enough to grace the pages of Martha Stewart.  You make it all look so easy as you open your home to constant company.

You are a fabulous friend.  You make time for friends even if you have other stuff that needs to get done.  You are concerned and caring.  You are also interesting to talk to and fun to be with.  You have friends that have loved you for many years and friends that have more recently discovered your many charms.  All of us consider it a blessing to be in your large and encompassing circle of friendship. 

We’re not really sure why we have been so lucky, to be blessed to have you in our lives, but we are so very grateful.  Thank you for brightening our lives.  We love you! 

Happy Birthday
Mike and Mom