My Mom's 85th!!!

My beautiful mom, turns 85 on the 13th of January. Tonight at my brother's house, we got together to celebrate her birthday. Let me tell you a little bit about my mom:

She's the oldest girl of nine children.
Since my grandma worked a farm, she pretty much raised her younger sisters and one brother.
She was an avid athlete in high School. She played tennis, bowled and was a awesome softball player. She had to sneak and play sports cause her dad didn't think she should.
When she was in high School, her family moved from San Luis Obispo to Santa Maria. Since my Mom was a Senior, she chose to live with a Doctor and his family and be a nanny to his children after she got done with School so she could finish her senior year. She missed her siblings so much, she couldn't wait to move home.
She was a Rockette All Star softball player during World War II, playing short stop. I have clippings from the local newspaper of her outstanding plays. Years later, she was inducted into her hometown's Athletic Hall of Fame.

My mom has always been active. I've never known her to be idle. She's always exercised and until probably six years ago, could run circles around me. she has always been so disciplined with her diet. For years, she did weight watchers and I can remember she would always write down what she ate.

Here are some pictures of her 85th Birthday celebration. I couldn't love my Mom more than I do, or be prouder to be her daughter. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful example of what a mother and grandmother should be.

showing off her gifts
blowing out the candles
Kyle, Mitch and Keith
gathering for a prayer before dinner
My mom and her youngest sibling, Gertie
Me and My Momma
Great Granddaughter Monique (in red), Autumn, My Oldest Brother Mike, my nephew Matt, my mom and my BFF Toni