birthday wishes

My mother-in-law was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
She came to town a few weeks ago to have her thyroid and some lymph nodes removed.
Thankfully, all has gone well and she is healing.

During her recovery, she had a birthday.
Our family was thinking of what to give her for a birthday gift.
We thought of a book and dvd that she could use while she was taking it easy.
But someone thought that it would be nice to add something more meaningful as a pick-me-up.
We thought of doing the "Riesens we love you" idea...with chocolate candies.
So we started thinking of 63 reasons we love her (no particular reason for that number...just a random number :)
At first, the kids thought it would be hard to think of so many.
Until you start thinking about someone you love.
And then it seems you could go on and on.

I thought I would list the reasons here on my blog.
But others in my family thought it would embarrass her too much.
Chris said she probably won't even see it.
So I decided to just mention a few.

1. for all the sacrifices you've made in raising a great family

9. for good late-night talks (from Carlie)

17. for being a rockin' phase 10 player (from Carson)

26. for loving breakfast and always making a yummy one...delicious homemade syrup (from Austin)

29. for being so easy-going (all the kids)

32. for still cutting the corners off

36. for still teaching young children (kindergarten and preschool) and putting in SOOO much extra

44. for showing a positive outlook...she's not a complainer!

52. for believing in her children

57. for loving the Gospel

60. for teaching us that people matter more than things

It's nice to focus on all the great things you love about someone so special.
And afterward, more and more kept coming to mind.
We are glad that you are doing well. And happy belated birthday, Ruth.