Happy Mom

Shall I let the world in on a little secret? Today is Happy Mom's 45th Birthday. SO in honor of my amazing, awesome sister, I'm doing a post just about her. 'Cause she's cool, that's why!

Happy Mom is the perfect name for her. She is one of the happiest people I know (her asl name sign even means happy.) That's not to say she doesn't have bad days. She's a normal person. I've heard her complain about things, or get mad, or yell, or be frustrated, but underneath that is this innate happy spirit always looking for the best of things.
She always goes out of her way for family. One of her favorite things is to talk to people she loves, especially if she can do it in person. Even though she's 16 years older than me, she always made me feel like a loved sister. I know you aren't supposed to have favorites among your siblings, but if you were to ask any one of my other 6 siblings, I think all of us would say Happy Mom is really our favorite one.
I've always wanted to say I want to be just like her when I grow up (that is, if I ever manage to do such a task!). She makes the world a better place by being in it. Thanks Happy Mom for being you!

And now, because I'm so stinkin' pleased with how it turned out, you guys get to ogle her awesome present from me.
Hah! Doesn't that quote crack you up! I know you're all burning with jealousy and wishing you too lived 10 minutes away from me so I could make you one for your birthday. The best part about this present? Shh, don't tell anyone, but I didn't spend a nickle on it. I found the quote online 1 week ago, pulled out some scrap fabric and went to town. Want to make your own? Here's a BRIEF tutorial for you.

The center is a 9" square. I found the flower pattern HERE, and then typed up the words on my computer, lightly traced them with pencil, and then just did a simple back stich embroidery for the whole thing. For the outside I took more scraps cut in 1 3/4" to 2 1/4" strips, sewed them together, and then cut them 5" long. (I was guessing how big I needed the case to be- 5" was plenty long, and I trimmed it all to size later).
Here's the back:
The green + is about 3" wide. I sewed it all together, salvaged a pillow form from a pillow I made years ago that no longer use, put it together and hand sewed the opening shut. If I hadn't had a newborn that doesn't sleep all day, plus 2 preschoolers, I could have done the entire thing in 1 day. Instead, the embroidery took me 2 nights, and the pillow took 1 very VERY long day of work. But it's awesome!

I love you Happy Mom. Happy Birthday!