My Mother Gave Me the Moon

is the title of a wonderful little book that Andi gave me yesterday in my stocking. The illustrations would look beautiful framed and hung up in a little girl's room. It just has a few lines on each page. Part of it reads,

"My mother gave me dreams. And the courage to believe in them.

And she still does.

My mother made everyday days seem special.

And made special days nothing short of magical.

She taught me to hold traditions dear...

And family close.

And long before anyone else did...

My mother showed me what love really is."

How could you not love a book like that? Just from the cover, I knew I would like the book, but when I read what Andi wrote inside, I started to get teary, so I had to put it aside to read later. Nobody wants to cry while opening Christmas gits. Andi wrote,

Momma-
Thank you for always being my #1 fan, my shoulder to cry on, my quickest defender, my constant companion and my best friend. I hope I am all of those to you as you are to me. I love you so much. Andi

I love that kid and I'm so proud of the woman she has grown up to be. She is a great wife, an awesome mom and the best big sister a little kid could ever hope for.

I helped her give a party Monday night for the high school boys and girls she works with. I stood by with tears of pride in my eyes as I watched this group of over 40 kids laughing with her, joking with her, hugging on her and having a wonderful time, while all the time you could tell that they respected her and really enjoyed the program she teaches.

She may think I gave her the moon, but she gave me the stars.