Mark married Erika. What a beautiful bride. But more importantly, a beautiful person. That was ten years ago.
Bill McC gave me lessons on how to to be a mother-in-law, or how to NOT be a bad mother-in-law…
The very words (MIL) can send a shudder through you-there I said it- mother-in-law!
We all know how the older generation (me) can annoy the younger generation.
Even if you try your best to not be annoying or try to not give unwanted advice or commentary. Joanne B suggested Duct Tape.
But this post is really about my daughter-in-law, Erika.
She is a lot of fun and tolerant and loving towards me, teasing and trying to update my wardrobe and style constantly. In a good way! She is one terrific mom, too. An organic gardener whose specialty is Japanese Eggplant, Kale and tomatoes and now has a new found interest in photography.
Today’s her birthday.
I wish I had the photo of her in the hot air balloon last May with my sister. She is brave and adventuresome.
Here’s Erika as an amazing mother to my four grandchildren and a loving wife to my son Mark and a terrific sister to my daughter and son Laura and Matthew and James. She’s really patient and is always thoughtful and kind to me, calling me up and telling me about the family happenings, keeping me up to date.
Love to my DIL Erika from your MIL!
(MIL sounds less awful than Mother-in-Law) and thanks Bill for the handy tips. You’ll have to ask Erika is I learned from you on how to be a good MIL.
Beautiful girl – and really nice of you to acknowledge her like this 🙂
She’s a very lucky DIL to have an MIL who openly lavishes her with such praise. 🙂
Happy Birthday Erika! Great photos Ruth!
Happy Birthday Erika. Thanks to Ruthie we all feel like your extended family. What joy your family has brought to all of our lives. You truly have it all. What a beautiful life you and Mark have built.
Those are beautiful pictures of a beautiful young lady. I wish Bill McC would have given me some advice.
Happy Birthday, Erika!
Thanks Ruthie!
What a lovely tribute Ruth. I got on very well with my MIL and my hubby got on ever better with my Mom. Sadly both are gone now, yet a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think of them fondly.
Thanks for your nice comment today Eva. Yes, I know you miss them both. Very sad. We are so fortunate in our lives.
🙂
Happy Birthday Erika. I don’t know you well, but what I do know about you is you deserve all the praise given to you on your special day. Be blessed.
BEST wishes for another wonderful year ahead. A request – I have only 1 good recipe for the kale I’ve tried – a lovely soup -; but would appreciate just1 more alternative to work it into my menus.
Great celebration of family!! Hope it is a special day for Erika and company!!!
Happy Birthday Erika, you have a wonderful MIL. Inspiring tribute to your DIL. Looks like one big happy family to me. I am happy for all of you.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
loved the post and lovely pics
http://www.thefashionsecret.com
Happy birthday to Erika. What a great relationship you have Ruth. 🙂
A very happy birthday to Erica!
You are truly blessed Rutheh!
“Happy Belated Birthday to you Erica! 🙂
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¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫♪Happy Birthday .♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸ ♥Happy Birthday to youuuuu ♪♫•*¨*•.¸.•*¨*•♫
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I know the pleasure you must get from your DILs. I have two and after two boys it is fantastic to finally have two wonderful daughters.
She sounds (and seems) like a lovely lady. And I’m confident that you are a very good MIL to her. 🙂
It is more than good luck that makes such a strong family. Blessing upon you all, and especially the birthday girl. What a lovely tribute, that great series of photos!
Reblogged this on Ruth E Hendricks Photography and commented:
Happy Birthday Erika love your MIL
I’ll play Happy Birthday for her today.
A better DIL you could not have. Happy happy birthday, Erika!!!
Happy Bday to Erika!
Nice that you two get along so well. I love my MIL & am blessed that we get a long too 🙂
She is beautiful and so are you! I will need these lessons soon!