Today is my mom's birthday (also my sister's, but we'll concentrate on my mom for now ), so I think she is the obvious choice for my Thankful Thursday.  She was a SAHM as long as I can remember -- raising 4 of us.  (I can't even imagine.)  I'm her eldest, so that means I'm her favorite, haha.  Just kidding, siblings!  She has an 8th grade education, but loved school and especially history.  She's a Texas gal, so one of her favorite sayings is: "Texas is bigger than the whole United States!"  Gotta love those Texans.  She quit school, because she had to go to work to help earn money for her family.  She has 9 brothers and sisters.  All, but one, are still with us.  She is super, super, super close to her sisters and they have actually rediscovered their bond again in the last 10 years.  These ladies are growing old gracefully together!  My mom instilled a love of education in us.  She didn't require us to do chores as long as our homework was done.  She never made judgements on our interests or hobbies.  Can you imagine she didn't bat an eye as I dragged my little brother and sister to stand in line for Star Wars on Hollywood Blvd?  She even had my dad drive us!  She was not one to be demonstrative with physical affection until we had grown up, but we always felt wanted and nourished.  While other kids couldn't wait to move out ot their parents' homes, I waited till I was 30 and my sisters are still there!  Today, she is 72 and still going strong.  She volunteers at her Church and takes my dad to his various appointments.  Mom, thank you!  I love you!!