Like My Mother Does

So the past few days I have been extremely homesick. And today it is even worse because it is Robyn Payne's Birthday! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, today is the day of birth for the fabulous, incredible Robyn. My mom is the best. I almost feel sorry for everyone, except my lovely sister of course because we happen to have THE most amazing mother. 

Growing up as the daughter of Robyn Payne I was taught a sense of confidence.
Taking pride in my unique qualities.

Example A. I slap my knee when I laugh. That is how you know if I am fake chuckling or not. If the knee isn't slapped and the head doesn't fly back- it's fake. 

Example B. When I was a little girl my mom allowed me to be who I wanted to be, and dress how I wanted to dress. I was an interesting little girl. My favorite outfit, which my mom let me wear out in public was this (please ignore the disaster of a haircut):

#toomuch

Example C. My freshman year of highschool, Robyn did not question me or make me doubt my decision to bring my dog to my tennis team matches. I brought my baby Avery to multiple games. Games I PLAYED in. Looking back on that, I have no clue what I was thinking ( I can now probably guess what other people were thinking). My obsession with documenting every aspect of my life began many years ago. So if you were hoping for a visual, you got it!

Baby Avery came to many tennis matches. Chelsea, my tennis partner loved her.

My mom let me be who I wanted to be. Try different sports and music instruments, encouraged my love of politics and even approved my tattoo. Her own free spirit showed me the freedom to my own.

My moms coffee addiction, fitness obsession and scrap booking are just a few of the things that have become apart of my own life. But the most important things my my mom gave me were the lessons on genuine relationships with people. She taught me were to be completely open and honest about who we are and what we want in life. Live without regrets. Don't just let life happen, make it happen. And most importantly never to let fear hold me back.

Mom and I after moving me into my dorm freshman year.

My mom attracts people. People love her. She walks into a room and people are intrigued by her. She is one of those magnetic people. I know she is flowing all through this blog, but it's simply because everyday I am reminded of her and she reminds me of the woman I want to become. She is my hero. And today as I celebrate her and her birthday, I am so blessed for having such a fun and strong woman raise me. I want to grow up and be just like her. Love you momma bear :)

I want to live my life "Like My Mother Does".

Summer 2011.

-SJP