Happy Birthday Mimi!

Mimi turns 90 this week so we all headed down to Groesbeck to celebrate this weekend. Everyone wrote a favorite memory of Mimi...Matt and I had a hard time picking just one. Grayson said he likes playing restaurant and I think Matalley would concur. They've served her a bunch of drinks today in between safari hunts for wild animals (Mimi supplied the "safari" hats, guns, and wild animals to hide) and Easter egg hunts (that's a sucker in M's mouth, not a cig).
Here is what we wrote:

Magical: As a child, I fondly remember the numerous treasure hunts Mimi created that took us all over the ten acres in the country. Her creativity is revealed in the beautiful quilts she has made for each member of our family – even creating miniature blankets for Matalley’s dolls. Everyday we are reminded of her presence when we use them. And we all know she is the ultimate teller of tales.

Youthful: Mimi has always acted much younger than her age. At 90, she still gets down on the floor to play with Grayson and Matalley. Grayson’s favorite memory of her is playing restaurant and serving her a multitude of pretend concoctions which she dutifully eats.

Mover & Shaker: There is no stopping Mimi when she puts her mind to something. Just ask the Texas Department of Transportation, who she persuaded to reroute a highway to avoid the old family cemetery. She even convinced them to cut back some trees and brush, too.

Independent: Mimi is 90 years old, but you’d never know it. She doesn’t let that slow her down a bit. She plays the role of property owner and natural gas tycoon, but still takes the time to be a chauffeur and an advocate for many of her friends - not to mention superbly fulfilling her matriarchal role in the Sadler family.

Magnanimous: Mimi’s heart is huge, and it shows in her unfailing generosity. She always comes through with an unexpected gift at exactly the right time. It seems she gets no greater joy than sharing her resources with us. I will always remember the corny ways she has given us our overly generous Christmas gifts and the unforgettable trip she gave us to Yankee Stadium.

Intelligent: Mimi’s commitment to education has always motivated me. I am thankful for her pursuit of a college education even as a single Mom. I think we are all beneficiaries of her dedication. Oh, and she can debate you all day on any number of issues, but always in a respectful way.

Impassioned: If anyone questions Mimi’s competitive spirit, all they need to do is watch her in action while playing a game or even decorating Easter eggs. While she may try to hide it, we all know the joy she gets out of making a crucial, game-changing Wahoo kill. And she loves her Baylor Bears.

Spiritual: There is no doubt Mimi is a child of God, and she shows it. She is ceaseless in her praying and encouragement of others. Even on those Sundays out in the country when we missed church, we’d have our own service with one of the cousins leading the music and another delivering the “sermon.” And Mimi encouraged us all the while.

Inspiring.

She speaks honestly, but without criticism, and loves without judging. We love you Mimi!