November 2ND was my Mom's 4_ Birthday! She was very clear that I was not to tell anyone how old she is now. Here is a hint though, she is 4 away from 40! Oh, so old! Ha, kidding!
Gosh, there is so much to say about my Mom, I'm not exactly sure how to fit it all into one blog. My Mom is the most genuine person that I have ever met. She is sweet to the core and has such a tender heart. My mom is constantly looking for ways to better herself. She strives to live the gospel to the best of her ability and follows the prophet's counsel with exactness.
While growing up, my mom would always "encourage" our family to have scripture study. I had early morning seminary and for a year, the whole family would get up and read scriptures before seminary! It was a killer but my mom was adamant about having scripture study and I am truly grateful that she pressed it on us. The number one rule in our house was that we listened to EXACTLY what the prophet said. If we had questions about modest clothing or a certain movie, my mom would pull out "The strength of the youth" pamphlet and see what it had to say. It definitely grew frustrating, but seeing how my life turned out, I cannot help but be grateful for the values that my mom taught us.
My mom is absolutely beautiful! Though, she may look like a Barbie Doll, she is the kindest person that I know. My mom has such a tender place for children. I remember her teaching in the primary and having one of the most challenging classes. Still, she was so patient with them and still managed to come home and say such nice things about them! She had one girl in particular that was a bit...outspoken. She used to say bratty things just to see if she could make my mom tick but it never worked. One time, she grabbed my mom's hand, displaying some of her gorgeous rings and exclaimed, "Wow, your husband likes to buy you the cheap stuff, doesn't he?" I think that one's initial reaction could be to turn to the defensive and immediately become offended, but not mom. She laughed as if it were nothing and later...said nothing! My mom never complains about anything! She is up at the crack of dawn getting everyone ready for school and seminary, runs on the treadmill, does the payroll and bookkeeping for my dad's work, runs all the errands, has her church calling, is always taking dinner to someone, makes dinner, cleans the house and still has time to watch the kid's sporting events. I truly believe my mom to be super mom because I sincerely believe that there is nothing she cannot do. Although she is the Energizer bunny and is moving non-stop, she still has time for me whenever I call her!
There have been countless times while growing up, when I would come home from school or call her from Utah and she would drop everything, to talk to me. She always had time to listen to me if I was having a bad day or just really home sick!
In the two and 1/2 years that I have been away from home, aside from my honeymoon, I think that my mom and I have talked almost every single day! I love the relationship that we have! I feel that I can talk to her about anything, from bashing on Obama to talking about problems at work. My mom is my best friend and is such an amazing person! If I become half the person that she is, I'm sure that I will be going straight the celestial kingdom.
I am so grateful to have had such wonderful parents and such an amazing Mom! All through high school, my friends all loved her as well and looked to her as a mentor and role model. She is so selfless and is constantly thinking of others. If there is someone in the ward that is not doing well, my mom has always made an effort to reach out to them and help in whatever ways she can.
Not only has she been a fantastic Mom, she has always been an amazing wife. I have loved watching her with my Dad and seeing their example of what a marriage should be like. They are more in love than they were, when they were first married. They say "I love you" daily to one another as well as each of the kids. They are constantly displaying PDA, which used to gross us out when we were younger. However, I am much more grateful for it now. I have seen some of my friends' parents interact and it makes me sad when they do not cuddle, kiss or hold hands! It makes me hopeful to know, that Austin and I can be like that, even after 22 years of marriage. I love the constant service and love that they have shown for one another. My mom has taught me so many important things but nothing could match up to the amazing example that she has always been to me! I am so grateful for my mom and for all of the sacrifices that she has made for me. I hope she knows how much I love, appreciate and admire her! Happy Birthday Mom, I love you so much! xoxo
3 comments:
I knew you would write a beautiful tribute about your mom (since you wrote about Makayla and Stephan). It didn't disappoint. I second all of it. Your mom has been such a good friend to me. I remember when she told me your family was moving back to WA, I cried myself to sleep so many nights. She has done so many kind things for me. You are lucky to have her and it's even better that you realize it.
Thanks Jeri, that is so sweet! I am so glad that you have stayed so close with my mom, even with the great distance. I always like to see the crafts that you guys send to each other for birthdays and christmas! You guys are cute! You and your family need to visit soon!
What a nice tribute to your mom...I finally had time to read this post! ;) I hope you shared this with her.
Post a Comment