Mom

remember that last post about big shoes to fill.  Well...these are the shoes I am trying to fill.

(No offense to my darling Dad who I cropped out of this picture but today it is about my Mom.  Maybe next month I will show the other half of this picture)

I am so thankful for my Mom.  I don't know how she managed to teach us and love us and mold us and guide us.  She had high expectations for us.  She encouraged us to do things that were hard.  She was unbelievably consistent.  The thing that amazes me the most is that while trying to raise five busy kids, she managed to be our friend.  I think it is one of the things I am most grateful for about my Mom is that she was always my friend.  Even when she was upset or angry or disappointed, she was always safe.  I hope my children feel this way about me.  Some of the things I learned from my Mom that I am trying to apply to my life right now are...

1.  Be happy.  If you have ever met my Mom you have seen her smile.  She is infectious.

2.  Love people.  We always joke that my Mom has never met a stranger.  I tend to be a little more on the reserved side when it comes to things that are new.  I admire my Mom's ability to make friends.  This is the quality that makes her an amazing missionary.

3.  Be yourself.  I don't remember my Mom really worrying too much about "keeping up with Jones'"  she was happy with what she had and she made the best of it.  I know there were times when she has huge financial stresses.  But as kids we never knew this.  She was very creative and she  always made every day special for us.  I also rarely heard her speak ill of others.  I am sure she felt it but she kept it to herself. 

4.  live the gospel.  My Mom is faithful.  She always has been.  

5.  Serve. My Mom will do anything for anybody.  Just take a peek at her garden.  She and my Dad raise a HUGE garden every year so that they will have plenty to share.  

I thank my Heavenly Father that he sent me to her.  She is priceless and I love her dearly.  I hope my children grow to love and respect me as much as I do her.  I miss her like crazy while she is serving a mission for our church.  There is something about knowing that she is more than a day drive away.  I am honestly dreading my first trip to Utah when she won't be there.  However I am so thankful for the sacrifice she and my Dad are making to serve God.  She is setting a great example for my children.  My grandparents served missions and this had an enormous impact on my decision to serve as well.  I am sure the same will be true for my children.  

I love you Mom!  Happy Mother's Day!!!