Mother's Day

How could I let this day pass without paying tribute to my wonderful mother? Many of you know my Mom and how wonderful she is, so I write this knowing fully that I could never adequately describe all she has done, does, and is.


When I lived at home, I knew that I had a great mom. She was on top of everything: driving kids around town, church callings, chore charts, practicing, lessons, school activities, yard work, yummy dinners, even better desserts, managing our family band, etc. She was the first one in the bleachers for my basketball games, my campaign manager when I ran for class officer, and the ultimate party planner. She attended every violin lesson until I was 14 (that equals roughly 528, and that's only for one of her violinists), countless hours of practicing, recitals, rehearsals, violin camps, and concerts. She was great!

Then, I moved to college. I missed my Mom. I realized then, that cooking wasn't easy like Mom made it seem (and mine didn't taste good either!), you really can't find things when there isn't a place for everything, and most of all, I realized that home doesn't feel like home without a Mother. Still to this day, I don't know how my mom makes her house so welcoming, or how her roasts are so good. How does she make her home glow at Christmas time? How does she get everything hot and on the table all at the same time for 30 people (all except the veggies which seem to always get forgotten in the microwave!)? How does she know how to sew, write poetry, dance, teach violin, entertain the grandkids, decorate her home, find amazing travel deals, work full-time, AND be a Mom?

I am constantly amazed by my Mom. My goal is to one day have some of her talents. I think of her everyday as I go through the ups and downs of motherhood. I love singing "I love the dishes..." (set to "I love the mountains", it's a winner, believe me!) as I work in the kitchen. I love pretending like I'm daring and adventurous in a big city, like I know she would be. She inspires me to try new things, invite random people over for dinner, and continue with my education. Yes, as you now know, my mom is not only great, she is exceptional. She has inspired so much of what I do as a mother, and makes me want to be my best. So, thank you, to my amazing mother who really has made a difference in the world by making ME want to also make a difference, by being a wonderful mother. Mom, I love you.

It doesn't end here...

Shortly after I turned 20, I met Jeff's family and fell completely in love. Thank goodness Jeff fell in love with me (lucky for Jason, Scott and Sam!), because after that first meeting, I knew I had to be a part of that family .


Like any family, the tone is set by the Mom. I had no idea it was possible to have the best in-laws after already being blessed with the best family in the world. But, it happened. My mother-in-law is the sweetest I know. I love that in addition to accepting me as a daughter, she has also become a dear friend. I have felt so loved and welcome because of the effort that she has made. I love that I always have positive things to contribute when the "mother-in-law" issue comes up with friends. She is selfless and loving, and has done an exceptional job with her 5 children. I love that she works in the temple, cans fruit, sews, is super organized, gardens, and goes to school. Thank you, Mom, for being who you are. I have so much to learn from you and am grateful everyday to be a part of your family. I can only hope I can welcome Jack's future wife (WAY down the road) into our family like you have welcomed your daughters-in-law.

I feel surrounded by wonderful mothers everyday, through my own mothers, amazing grandmothers, exceptional sisters, and outstanding friends. Thank you for how you help me strive to be better. I sure love and miss each one of you.

Happy Mother's Day