HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Mother's Day

I have been blessed with the ideal mother.

I wanted to share a little about my mom with you.

Mom was born in a tiny town in Wyoming to a hard working but very poor family. She grew up in St. Charles ID. For those of you that don't know where that is it is on the north shore of Bear Lake.

I remember Mom telling us stories about her childhood: Ice skating all the way from St. Charles to Fish Haven, canning fish from Bear Lake, going up to the sheep camp on scary roads to visit Grandpa.

She is number 5 of eleven. Her Mom was a hairdresser and her Father a sheep herder. It was not until I was in my thirties that it dawned on me that my Mom's family was so very poor. She has always just said, "we made due with what we had." They did not have an indoor toilet until Mom was in high school.(correct me Mom if I have that time frame wrong.) She was known to not take much off of anyone. Apparently the story goes she treed some boy and would not let him down. I am not sure if he made her mad or if she had a crush on him and was too embarrassed to let him know.

I'm not sure if the tree method gets lots of dates or not.

Mom is pretty enough I don't think she needed to trap men. Dad said one of the things that was the hardest for him to deal with when he was dating Mom was the fact she had so many boy friends. Apparently he was the jealous type. (he still is. But don't worry Dad, Mom only has eyes for you.)

She inspires me.

The youngest picture we can find of Mom.

My Mom has always had a great attitude. In this grade school picture you can see the sparkle in her eyes.

Mom you are beautiful.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Mom. Dad took this of her when they were dating. I love how Dad's pictures of Mom, reflect the love he has for her. She has such a pure heart and it shows in her eyes. She is at peace with herself.

Mom I really like your hair this length.

Mom is a natural when it comes to motherhood. She always knows just what to do to comfort. To this day she has a gift. (She can take any one's crying baby and put them asleep or make them happy in moments.)

Yes, that is my father in the back, Dad was always setting the timer on the camera and running into the picture for our Family shots. This one I think he underestimated his own height.

This is one of my Favorite pictures with my Mother. I always thought that I looked just like my Dad, but in this shot, Mom and I definitely look related.

(Lannie and I were so CUTE!! I think it is definitely the green matching dresses.)

Mom has taught me so many life skills. I don't even think she realized that she was always teaching.

She lives her Testimony.

She never speaks bad about anyone.

She loves to go to the Temple.

She has great faith.

Mom loves to read.(I love books. Maybe she is to blame.)

She loves her children.

Canning

How to fix a toaster.

If it is broke take it apart and fix it.

Ingenuity (round loaves of bread)

She would tell us, "Show me a picture and I will sew you that outfit."

She let me practice on her hair.

Taught me how to cut hair correctly.

She loves to play canasta. (she had a knack for always winning.)

She loves football.

She loves to play almost any sport.

She would take me with her to her Jane Fonda Classes. It was so fun.

She loves the outdoors, and going on walks.

A Positive attitude

How to be a supportive spouse.

When life gives you lemons, don't complain, take care of business.

Convinced Dad we needed a milk cow. (Thus I learned to milk at 8 and milked until I left home)

Taught me how to deal with a child who wants to "run away from home" (She would say "Do you want help packing your bags". That takes the wind out of your sails. )

Unselfish service in the gospel.

She makes friends with everyone.

She does not judge others.

She never uses foul language.

She loved to travel. (I definitely have that bug)

There is nothing that she can't do. (that is because she is not afraid to try)

Taught me to crochet.

Taught me how to do laundry with a ringer washer.

How to use a treadle sewing machine.

Taught me to sew.

How to tie a quilt.

She taught me how to get along with everyone.

Taught me how to save money. (I know what you are thinking, "How can a person who loves to shop as much as me save?". I can...)

She was never critical of me.

She loves to camp.

She loves fish.

She loves Blue Cheese.(as a child I thought that was so gross. "Blue Cheese?". Now I love it.)

She is very artistic.

She let us have a great childhood. Protected us but also let us stretch our wings.

She saved me so many late nights when I was writing school papers. I never heard her complain even when it was so late. She serves her family with so much love.

Her love of music.(I know Mom, pitch perfect or not, you love music.

Mom your example has taught me that I can do anything. I don't remember any time that you said "I can't do that." You have just figured it out.

She is still teaching me.

I love you.

Thank you Mom.