My Mom...

My mom has been one of the most loved examples in my life…and in the lives of MANY others.  She has always done for others before doing for herself.  In fact, the other day my 18 year old daughter asked me, "Has grandma ever done anything just for herself?"  I thought for a minute and then responded, "No."  In reality I'm sure my mom has taken moments for herself to read or take a hot bath or something like that.  However, it's never advertised so you never know? 

In many ways, I turned out just like my mom…but in some ways I did not!  In no order at all, I have shared some photos that remind me of the example my mom has been to me throughout my life, things she has taught me and moments we have shared...

My mom taught me how to make raspberry jam!  I can't eat it from a store bought jar because my mom had homemade jam in the house at all times & it was DELICIOUS!  She did the same with grape juice…juiced it, canned it and stored it!  We would open a jar of grape juice, pour a little sprite in it and 'pouf' we had a fancy drink!

My mom always lived as an example of who I wanted to be when I grew up.
There was no way I wasn't going to get married in the temple.  I never doubted how important my standards and morals were…thanks to my mom.

I blame my mom for all the love I have in my heart for diet coke!   Mom was a TAB drinker.  But, there was always a coke in the fridge.  Eventually, TAB went away and the cans in the fridge turned into diet coke.  That was all I needed. I'm a fan!  I've been drinking it ever since I was 15!

My mom showed me how to be a good wife!  She loves my dad and I have never doubted that.  She knows the meaning of family and has always been a great example of how to keep family close!

My mom taught and showed me, through her amazing talents, the worth and value of little children.  She was always kind to and unconditionally loved all the children she worked with.   This value has rolled over to me and I could not be any more grateful for it!

My childhood memories are sweet.  My mom allowed me to play, took me on adventures and provided me with the freedom I needed to cultivate my own talents and interests.  I was often with friends and cousins, playing and enjoying peanut butter and honey sandwiches at the park or in the back yard.  I remember much laughter and much love!

Me, my brother Ben and my sister Liz were all very close and still are.  My mom had a hard time getting pregnant after having me (which was difficult!).  I was an only child for 6 years.  I remember the joy that came into our home with each one of my siblings.  I had a brother that died when he was 3 weeks old and it threw my mom for a loop.  However, I remember her writing a letter of support to a woman who had also lost an infant…this had a HUGE impact on me and made me realize that we can be strong when sad things are more than likely to happen.

These are all the wonderful people (besides my own little family) that my mom takes care of these days!  My brothers girls, Sam and Alex…My dad…my sisters son, Jonah.  My mom holds this all together.  She loves to take care of her family.  She also takes care of her own mother, and, until recently, took care of her dad too.  She is truly a divine care taker.

My mom has ALWAYS been there for my girls.  If my girls ask my mom to jump, my mom responds "How high?"  She supports my girls continually, always showing up to important (and less important) events.  My mom was always willing to watch my girls if I needed to be somewhere else.  She loves my girls so much and the great thing is…they KNOW it!  

My mom has passed down several great traits to me and my girls.  I feel, the most impressive, is her love and compassion for special needs children and people.  My daughter Sadie has devoted much of her teenage life to serving and loving children and friends with special needs.  My daughter Caitlyn has an extremely tender heart which has enabled her to show love for the "under dog" her whole life.  These are direct attributes from my mother.   How could I NOT be grateful for these sweet gifts my mom has given us? 

Me and my mom at Christmas.  Yes, a superior mom…but most importantly a superior friend!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO MY MOST FANTASTIC MOTHER!

Peace out and hug your mom!

Lisa