I call her Mom...

This lovely little lady is who I call Mom! Momma Linda came into my life the same day I came into hers. 12/31/89, ironic right? Since then we have laughed, cried, baked, swept, danced, you name it! Recently Mom celebrated the big 5-0. Way to go Mommy-o! Oh and grandma and grandpa too... thanks for bringing me such a cool mom!

My mom is one very special lady. She is one of those hard working American mom's who works for her family and makes everything into a learning experience. (whether or not she recognizes she does) As kids she put us to work, it was time to clean the basement. Mom would set the timer and if we finished before the timer went off we won our reward, a trip to the library to read! I was always so excited and looked forward to the hundreds of books the library shelves held. Now she drives down Lampton Rd. with the windows down, music cranked, sporting her very best poker face. It is the little things like this that I love about my mom. My mom has taught me a lot of things. How to cook, how to clean and not just clean but clean well, how to a load a dishwasher (I'm trying to pass this onto others, it surprising how many people suck at this!), how to drive (remember that giant pot hole I drove through mom?), make your siblings your best friends, and that it's ok to cry. There have been countless things this amazing woman has taught me and some really amazing experiences we have shared, but one thing she has been a constant example of (except for maybe the damn-shit-pizza) is a woman of faith.

As long as I can remember she has been taking me to primary, encouraging me to go to Young Woman's and has wanted nothing but the best for me and my siblings. She is a woman who loves her Savior. I was recently looking for a talk by Elder Oaks about families in one of my old ensigns when I found a letter which my mom wrote to me and my siblings for last mother's day. Cool right? She gave US presents on mother's day... What a mom! It was an amazing letter portraying a mother's love. I could feel her love and my Heavenly father's love for me coming through her words. I want to share with you part of the letter which she wrote that reminded me that I can do hard things, that I have a purpose, and gave me a big boost.

In addressing me and my siblings (think of her as talking to you too) it reads, "Each one of you has a great and noble calling to become righteous men and women. You need to use your strength and testimony to influence one another and those around you for good. God has given each of you special gifts and talents. Be wise in your choices. He is counting on each of you to do your part. Prepare now to protect, defend and guard His values and principles. He will bless you more than you can begin to imagine. Listen Listen. He will guide you, always."

What an awesome lady right? And that was only part of it. I am grateful for the people in my life, especially the righteous women who have made such an impact on who I am today. My mom is one of those people. Also my aunts, my grandma, countless women throughout my stake/ward, and even women I see who emanate their Savior Jesus Christ's love. You are all amazing and I love you. I see the good you have established and the Christlike women you are and hope that one day I can be even a fragment of who you are. Thanks for your examples, your love, and for recognizing who you are, a divine daughter of God.

P.S. Please read this (click on this). My favorite line is "I knew these women before I even met them, since I was raised by someone just like them." There is still so much good in the world... I love it!