For My Mom

  Today is this lovely lady's birthday:

  For those of you that aren't lucky enough to know her, this is my mom. Or Tanya. Whichever you prefer. Actually, unless you're her kid, you probably shouldn't call her mom. Moving on.

  Let me tell you why you are missing out if you don't know this woman. From the time I was tiny, I can remember my mom singing me to sleep every night, reading to me before bed, and picking a stuffed animal to sleep with every night. She made sure all of us kids got to do things we were interested in - piano lessons, violin, saxophone, soccer, little league, junior Jazz, karate, choir. If we were interested, she was interested. I don't know if she's ever missed one of our performances for any of the above. Well, except when Garrett got his appendix out. But that was still being supportive and caring. Haha. I can remember her doing my hair all of elementary school each morning in the hallway with me sitting Indian style in front of her. I remember her picking my outfits out each night and hanging them up for me on my dresser for the next morning. I remember her making sure me and Garrett had a good snack after school while we watched Arthur. She also taught me about cleanliness, and the importance of work and not procrastinating. She taught us that work came before play, and that you never do a job halfway. Always do your best. 

  My mom makes sure our family goes on many, many family trips together. I have so many good memories with my mom on vacations - hiking, playing games in the trailer, watching the Disney channel in our hotel, learning to snowmobile, walking on the beach, shopping at Disney, and having her as my ride buddy at Disneyworld and Disneyland. 

Dinosaur National Monument with the family

Disneyworld!

Disneyland - Buzz Lightyear ride

  Two summers ago I had the chance to go to Disneyland with just my mom for a couple days. We bought airplane tickets very spontaneously and giggled the whole way to the airport while we kept saying "I can't believe we're really doing this!" We had the chance to spend some really great time together, just the two of us, at our favorite place on earth. 

  My mother has turned into much more than just my mom. Now that I've grown out of my high school stage, my mom has become one of my best friends. I don't know how on earth I would get all my wedding stuff done without her, she has been a superstar. My mom is one of the first people I call when I have a bad day, or good news, or just need some advice or to vent. 

  One thing my mom always does is surprise me with gifts. I can't even count how many times I have come home and found new clothes on my bed for me to try on that she bought for me because she knew I'd like them. There have been so many times in college when I have been freaking out about how I was going to pay for something, only to check my bank account and see that my mom has deposited some money for me.

 

Jade forgot to open her eyes. Oh well.

   My mom is one of the funniest people I've ever met. We have spent hours together looking at stupid cards, pins, and jokes at the store or online. She will randomly start tap dancing or singing in a funny voice. I love going home and spending time with her whenever I have the chance. She is also incredibly spiritual. She has always made sure our family does family prayer and scriptures, FHE, and attended mutual and other church activities. I have never doubted my mother has an incredible testimony of this gospel and Jesus Christ. My testimony growing up was largely in part due to her. I feel so blessed that I am sealed to her forever, and I am so excited to have my whole family gathered together for my wedding in a few weeks, and that we will be together forever. 

  I don't know where I would be without my mom. She has taken care of me, supported me, and loved me so much. She has always taken great efforts to make sure she knows what's going on in my life, who my friends are, and to be involved in my life, no matter what stage I'm at. I have had so many friends tell me they love my mom and that they think she is so great, and I wholeheartedly agree with them. My mom makes me laugh, cries with me, and teaches me. She is one of my best friends, and I am so grateful for her every day. I love my mom so much, and I wouldn't trade her for the world!

Happy birthday Mom! I love you!