On this day for mothers...

Things I LOVE about my mom:
***Her sense of humor (she gave me mine--the more sarcastic half)***Her intelligence, particularly her gospel knowledge***The fact that she thinks Jeremy is one of the greatest guys in the world (cause so do I)***The kind of grandma she is--crazy, fun, and always has time for her grandkids***Her common sense and the fact that people know they can open up to her and turn to her for advice***That she is always available to help me--without her I may not have survived Tyler's baby days***Her creative ideas that improve anything she is asked to do ***How hard she works when she develops a passion for something (i.e. family history, CHADD, temple service and missionary work in the employment center)***The hard work and dedication she put into being a mother and a wife, and the peaceful feeling that has always been in our home because she worked to keep it there.***That she loves me despite the fact that this year all I did for her was write this and buy her a root beer float from Wendy's!

Things I LOVE about my mother-in-law:

***She raised Jeremy (and all her kids) to be honest, hard working, kind, generous, and full of faith***She has welcomed me into her family as if I was one of her own***She has an excellent work ethic and always sees a job through to not just completion, but perfection***The kind of grandma she is--thoughtful, fun, and helps carry out traditions (which I tend to drop the ball on)***She is a great example to me of charity and respect for all people***She's brave and does things she might not necessarily want to do, because they need to be done***She's raised 7 children and somehow has managed to give them all individual attention and supports them all in their many endeavors***She knows a lot of stuff, if I ever have a question she can answer it***We have common interests***People always feel welcome when they are around her, and she can talk to just about anyone!

(I swear they do love Alexis too, I just don't have much pictorial proof)

Things I LOVE about being a mom:

***Kisses and hugs***The influence I have over my children***The thought of their potential, and the challenge given to me to help them reach it***Songs sung all day in sweet voices with wrong lyrics***Spending my day surrounded by innocence and play***Having mother's intuition***Being the one they turn to when things go wrong, and especially when things go right***The way I am challenged and stretched EVERY DAY***Bouquets of yellow dandelions***Holding little hands, folding little clothes, wiping little bums***Having first hand knowledge of just how special kids really are***Experiencing swells of pride whenever they do ANYTHING good or cute or new***Having a day set aside for me where Jeremy makes the meals and buys me bubble bath.

Happy Mother's Day!!