My Mom

About my Mom (pictured here with another great lady - my Grandma)

1. What is your funniest memory of Mom?

• It is hard to pick the funniest...but this one comes to mind. One night, during the cold winter in Pennsylvania, we were returning home w/ some groceries. I remember holding some milk as we were carrying it into the house. You see, every winter, our driveway normally turned into an ice track. We would park a little farther away from the house in the driveway - before it sloped down a little more... Anyways, I was carrying a gallon of milk & totally wiped out! I feel hard right down, lost the milk & it started gushing everywhere. My mom turned around at the sound of me falling and continued to hysterically laugh at me. For awhile too! Never did ask if I was ok. Talking about it now - it is funny. We have adopted that "tough love" attitude with our children. When they fall or get a little hurt - we laugh too! Mainly so they learn to laugh things off & not get hysterical with each little owie. We know the difference of a major injury vs. a small boo boo based on the cry. (I just don't want to sound like a bad parent.)

2. What lesson that she taught you stands out?

• To drive really fast past big trucks. (This one needs to be explained. Many, many moons ago our family was traveling on the highway - I think we were returning home from New York - for some reason our family of 6 was split between 2 cars. I was traveling with my mom in the front passenger seat. At one point we were passing a large trailer truck and the driver did not see us passing - so he preceeded to get into our lane. And, still didn't notice, even when we were run off the road! I was a little freaked out & as soon as we stopped, she looked at me and said "You could have just been beheaded!" -THANKS MOM! So ever since, I have this urge to fly past truckers w/ great speed. Do you think a cop would let me off for that if I was caught speeding by?

3. What is your favorite characteristic or personality trait about Mom?

• She is a courageous, stubborn and determined woman. (May seem like the same thing...) When she has it in her mind to do something - she does it! Also, she passed a huge milestone last year! It was overcoming her ginormous fear of heights - at least for the rock climbing she did that day. Who knows if she will ever do it again, but she tried it once & I was so proud of her.


• Her faith - she has taught me alot about faith. She had faith when I reared off the beaten path those years ago, and since then through the many things I have experienced in my life. I know that things will work out for me as they are supposed to. I have faith that, as long as I am doing all I can to do the right things in life, things will be ok.

4. What do you see in yourself that came from her, physically or in your personality?

• This is kind of a hard one! Ever since I was little, I was referred to as "Little Ron." We both like artsy fartsy stuff, painting, creating etc...she likes sewing alot & I do that for neccessity. I am also starting to acquire the little grey hairs & the crinkle forehead spot - right between the eyebrows....you know what I am talking about mom...looks kinda like this: \ /


• Also, there are those times when I am frustated with the girls & I throw out one of those famous quotes that you heard as a kid... and say to yourself - I am turning into my mother! So far I haven't used the "I brought you into this world, I can take you out!" But we aren't at the teenage years yet.

5. List as many things as possible that she has done for you.

• Encouraged my ideas, thoughts, plans


• Loved me no matter what


• Taught me what unconditional love is


• Gave me fabulous art lessons when I was a teen


• Let me use the "box" car when I needed to go to work or anywhere really


• Invited the missionaries over to teach us about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints


• Been a great Grandma to the girls and is willing to take them for periods of time when we go somewhere


• She was the best personal driver for all the sporting activities, plays & other school activities we were involved in. She would even go to the cemetary with me when I would have to play the echo of taps for memorial days & other things. (Come on people - I was just the echo - down the hill, where no one could even see me...)


• A great Cheerleader! I don't think she ever missed a game or performance!


• Instilled a great love for Holiday decorating - especially Christmas. (We have at least 6 totes of decorations just for Christmas.)


• Taught me the "blessings" of being a girl. - That was the most embarrassing moment of my life!


• She gives me advice - to use or not - when I am having a problem.


• She laughs at my hardships with my own girls and helps me see things in a different light.


• She is just a great lady & I am so glad that she's my mom.

I know that there are many more things that she has taught me and there are also many more fun memories with her. But this has been a great thing for me to think about all those things! I love you Mom! Happy Mother's Day!!!