Because I'm a bit of a procrastinator, I didn't get a card out to my Mom in time for Mother's Day. So in lieu of this, I thought a blog post for her would be a nice substitute. (Plus I'm pretty sure she is one of my only readers now anyway...:)
Top Ten Reasons I Love My Mom:
10. She's an awesome cook!! Everything I know about cooking, and my deep love for food is because of her. I am so, SO grateful to have been raised on home-cooked meals, and dishes made with love!!
9. She's an awesome speaker and teacher!! When I have had the chance to hear her give talks or lessons in church, or otherwise I have always been blown away at her perspective, her observations, use of examples and analogies, and strong testimony. I was lucky enough to have had her as my seminary teacher for 2 years, and that was a special bond we share.
8. And did I mention she's a professional storyteller?!? How many people can claim this as their "job"?!? In addition to the fact that she is truly talented in this arena (my faves are Tiki Tiki Tembo and the Gingerbread Man), I love that she turned a hobby into a career!! Talk about entrepreneurship! She saw a need in her finances, and just made it happen. I really respect that a lot.
7. Day-trips around Michigan, with a few over-nighters splashed in. My Mom enjoyed traveling and exploring what our great state had to offer. I loved how whenever we had a break from school, we would pile into the family car...either the big red station wagon, Econline van, or min-van, and hit the open road! She would find out about something interesting, and we would all discover it together. Places and events such as the Tulip Festival in Holland, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Camp Dearborn, The "Havens"...both Grand and South, Mackinac Island, Traverse City, Huckleberry railroad at Crossroads Village, Frankenmuth and Birch Run, Kensington Beach, just to name a few...we always had a fun trip planned for our breaks to give us the feeling of discovery and vacation.
6. Shopping Trips. I learned as a young that if I wanted to be included in impromptu shopping trips on Saturday mornings, I needed to actually get my butt out of bed before noon. When I did, my Mom would sometimes spring a fun shopping spree on me just "because". I would usually come home with something special, and not always just because I needed it. I have always appreciated how my Mom knows how a new outfit or something cute for your house can cure just about whatever is troubling you...especially now as an adult, I look forward to trips to "the Peddler" as time with my Mom (and my crazy sisters too, but that's another story for another day!! LOL!).
5. Sacrifice. Need I say more? My Mom is the pinnacle of sacrifice out of love for me in my life. Everything she does is for her family. She and my Dad raised six children, and I know it wasn't easy or cheap. They both learned to work hard, and sacrifice so much for that purpose. I know how much she has personally sacrificed for me, and a lot of the time I was an ungrateful punk about it. I will never be able to repay her. I can only strive to do better and be more like her.
4. She's honest and tells it like it is. 'Nuff said.
3. She's one of the funniest people I know.
2. She's always up for a good chat...will listen to you for hours on end, and give sound, thoughtful advice and feedback.
1. I can't imagine anyone else...she is the best, and I love her so much!!
Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!!
