I love you, Mom!!

May 2006, sometime near Joel's 2nd birthday

This is Dec 05, making Brynn 3 and Joel 18 months

I'm ashamed to say that this is the most recent picture I have of my mom, except for one she sent me with some other people while she was on her mission(July 06-Jan 08). (I found one from May 2006). These pictures show a big part that I love about my mom. She is great with kids. It seems to me that she especially enjoys the younger ones, but loves them at all stages. She helps remind me that they are only little once. When we visit, usually one or more can be found on her lap or near her, reading books, doing puzzles, or playing. She is a great grandma. But today is Mother's Day! There are too many things to list or mention that I love about my mom, but I will try...
-She has a positive attitude and is always looking on the bright side, reminding me that we can't control what happens to us but we can choose to be happy or choose to be sad, mad, discouraged, etc.
-She has a strong testimony and has related several times her love of attending church. She told us when we were young that she can't remember a time not wanting to go to church. I wish I could say the same! I've since repented.
-She is patient. Dealing with me as a teenager and child would give anyone patience. I was just different and very independent.
-She is loving. This kind of goes along with the above about being patient. She loves her family especially. We never had to wonder if she loved us. She told us often, showed us by her service to us and her actions toward us.
-She is forgiving. Since I've gotten older, I've learned how forgiving she has had to be with all of us kids and other people. She doesn't let her feathers get too ruffled, even if she does worry about things we or she might have done.
-She is my friend. As before mentioned, I was kind of a nasty teenager and didn't really appreciate my mom as a friend. Once I decided I was going to take charge of my life and my testimony (somewhere near the beginning of my senior year of high school), a friendship began to developed and has blossomed. It is still blossoming. What a blessing to have such a dear friend in my mom!
I hope everyone takes the time to tell their moms just how special they are.