A Few Things I Love About My Mom

Her advice and objectiveness. I can always count on my mom to have the best and most updated advice available. She is always prepared whenever I have a problem. She knows it all! Which is great for me as a new mom and still kind of newlywed.
Her testimony. Growing up I never questioned my mom's testimony. She always had us to church on Sunday (not easy being single with 4 young girls) and we always had family scripture time and family prayer. I hope I can have the same standards for my daughter that my mom insisted of me.
Her innocence (some may call it naivety), but I love that my mom refrains from watching or participating in things that tamper negatively with her thoughts. I don't even think she watches PG-13 movies. Law and Order is as extreme as she gets.
Her willingness to ALWAYS listen. I can call my mom anytime and no matter what she is doing, she will always listen to me. Sometimes the second I get done ranting, she'll say she's in a meeting and has to call back, but she always lets me get what I need to say said. I love that I can always depend on her to help me with my problems. And she always does call back with great advice:) Also, her objectiveness. Whenever I am complaining about something, she always tries to stick with the fairness approach. She is completely non-judgemental and can always look at both sides of an issue. Even in politics...
Her courage and long suffering. She has been through more than people know and doesn't have one bitter thing to say about it. She knows she has been through the refiner's fire and is better because of it. I look up to her so much for accomplishments through her struggles and hope that I can one day have that kind of faith. She is the bravest woman I know to have done the things she has.
Her thoughtfulness. Not a birthday, mother's/father's day or anniversary goes by without a call and card (love those gift certificates!) from my mom.
Her committment. My mom is one of the hardest working people I know. She is always doing something for everyone, including all of her kids, her grandkids, her parents (which includes their helpers), her husband, her students/teachers, and her young women. She is always working on a project, reading a new book for school, running errands for family, taking Liz lunch, posting messages on my blog, and so much more.

I could write so much more, but I'll leave it with this.
Mom- Happy Birthday. I hope you know how much all of us love you. And I want you to know that I want to be just like you when I grow up, you are really my hero. Have a good birthday "week." Hopefully next year we'll be celebrating in BOSTON!
(side note, Jenn: hold off on baby #3)