When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.

My mom is an wonderful example to me as what a mother should be like. You did an amazing job raising me and my 3 siblings. I have so many wonderful memories with you. I remember going outside and picking cherries on the cherry tree with you. I remember when you would take us to the park numberless times during the summer. I remember you helping me get wet clothes off after playing outside so long during the winter months. I remember your threats of spankings (with wooden spoons) and your knuckle sandwiches. And my favorite (which you still do to this day) you say to us "come over here so that I can kick ya" Um hello mom, ok, I am on my way.

I admire you for teaching us to love everyone no matter who they are. And accepting people even if you don't agree with them. you taught us that we were all equals. you taught me how to tie my shoe and how to sew (kind of not because you didn't try just because I am still not very good). You taught me how to cook and clean and how to fold laundry.

You patiently helped me homework and last minute school projects. Which weren't really last minutes I just put them off for that long. you helped me learn how to read and count money. I always love how you squeeze our hands 1-2-3 (I love you) and how you reaches behind the seat of the car and gives us a squeeze on the leg to let you know you loves us. Which was pretty traumatic for Rock's friend Mike when you accidentally grabbed his leg instead of Rocks. oops!

I have fond memories of having Hawaii day and watching Elvis in Blue Hawaii. Have western day, and fiesta's and many many more. We always had food to go along with the theme and watched a movie. You always bought us some kind of costume to wear too.

I remember when Natalie was born and you beaming because you got to carry her down to the nursery. You got to hold her before I did. And how much strength that you had to watch your husband go through Chemotherapy and radiation. You were a rock! The love that you have as you have watched us one by one leave the house and relocate. Some of us farther away from others. Your endless support with each one of my decisions that I have to make in life. Your love that you have for each one of your grand kids and how you always make time for girl talk or for Skipbo. I admire your endless patience with them. Even when they are all demanding of your time.

I love how your favorite word is S#!t (s#!t describes everything... That smells like... that looks like... I feel like...) and how when you say it around my kids you apologize to them and say to not repeat it. Most importantly you have taught me what a good friend is because you are the best friend that I could of asked for. I love you mom!

I had a spectacular mother's day this year. Nate got me these beautiful flowers. Natalie asked me "How did he keep them alive on the plane". We both laughed when she realized that they really didn't come all of the way from Iraq. She made me a necklace that I have hanging up in my car. Ella gave me a flower that she started to grow at school. Tyler made me a wonderful card and Nichole told me how much she loved me. My friends the Sayer's invited us all over for dinner on Sunday. We had lasagna and garlic bread and salad. They also made cheesecake and I got to take one home. I also had some great company with them that night. I probably stayed way past my welcome. Thank you for opening your home and hearts to my family on Mother's Day! You guys are wonderful!