Top 10 Skills

You know you have mastered motherhood when you have attained these talents...

1. Can put on /change a diaper while child is still in motion

2. Can interpret any scream/grunt by a toddler- one that has a possibility of 1,000 meanings

3. With a plethora of sleepless nights and trips to the doctor you probably could have a MD in pediatric medicine!

4. Cry when they go to their 1st day of school (or any first for that matter)

5. You feel like you could literally sleep for a week

6. You can get out the door in 5 min or less with all persons clothed and shoed (notice I did not add anything else)

7. You return home with all items on your grocery list (Again, I did not mention that you are necessarily sane)

8. You showered!!!!

9. You found time to read your scriptures before 9pm

10. Your kids have good manners

I never said I am successful at any of these! Now, let's add to that list, What else did I miss- what makes you feel like a successful mother???

Here is also a list of roles a mother takes on, what we really are...

party planner, chauffeur, chef, baker, singer, story teller, maid, laundry mat, creative artist, historian, stylist, Tailor, money manager, psychologist, lifeguard, decorator...

again, what did I miss- what else do you do?

Mommy Dear

I am excited to have a great excuse to brag about my mom. She is my hero and the person I would most like to be like. As I have grown older I have come to realize how many wonderful strengths and attributes she has- all of which I hope have genetically transferred to me. However- Most of them were through her own hard work and determination.

So a little bit about my mom:
I won't say how old she is but she doesn't look it. She worked hard to gain a Masters in Physical Therapy, one that would bless her throughout her life. She taught me that education is important. She met my dad on the Ballroom dance team at BYU. She served over 20 years in the Army. I loved bragging to my friends that my MOM was in the army! She is now serving as the RS president in her ward. I know this is because she has such a big heart. I have NEVER heard her complain or judge anyone. She is an amazing athlete- she has done countless triathlons and always wins her Gender/age category. She even organizes a triathlon group in her ward and an actual triathlon for them! She loves her family with all her heart- I am grateful for all that she sacrificed to be home with us and she was an amazing mother! I am so glad I had an example like her so that I can be a good mother. My mother is a convert- her dedication and decision to be baptized meant that her father would disown her for a few years. However, we know her example then has won him over today! I am grateful for the gospel in my life because of the hard decisions she made. She is never afraid to try new things (she went out and learned how to windsurf) and to do things on her own. She kept up with my dad in all the hiking, backpacking, camping, canoeing, kayaking he did and even with all the little kids. She was constantly fixing things and doing things my dad would have done when he didn't have the time. I have so many wonderful memories of family vacations, bedtime talks and teaching moments with my mom growing up. All four of her kids are successful and accomplished people- a great feat and I know it is because of her. She has made it possible for me to look forward to the future with excitement.

As you can see I have an amazing mom and her talents are endless. I am grateful for the woman she is and the spiritual strength that she has to endure all the trials in her life. She is a party to be around and I love her dearly!