Happy Mother's Day!!

This is super, super long…sorry…

I have always wanted sisters. As much fun as it was to be pushed off the roof and experience other many wonderful things only a big brother can do, I wanted some sisters. Luckily my brother found someone that was amazing not only for him but for the rest of our family. Jen has been in my life for so many years and has taught me so much. She taught me patience, a desire to work hard and kindness. I can honestly say that Jen was probably the person that gave me the desire to want to go to college and get a degree. When I first met her she was working hard on all of her degrees and always showed a love for learning and school. She was one of my biggest supporters in going to college and keeping me going. Jen is one of the hardest workers I know and has one of the kindest hearts I know. I usually will tell others that Jen is always trying to save the world and she really is. Her desire to go out and help and serve others has given me the desire to go out and want to save the world. I honestly believe Jen is the knot that holds our family together. No matter what, she doesn’t give up on any of us and loves us all.

I married into a family with a lot of boys but luckily I got four new sisters. These women are amazing and three out of four of them our amazing mothers (although Aylcia will be an exceptional mom when her time comes). Alycia has taught me to live life to the fullest; her love for life is contagious and honestly we all should have a dance party everyday. Mandy; I may not know her all that well but she is an amazing mom. She loves her kids with all her heart and those cute little boys love their mom. I look forward to many opportunities to learn and make memories with Mandy. Jacqueline; she cracks me up. I love Jac’s passion for things. I feel Jac always puts 110% into everything she does. She is a kind, talented and fun person. From the very beginning Shelly welcomed me into the family with open arms. She was my first friend in the Altom family and continues to be one of my best friends. She is always willing to listen to me vent, and to just talk about anything and is a great shopping buddy. She has two of the cutest boys ever and is a great mom. Little miss Liv, well she is just so cute. When I see her, I see love and hope. Children show the greatest love and when I look at cute little babies I see our Heavenly Father’s love for all of us. I believe I have the best mother-in-law, and I am very lucky and happy to have Debbie in my life. Debbie is amazing, and I am always touched by her kindness, generosity and love for her family (and I can sit by her watching a not-so-good movie but she can laugh with me and it doesn’t feel too awkward). Todd use to say, and finally I told him he was correct, but he used to say that his family won me over and made me want to marry him, and it’s true. I am excited to make so many new memories with these lovely ladies…we will have tons of fun…haha!

Rachel and Britnee, oh the three amigas! We have always had so much fun together and if I ever want to have a good time and act like a junior high girl, I call them. I am so lucky that I can say my best friends now, have been my best friends for years! They are both so different and so funny and I am blessed to have them in my life. I also have had the opportunity to have fantastic roommates and friends in college. Amanda…well she is the greatest person to ever roam the earth….well except for Jesus but she is a close second;). Amanda got me through a lot and made me laugh all along the way. Ilse; I thought she was too pretty to be nice but she is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Todd and I love hanging out with her and Wes and we look forward to many more adventures with them. Mindy, Mindy (my intern buddy)…she is hilarious, strong and she makes everything she is involved with fun. She too, will be a great mother…very shortly.

So growing up I was able to say that my best friends were my cousins. Megan, Casady, Courtney, Aubrie and Hanah; we have had so many adventures together and they all are so amazing. My family is so incredible. They love unconditionally and laugh all the way through life. I will always remember dancing with them; they are the best dance buddies I have ever had. I have two of the greatest aunts anyone could ever ask for. My aunt Lori has been through so much but she is so strong and keeps her sense of humor all along the way. Still to this day, one of my favorite things to do, is to go over to the Graves’ house and play a game or just listen to my aunt Lori and uncle Randy talk. I knew when I was very young that I wanted my house to be filled with as much love and laughter (and smell as good) as my aunt Lori’s house. My aunt Deb is totally my second mom; she tied my baby bows and was able to tie my bows the day I got married. She was always there for me with love and the greatest kindness anyone could ever have. I am very proud to be her munchkin. My Grandma Gerard…well this amazing family had to come from somewhere and it definitely came from her. She is a hard worker and loves her family with every fiber of her being. I love her stories, her example, her love and the chocolate she always has at her house. Grandma’s cakes are still the best cakes….well only if they are chocolate with chocolate frosting.

I guess the final woman in my life is probably the most exceptional. We have had our ups and our downs but I know my mom is my biggest cheerleader. She still thinks I can do anything, even when I don’t have faith in myself. She taught me how to love, laugh and to spend a little more time picking daisies. She is the best cook I know…and through my studies of children, I have a learned that my mom did most everything right, I mean I did turn out pretty perfect…just kidding…but my mom would still say, even through all my mood swings and imperfections, that I am pretty perfect, and only a mom could say that. I love her and I am grateful for her love for me, and her perseverance to just keep swimming. :)

There are so many amazing women in my life and even though some of them are not mothers, they each have had an influence on me. I have become the woman I am today because of them and each of their examples inspire me to become as amazing as each of them are. I hope all you women out there know you are loved and that each of you have so much influence not only on me but everyone you interact with. Happy Mother’s Day!