My Mother

Today is my moms birthday. And I wanted to dedicated this entry to her. At just 16 years old she said "Yes" to an eager return missionary, seeking to have her hand in marriage. A city girl, so young, but ready to begin her married life with so much ahead. She left her home in Arizona and moved to rural Eagle Idaho where there was nothing but farm land for miles. Being married to a farmer was an experience in itself. Life was definitely different than what she was used to. She was judged by many because she was so young. Because of her wonderful mother she was prepared to show all that she could handle the pressures of a young mother and wife out on a farm. She could bake bread, cook, garden, and spend her waking hours caring for a family. Just three months after turning eighteen years old she had Me. A baby girl ready to rock her world. Just thirteen months later she had my sister Melissa. At age nineteen she had two baby girls. How overwhelmed she must have felt having these two babies in a cramped little house on a farm away from nearly all her siblings and parents. She is the kindest and toughest women I know. She later had Derek at twenty-one, Heather at twenty-four, and David at twenty-five. We grew up in a three bedroom double wide trailer house just down the farm road from my Dad's parents. It was a place my mom did not love but defiantly made the best of. We were poor, and never got the finer things in life, but I always remember being completely happy with what we did have. She may not have loved the farm and that little trailer house, but it was a childhood I would never trade. We had more than two-hundred acres of romping ground. Our own personal ditch to swim in, and more forts than a kid could imagine. Bike riding was unlike any experience a kid in the city could have. Our house may have seemed small to my mom, but we didn't know any different. We were always warm in the winter, and cool in the summer. My mom's cooking is out of this world! She could out shine many chefs. Did I mention she could Sew? Yes, it may not sound fun, but we wore home-made clothes for many years. She could do it all. As I have grown older I have learned to appreciate all of her sacrifices. She has always put her family first. I have seen her spend many nights on her knees praying to the Lord for all of her children. I know some of us have been easier than others. I remember my dumb teenage fights with her. I think I yelled at her for almost everything. I remember it hurt her feelings and my Dad would have to step in. She made my prom and homecoming dresses. She let me have many sleepovers and parties. She taught me how to work, and earn the things I wanted. She tolerated so much, especially my messes. After High School Graduation, she attended Dental Assisting School with me. I remember being so annoyed, but lucky at the same time. I was so into friends at the time that if she hadn't been there to remind me of homework and studies that I probably would have quit or flunked. When I prayed about serving a mission she was the first person I told when I got the confirming answer. She was right behind me and even payed for the whole thing. She works so hard. I only hope to become close to the person she is. Selfless, kind, full of love, and so so giving. Mom, You are so beautiful. I am so grateful for all that you have done for me. You are a wonderful Mother, Friend, and Grandma. I love you. You are an amazing Person. I am so glad the Lord sent me to YOU. Happy 48th birthday!

Anna