Happy Birthday Mama!

Today is my cute Mama's birthday!

She is such an example to me of what it really means to be selfless and Christ-like. Her whole life has been one giant act of charity! She has raised nine children and sacrificed everything for us, she has had foster children, and she did daycare out of her home for 10+ years! Talk about a wonder woman! I have no idea how she did it, and I admire her for her ability to love. She is seriously the sweetest person you will ever meet. She has always gone out of her way to make me feel special and loved--from surprise birthday parties, to buying me TONS of clothes, to taking me on countless vacations, and even the small things like sending me cute emails throughout the day. She is so giving and never asks for anything in return. Her family and their needs come WAY before her own. There is no other way to describe her than Christ-like. Not to mention, she is such a light and it's hard not to smile and laugh when she's around. She has THE funniest sense of humor.

Another way my mom is a huge example to me is her childlike faith and I owe my own faith to her. Growing up in England, her parents didn't go to church but she just knew that she should go. At the young age of EIGHT she was going to church on her own! My mom went to a lot of different churches, but none of them felt right. She was 15 when she met with the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My mom has always been SO in tune with the Holy Ghost and from the start she knew our church just felt right. All of her doubts and questions about the other churches were answered. She continued to learn more about the gospel and knew she needed to be baptized. Her dad was very opposed and ripped up the papers when my mom brought them home. Eventually, he agreed to the baptism because my mom didn't give up and her dad could see how much this church meant to her. Her childlike faith never faltered, even in the face of adversity. She stands for what she knows is right and has always been an example to me of faith. She has faced many difficulties and trials throughout her life, but her faith and dedication to Christ remains constant.

One more thing about my mom, her and my dad have been married for 40 years and are completely and madly in love. They are simply adorable! Her example of raising nine children but still keeping her relationship with her husband as a priority, has taught me what it really means to be a wife and mother.

I love my mom more than she'll ever know and feel so grateful and proud that I can call her my mother.

Happy Birthday Mama!