Happy Mothers Day Mom!

One of the greatest and most emotional moments of my life was the birth of my first son, Chase. I can remember immediately feeling this overwhelming surge of love that I had for this beautiful newborn baby. I remember the very first call I made was to my mom. I knew that she knew what I was feeling at that exact moment. Not much was said, verbally, during that phone call, but I realized at that moment how much she loved me.

As a fairly new mom (Chase is now 4, Nolan is 2) I am constantly reminded of how much she did for our family. She raised 6 children...enough said! I do not remember a sporting event that she did not attend, a recital that she did not help us prepare for, or a school project that didn't have her expert touch!

Some of the most memorable moments of my childhood include my birthday and Christmas time. My mom had a way of making those days feel magical. I loved waking up on my birthday and feeling like everyone knew it was my birthday, that is how special my mom made me feel that day. Thank you mom!

The most important thing my mom gave to me was a little piece of her testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ. I knew her strength as an individual and mom came because of her relationship with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. She taught us to look to Him in all things and this could be seen by the many sacred pictures of the Savior, Jesus Christ throughout our home. I knew I could turn to the Savior and feel His love and healing power in my life because of a mother who taught me the truth.

I love you mom with all of my heart!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Here's my tribute to you mom. Until only recently have I fully understood the true importance the role of mother plays in a family and to children. I'm so grateful for the countless hours of love, council, patience, advice, punishment, nursing, cooking, cheering, cleaning, teaching, playing, helping and worrying that you have given me over the past 35 years.

I'm proud to call you my mom. You have always taught me to be the best I can. You are generous and kind. I thought it only appropriate to add pictures as I take a stroll down memory lane. (You know I can't resist adding some comedy as well!)

Really, who doesn't have a great picture of their mom growing up in the 60's?

I think we were getting real close to the 70's here and the hair was still as great as ever!

You always knew the greatest places to take me, and I know we always had fun. It's funny some of the memories you have growing up and some of the greatest times growing up were summer BBQ's, walking down to the snow cone place on summer nights, Saturday soccer games, Christmas mornings, birthday party's, camping at the beach, swimming in the pool, the river, and all the times you let my friends come over and make a total mess of the house.

You always knew how to make me the best dressed kid on the block! I mean seriously, could that jacket be more regal? I've decided to skip adding all the first day of school pictures, because I think there is a point where my bad taste would show through. Plus I don't think anyone wants to see me in short shorts!

Thank you for always being that shoulder to rest on.

You have always been a good sport!

I really don't know why I love this picture so much...Every single time I see it I laugh. It was just such a trendy moment in time. I like to call it the Oprah era.

Through great times and tough times, I'm so thankful that you were my MOM first and my Friend second. I appreciate all that you've gone through in your life to make my life better.

Now in 2008 I still look forward to the weekly calls to give you updates about Chase and Nolan. I also don't know what I would do without all the gardening advice. Thank you for teaching me about the importance of family, the importance of being a dad and a good husband. I LOVE YOU MOM! Happy Mothers Day!