** Happy Birthday Mom **

My Mom, where to start? She is possibly the most giving person I've ever met or will meet. She has raised six kids and had a career, one that she didn't pursue until I (the youngest) was in High school... She was always able to keep our house immaculately clean and didn't require much help from her six kids. She has worked in the social working field for many years and has had a large variety of jobs, from counseling pregnant teenagers to helping families navigate a loved one's death through Hospice, she's always willing to help others. Her Family is her pride and joy and now her grandchildren are always on her mind and in her heart. We know if we leave the kids with her, they will for sure be safe, happy and well fed. Dinners at our house sometimes seem to turn into a buffet, Mom always likes to make sure there are plenty of options for everyone to enjoy. I remember being really little and driving in the car with Mom, and she was telling me how she loved everyone, everyone she'd ever met, even if they weren't nice. I remember being so amazed by that then and I'm still amazed at what a great example Mom is today. She's also been a great teacher for family loyalty, she's never interested in hearing anything about anyone of her family members, even far extended family members if it's not positve. I get my love of Christmas from my Mom, some people view the holidays as a stressful time, but not mom. She relishes every shopping trip, box of chocolates and wrapping all the presents. She's always so concerned that everyone is happy with their Christmas experience. I also remember being little and watching her get ready for the day, sometimes she used to sing, " I enjoy being a girl!" She's full of life and is extremely loyal and loving to her family and friends. She has been an amazing example to me and has made motherhood look more effortless than I ever knew. I'm so thankful for all the sacrifices she's made for my siblings and me.. I guess you never quite understand until you've got the job for yourself and have to manage kids, a household and all kinds of responsibilities. It's amazing Mom! I honestly don't know how you did it! Six of us!

You're awesome!

Mom continues to show us what's important to her by volunteering weekly in the Spokane Temple with Dad, and always keeping tabs on each of us. Thank you for being such a positive force Mom, you're my comfort and inspiration.

Happy Birthday!