#7. I love how awesomely talented my mom is. You should see the Zen box she made me for Christmas! She doesn’t think she’s crafty or talented, but she totally is! She can cook anything… she makes awesome gifts, she can sew and crochet and all those things. I love it! I’ve never been one to sew or crochet or anything like that, but she’s tried teaching me, and I love her for it. My most treasured possessions are things she’s made me. She knows exactly what I’ll want and like.
I sure love my mom!
Okay mom, you may think I already ran out of things to say… but never fear… I just got lazy
#5: Even though she loves country music and thinks Adam Sandler is too crude…. she has taught me the love for great books and reading. I don’t think many people believe me when I say I started to read when I was 3… but I sure did. I think I read Jane Eyre in 4th grade… My mom has introduced me to some of my favorite books like: The Poisonwood Bible, Redeeming Love, and She’s Come Undone. My mom has always taught me the importance of a good education and being the smarter one in the fight instead of the stronger one.
#6: I love that my mom listens to me… like really listens to me. When I’m talking about psychology or diseases or Adam Sandler or Biggest Loser or ANYTHING. Even if she isn’t interested in the subject, she listens to me and comments and asks questions. It makes me feel validated and intelligent. I’ve always thought my mom was the most intelligent woman ever! (But I’ll save more about that for tomorrow)
Love you mommy. 20 days until your big day!
You know what else is awesome about my mom? She makes things special. For instance, when I found out I passed my national exam… she bought me flowers. When I graduated with my Master’s, she got me a really cool courage mirror and a framed photo of myself. It’s not just the gifts though, she is truly excited for me. I know I can get a little annoying with all of my talk about graduation and clients and tests and jobs and all that… but my mom celebrates every victory with me, no matter how small. She knows the perfect times to tell me she is proud of me, or how great I am. And she doesn’t just do this for me, but for all her kids and grandkids. She knows what is important to each of us, and she celebrates with us. And when we are sad or having a bad day, she grieves with us.
Love you mommy!
A quick shout out to my bitch Jackie. Happy Birthday! I won’t tell everyone that you’re 50 okay?
Okay, 3 more things I love about my mama!
#1: Her courage! She is the most courageous person I know. I learned my courage from her. She is tough and strong and can look any beast in the eye!
#2: Her cooking. Okay, now I know you are going to say that ALL mom’s are great cooks. Nope, my mom is the BEST in the world UNIVERSE. Following her recipes is pretty impossible (pinch here, dash there), but I LOVE eating her food. YUM!
#3: Her work ethic. My mom has worked her butt off her entire life. Honestly guys, she works hard!! She raised and supported 4 grumpy awesome kids. We didn’t have the newest of crap, but we had pretty much everything we wanted… She went without a lot so we could have nice things… She works hard at her job, keeping her home nice and clean and beautiful, keeping her kids and grandkids happy and sane… I learned from her that hard work can take you places, and I believe it! She inspires me daily!
Love you mommy!
April is my mom’s birth month… so I’m going to celebrate her all month here, on this awesome blog.
The first thing I’m going to celebrate is our friendship. I’m not going to lie, when I was a teenager I was a little naughty REALLY REALLY disobedient. My mom had her hands full with me (and my brothers). I went on camping trips with boys, I called her names, I stayed out too late… I got married at 17… you know, all that stuff. If you had asked me 13 years ago if I would consider my mom my best friend, I would have said no. But today, my best friend is my mom. We have so much fun together. I can tell my mom anything, and I mean anything… like my crazy Chinese dreams and sorrows and boys and all that. We have so many things in common, and there is honestly a never dull moment. Even when there is silence, it is so amazing being with my mom. On Saturday we went to see The Hunger Games and have dinner. It was SO fun. I ♥ my mom and can’t wait to tell you all the amazing reasons why!!
Well, everything went as planned yesterday. Kim came in Friday and surprised Parker. He thought she wouldn’t be in until 2-3 in the morning, but she actually got Friday off work and was able to get in right at dinner time. Parker was very happy! On Saturday we all just talked and laughed until it was ready to get over to the stake center. We got there, set up the cookies, and people started arriving. A lot of people showed up and Parker was very pleased! It was quite emotional, especially when Parker took a moment to talk to the guests and thank them, me, and his mom. I cried, as did everyone in the room. During the closing prayer you could hear a chorus of sniffles. Parker’s friend Seth also got up and bore his testimony and he bawled through the whole thing, making everyone else cry too! After the baptism we visited, took pictures, and ate cookies. Kim then took me, Parker, and mom out to Applebee’s for dinner. Yum! Overall it was a great day. Kim had to leave early this morning, so it was a fast trip, but we were all glad she could come!
Parker asked Elder Shaker to be the one to baptize him. A few days before the baptism Elder Shaker was transferred to the Idaho Falls mission, but the mission president gave him special permission to come back to Sugar City to baptize Parker.
Trent, Braigen, Parker, Ben, Brandon, Blake, Braxton, Luke, and Seth.
Seth and Parker hugging after Seth told Parker congratulations.
Elder Parker (the missionary that replaced Elder Shaker), Elder Medina (Elder Shaker’s previous companion), Parker and Elder Shaker. I don’t know the tall guy in the back 
Boy, has life changed!
#1. February 29, 2012 was the 12 year anniversary of my dad’s death. It amazes me how fast time flies. It seems like just yesterday I was out fishing with he and my brothers. Life is just way too short. He was only 59 when he passed, but I can’t believe he would be 72 this year!
#2. March 6, 2012 marks Parker’s second year in Idaho. Again, time flies! Can you believe he has been here 2 years? Holy cow! He was 12 when he came and now he’s almost 15. Where does the time go. This kid has taught me SO much… and even though he’s a typical teenage boy, and there are consequences and such… Most of the time we just have a lot of fun. Parker, I love you!
#3. I have been licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Idaho. I have accepted a job as a full time counselor at Arcadia Resources in St. Anthony Idaho. I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and I am SO excited to start this next chapter of my life!
#4. Saturday March 10, 2012 Parker is being baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His mom is going to be able to come out for the occasion! 
