When I Grow Up...

Today my Mom celebrates 70 years on this earth!!!  And if that wasn't a feat in and of itself, let me tell you about some of the things she has done with her 70 years.  That make me want to be like her when I "grow up."

She tells me all the time that she was tom-boy growing up.  I guess that came in handy later when she had 6 sons to raise.

After high-school (where she met my dad) she went to, and finished nursing school.  Then began working as a nurse.

At age 20 she married my dad and they soon became parents to my oldest brother.  More children would come in the next 12 years, six more!  For a total of 5 boys and 2 girls.  Years later she would get another son, Erman!  He came to live with us during the school year, his family lived on a reservation in Arizona, and this gave the kids a chance to see life outside the reservation.  After a few years Erman stopped returning to the reservation and became a permanent member of the family.

She has been blessed to travel all over the world, and see things most of us would only dream of.  She and my Dad still travel A LOT!  In fact I think they will be gone the entire month of August.

She taught all her children the value of work, and was/is ALWAYS doing something. 

If you were to ask her what she is most proud of, I feel quite certain she would answer, without thinking, her family.  They added 7 daughters and 2 sons through the marriages of their children. They have 38, that's right, not a typo, 38 grandchildren.  And 4 great-grandchildren.  And if you've got an hour or two, she will tell you a little about each of them.

All but one of her children served missions for our church. (you can guess which one didn't)  And she and my Dad recently served a mission of their own in Australia.

All of her children and one grandchild are happily married, and raising some pretty amazing kids of there own. And her sons all work hard to take care of their own. 

She taught all of her kids to love music.  ALL MUSIC!  She plays the organ at church and has quite a few piano students.  Money she uses for fun stuff!!

Like most of us she's quick to point out her failings.  But when you look at the big picture, and what's really important...  I say she's lived a most amazing 70 years.  And is doing pretty good for an "old lady"

I love you mom!!  Wishing for many more birthdays to come.

(she has celebrated many birthdays at the beach during family reunions.  Wish we were at one now!)