Since Mother's Day is right around the corner, I wanted to tell you all about how wonderful my Mom is and why it is my goal in life to be just like her.

1.  Caring - this is almost a given for Mom's, most moms are caring, but my Mom goes above and beyond the "call of duty".  As an example, a month or so after someone has passed away, my Mom will send a card to the spouse or family member, just to check in and let them know she is still thinking about them.  Pure compassion. 

2.  Music - Music was always a staple in our hoouse, in fact my brothers and I laugh about all the music we grew up with, but I find myself playing music daily with my boys knowing that it is fun to dance to, relaxing to listen to at night when we are getting ready for bed and just great to improve a mood.  Thanks Mom for always playing music, Abba is one of my favorite groups from the 70's because of her and admit it, you love the song "Dancing Queen"!

3.  Cook - "Food is good for the soul"  I am so lucky to have come from a long line of fantastic cooks!  Whenever I need a good recipe, I go to my Mom - no need for the cooking channel here, my Mom's cooking is the best.  Thanks to my Mom and Grandmothers for teaching me how to cook.  By the way, my Moms Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes is my favorite meal.

4.  Adventure - My Mom doesn't sit still, there is a big world out there and she is going to see as much of it as possible!  My parents have travelled extensively and it is all because of my Mom.  Even within Arizona, my parents have seen more of the state then most people who have lived here their entire life. 

5.  Laughter - Simple, right?  Not always, some people only see the negetive side of life.  Not my Mom, she laughs and enjoys life.  I fell asleep many, many nights as a kid listening to my parents and their friends laughing loudly while playing cards and enjoying each others company. 

6.  Family - Family is the most important thing in my Moms life and no one would ever question her loyalty.  I think my Mom would rather go broke then miss seeing her Grandchildren.  My parents have flown across the country to watch their Grandchildren play in Volleyball games & golf tournaments.  Family is #1 to my Mom. 

7.  Gardening - I "blame" my Mom for my love of flowers!  There is something so relaxing about planting new flowers and vegetables in a garden, I love it.  Thank you Mom!

8.  God - My parents were very involved in our church growing up.  I loved the church I grew up in and am thankful that my parents gave me the strong foundation and put Christ in my heart.

9.  Leadership - My Mom has been a leader in so many groups, church, school & 4-H just to name a few.  She showed me how to lead, get people excited and involved and have fun. 

10.  Independance - My parents have been married for over 50 years, during those 50 years they have been involved in many activities together - card club etc.  But they have also been involved in individual activities - Ladies Bowling, Golf, Church activites etc.  This has shown me how important it is not to lose your individuality even in a marriage. 

This list could go on and on, but I think you get the idea of how wonderful my Mom is, she is surrounded by light, has a good heart and a fanily that loves her - what more could a Mom ask for?