Sunday, May 12, 2013

My Mom


My Mom is the best.  I want to be just like her-- I really do.  Every once in a while people tell me that I remind them of my mom and those are the best compliments I could ask for.

I have been mentally compiling a list of all the life lessons my mom has taught me over the years, and it became ridiculously long.  So I will narrow it down to just a few.

On Shopping:  My mom taught me all about retail therapy-- the timeless truth that shopping makes everything better.  She also taught me that half of the fun of shopping is the thrill of the chase-- finding what you are looking for at the lowest price possible.  Regardless of your station in life, the Goodwill and Ross are two places that must be included in every shopping trip.  (Together, we have found that the more "ghetto" a Ross is-- the better!)  I'll always remember the bumper sticker on the back of my mom's old van-- "A Woman's Place is in the Mall". 

On Happiness:  My mom is the ultimate optimist.  In the early 90's, our family moved a LOT.  Looking back on it, I can't imagine how stressful and difficult those years were for my mom.  But I didn't notice at the time because according to her, each move was "an amazing ADVENTURE!"  She never complained or acted upset.  She was too busy putting her positive spin on things and singing road trip songs. (Horsey, horsey...)

On Marriage:  My mom is married to her very best friend.  Together, they have been a great example of exactly what a good marriage looks like.  She and my dad make fun of each other, bicker, tease, and laugh... a lot.  They spend ridiculous amounts of time together, but still miss each other when they spend a few hours apart.  She taught (through example) that "You're an idiot" can mean the exact same thing as "I love you".

On Dreams:  My mom was always there for us.  But I also remember that she was always involved in her own stuff too.  She has had some really cool jobs-- like television producer of a local cable show and teacher of convicted felons in prison (she owns a pizzeria, for crying out loud!).  Because of her example, I always knew I'd be a devoted mom and I always knew I would have a cool job.  She showed that those two were completely compatible.  My last job in Florida was actually with my mom-- we were co-workers teaching homeless students (and eating cuban food)!

On Life:  My mom has taught me not to get stressed about the details of life.  She taught me not to take myself too seriously or get offended very easily.  She has instilled in me a love of animals and a passion for the scriptures.  I have inherited a ridiculously high self-esteem from my mom. She has taught me to love who I am and not be fake or put on fronts.  I have never seen my mom misrepresent herself-- ever.  She has taught me that its just fine to be goofy (she invented a seminary rap song called the Gadianton Shuffle). 

I realize this is getting long-- but there is so much more!  My husband and kids adore her.  She is a supportive and accepting mother-in-law and an AMAZING, loving "Girl Papas".  In short-- she is our hero.  We love you Mom!



Saturday, May 11, 2013

This Lady...

I have had my mom and my mother-in-law on my mind a lot this week.  I count these women as two of my greatest blessings.  Here is a little bit about Lori Rasmussen.

Lori is amazing at all things domestic.  She cooks like a southern lady (which is, by far, the best way to cook!)  She sews and quilts and cans stuff.  She does things that I don't understand-- like "soaks beans" (?)  She makes perfect pies from scratch.

Lori is artistic.  She ran a successful, thriving framing company out of her home for over twenty years.  She was always encouraging her kids to be creative and artistic-- surprising them with new color pencils or a sketchpad.  Because of her encouragement, several of her children are EXTREMELY talented artists.

Lori has always selflessly devoted her time to her family and to humanitarian work.  She volunteers to work with mentally handicapped youth every single week

She may be petite, but Lori is far from a docile, quiet homemaker.  She is tough and strong and I'm pretty sure that she has perfected the "evil eye".  She raised 5 crazy rambunctious kids (well, 4 crazy rambunctious + Kristy). 

Lori is extremely unpretentious and non-judgmental.  This is my very favorite thing about her.  She has never, ever, ever made me feel bad about my lack of domestic skills (and I have NONE).  It seems that all of her strengths are my weaknesses and I don't know how that doesn't drive her crazy.  I could not have asked for a more amazing mother-in-law.

She is the consummate Grandma.  She loves to don her apron and bake cookies with my kids.  She reads to them and plays with them-- but is not afraid to put them in their place, when necessary.

Best of all, she raised one hell of a son!  We all love you Lori. (But I think that I am especially grateful for you!)

Lori and Baby Zoie- 2005

Lori and Baby Tobin- 2007

Lori and Baby Chase- 2009

(Judging from these pictures, I think Lori really likes green button-up shirts!)

Happy Mothers Day!