Momma's Day

Today I was reminded just how grateful I am for my Momma. And all the Momma's that have helped shape my life. I was blessed with an amazing Mom, 3 older sisters, 2 sisters-in-law, and many wonderful leaders and friends who have influenced my life for good. Obviously I needed a lot of influencing. Don't worry, I think I turned out alright.. I took a few long turns along the way, but here I am. I'm sure I gave my mother a run for her money... (who am I kidding, I know I did) But, much to her surprise, I learned a few things from her along the way.

Ten Things I've Learned from Carol:

First: and most important, I think; chocolate fixes everything. It feels cracks in broken hearts, soothes stress, and makes the good times some of the best times.

Second: The best place to take your stress out is in the kitchen. 

Third: Trust God. Everything will be alright in the end, and if it's not alright.. it's not the end.

Fourth: All you really need is your family and a testimony of the Savior. Nothing else matters.

Fifth: Sometimes, silent strength is the most powerful kind of strength. 

Sixth: I can do hard things because she showed me how. 

Seventh: Sometimes, it's just easier to tell men that they are right. Even when you know they are wrong.

Eighth: Sometimes bad things happen to good people and sometimes things fall apart. That doesn't mean we shouldn't try to learn from every experience.

Ninth: If you're feeling bad about your life, lose it serving someone else.

Tenth: Never start calling your mom by her first name. She hates it, and it's a really hard habit to break. 

I'm grateful for a mom who loves and supports even my craziest decisions. (IE going on a mission, moving to Provo, traveling the world by myself, dating numerous idiot boys.)

I'm grateful for a mom who empowers me to be a strong woman. Who inspires me to be happy for myself and to be independent and follow my dreams. She thinks I am all of those things in spite of her, but I am all of those things because of her. 

I'm grateful that this year, I got to tell my mom I love her in person AND through a computer screen. No matter how hard I try, I'm always better at expressing myself through writing. 

Happy Mother's Day to all of you, Mother or not. My bet is you've influence someone for good. 

Probably me. 

"When the real history of mankind is fully disclosed, will it feature the echoes of gunfire or the shaping sound of lullabies? The great armistices made by military men or the peacemaking of women in homes and in neighborhoods? Will what happened in cradles and kitchens prove to be more controlling than what happened in congresses?"

-Neal A. Maxwell

xoxo,

Car