Last but not least...

A tribute to one parent would not be complete without considering the other. So, a few thoughts about my little mother (although I am very glad you are the secretary now I miss asking Mrs Karen if my little mother is there).

Where do I begin? I doubt there are any other mothers out there like mine, and I mean that in a good way. She has her quirks, like eating the same thing for breakfast all the time, or spending more time outside than she originally planned to do. But few people are as 'special' as my mom ;). She is always willing to help others, she is determined, she is persistent, she is tough, she is loving (even if she does find it hard to express it to a lot of people), she is a lot of things, and each one just adds to the character that is my little mother.

A few memories:
(mom you reminded me about this one) I was shopping with her once and she hit her head on the scale in the fruit section;
How can I forget the day of the dogs? Its a long story but to sum it up mom took off down a hill, dad and I followed, and we rescued two hunting dogs. If you want the whole story just ask;
Digging the basement with a wheelbarrow and a shovel;
Hauling rocks for landscaping;
"Mom you watch the road and I'll watch the rocks." this said as she veered close to the edge of the road in Zion;
Watching movies while eating lunch- we are 'kindred spirits' (bonus something if you can name the person I quoted) when it comes to the movies we enjoy;
And last but not least, the time James, Liahna, and I surprised her at work.

So many memories of both parents and so much gratitude that I have the parents I have. They are both amazing people and I hope I can take the very best of them into my life and share it with my kids.