October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, with all the events and promotions going on this month about women and breast cancer it got me thinking about the women in my life who I have looked up to, who have helped shape me and who love me. I put together my top list of women who I adore and wanted to thank for their special role in my growth while here on Earth.
My Number One:
My Hot Mama, of course! In Relief Society this past Sunday the teacher asked us to think about a woman who has influenced us in our lives. I thought of my sweet mom! The more I began to think about her the more emotional I became. I don't know ANYONE in my life who has sacrificed more for her family. Sometimes when I can't sleep at night my mind often finds itself thinking about this. My mom, for much of my life, has been the breadwinner for our family. She works full-time and has never slacked as a mother. She was able to rise to the occasion. She never missed a soccer game, a performance, or a time to embarrass me (not her fault, I was just embarrassed that all my guy friends thought she was super hot, I have learned to embrace it since then) Not too long after my Dad's nearly fatal car accident my parents had to put their dream home on the market. I can still remember our last night in the house where I grew up, we sat on the floor for our last family prayer in the living room. My mom prayed that each of us could remember that its not the house that makes a home, its the people in it. I think she knew this is exactly what her children needed to hear; we were all super bitter about the move. I have so much love for this woman!!! Thank you mom, for all you do!!! Thank you for your tremendous sacrifice, endurance and love. You make me cool.Numbero 2:
Anyone who knows me well, knows that I absolutely love my Grandma Phyllis. Ever since I can remember I have had a special bond with my Grandma. I often tell people that her and my Grandpa are the most Christ like people I know. Something my Grandma has always instilled in me is to be myself. She has always embraced my weirdness, I don't know anyone who can get me to be more myself then her. I often find myself craving her hugs when I haven't seen her in a long time. I am so blessed to have the special bond and relationship that I have with her. Thank you Grandma for always listening to my crazy rants and for laughing, even when I am not funny. Thank you for being my favorite shopping partner and thank you for teaching me, through example, how to treat others with the kindness and respect that Christ would. Love you to the moon and back forever
My girl number 3:
Miss Melzers. Melanie is the best sister in the whole world. Whenever I hear stories about sisters not getting along or fighting all through adolescence it makes me so sad. Mel and I have always gotten along and had so much fun together. There was a very brief moment in my teens where I was embarrassed to be seen with her and I still feel terrible about it, because she is way cooler than me. Melanie is the funniest person I know! (dont tell Dallin) No one can make me laugh harder than she can, when I say that I think it really surprises people. Melanie tends to be super shy and nervous around other people but when she is with me, she "let's her freak fly!" Mel also has the most tender and sweet heart, I have woken up to so many little notes from her telling me how much she loves me. I had a friend in high school pass away suddenly and when this happened Mel slept with me every night as I cried myself to sleep, she even cried too. Melanie is my greatest friend, sister, partner in crime, and hero. Love you Mel. Keep making me look bad, I secretly enjoy it ;)
Number 4:
Ashley Tappana! My most favorite young womens leader ever, is what most people know her as. I cant think of anyone who has had more influence over my testimony than her. I would look forward to when it was her turn to teach lessons in young womens. I can remember one night after an activity my mom, who was the young womens president at the time, and I were driving Ashley home. When we dropped her off her husband Tim was outside for some reason and as soon as he saw her he dropped what he was doing and embraced her... and then they made out for a little bit. I can remember thinking I want love like their love. Ashley was in the sealing room when Dallin and I were sealed together for time and all eternity. I could see her out of the corner of my eye and I knew if I made eye contact with her I would just loose it. At that moment I realized that I had found it, the love like Ashley and Tim's love. Thanks for being my most favorite young womens leader ever. Love you forever!
Number 5
Miss Aubree Bushman. One of my biggest fears when I got engaged was "The In-Laws!" Aubree helped to push this fear out of my mind completely (I knew she'd always have my back ha). Aubree is Dallin's sister but claims that she actually raised him, and for that I owe her a whole lot. During mine and Dallins engagement we spent a lot of time in the Bushman household, which I loved. Sometimes I wished I could sit and take notes on how Aubree interacts with her children. She is a Pro-Mother!This is probably why I love her kids so much, I have never felt a bond with kids like I do with Cooper and Dezzie. They are the funniest, sweetest and smartest kids ever. Thanks Aubs for always being so welcoming to me! I am so grateful for all you do for Dallin and I. Thank you for all the left overs, for all the Sunday dinners, for all the breakfasts, and for all the memories! Love you!
