My Mom

I expected to be able to sleep a very drug-induced slumber tonight. But Landri's tummy has been acting up all day, and I knew a little fun was coming. I snuggled her into bed, only to hear her whine a little later. I don't feel spectacular, so I was in bed too :) I got up to find a very groggy Lu at the top of the stairs. Nate was in the kitchen so he jumped up, kinda chuckling, and volunteered to take her to bed. He picked her up and she buried her head into his neck...and stinking puked all over him. I seriously doubled over I was laughing so hard. He just stood still and took it like a champ....because she really cleaned little tummy out on him!

I don't know if it was the hysterical fit of laughter, or the cleaning up process...but I'm stinking wide awake. So...what to do? Why not tell the world how much I love my momma.....

I love this woman for so many reasons.  She is kind. My mother would give you anything you asked for...and if she noticed a need she happily fills it without being asked! I can't think of how many kids my mom has tutored after school, not for pay...but because she was confident she could help them be successful where others had failed. I've seen her take on children at school/church that would make anyone a bit crazy...but she does it happily. And she genuinely loves it. She wants to help people: almost to a FLAW! So many times I find myself saying 'mom, you're enabling' or 'that isn't necessary'...but she does it because she knows its right. Over the years she has had alot of needy kids in her classes at school. She is always rummaging through our hand me downs...or asking ME to clean the drawers out, because someone needs something warm, something 'cool'...something. She is kind.
My mom is loyal. This doesn't mean that she buys into whatever you're selling just 'cause she loves you. Nope...its the real deal. She fights for what she knows is best for you, even if you don't know its best. She accepts struggle and heartache in our behalf, and prays harder. I don't know very many times I've ever heard my mom voice a  dislike of anyone...but I've watched her serve people tirelessly because they w ere friends of the family...this is a woman you need on your side.
My mom is a NUT. Seriously....we have a list of stories to tell at her funeral. She is ridiculously smart...book smart. But sometimes the things that come out of her mouth have you dropping yours in shock. Did she really just say that? Can she be that....blonde?
Ex: She has convinced the kids in her schoolroom for YEARS that she eats carrots to keep her hair really black. So when the greys are more than the dark...and she dyes it...and the kids notice...they say, "wow Mrs. Schenk you must have ate some carrots last night!" (hang with me...you will see where I say she's  a ding dong :) ) Well one day we were in the car and she made some random crazy statement and Kenna said, "Grandma, I think underneath that dye job you're really.....blonde" to which my mom replied instantly...seriously...and half panicked....' WHY?! Do I need to dye my hair again?' She totally missed the fact that Kenna was making fun of her, which made Kenna laugh all the harder.
This week Jon and I were talking about some kid in track...high school.... it who dang near gets lapped in the 100. And he just keeps at it, losing badly. We are a bit miffed by this, because our pride couldn't handle it. Props to this kid. But Jon said kind of off-offhandedly..."maybe the kid should try a new race....like long jump" Mom, dear, dear mom....
She looked at Jon seriously and kind of like he was slipping and said, "Jon, the long jump isn't a race." Whooofta. Glad she cleared that up. We all busted out laughing, and had to explain it.
My mom is the world's best grandma. She's the replica of MY grandma...her mom. You know where her paycheck goes? The Store. It buys countless malts, York mints...Mike and Ike's...hot chocolate and diet pop. And gas. Because she comes in and out of town at every grandchild's pleasure and whim. Devotion.

And I wouldn't have it any other way. My children adore this woman. She knows them intimately. What they're good at. What they struggle at. When the need some encouragement from someone other than mom...its her. They have no doubts at all that this woman loves them. And its why they seek her out. "Come drive with me." "Why hasn't she been her tonight?"

She has their hearts.

I love my mom because the last few years have been ROUGH. And, its just occurring to me as I write this...that perhaps this has been the silver lining in a few of my rain clouds. I have NEEDED my mom close so many times. She has scrubbed my toilets, made me soup(not in that order) cuddled me in bed, cried with me, shared her book of favorite quotes, been my confidant, my cheerleader...and dear dear DEAREST friend.

But I cannot pay tribute without mentioning what I admire most about my mother...and its kind of personal.Deeply. But my mother is my modern day pioneer. She is the truest example of faith and sacrifice. My mom's family is very devoutly religious. And I will forever be grateful for that. I knew from the time I was little that my grandparents were God loving people. Good people. Some of the best He's ever made! But my mother converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when she married my dad. Not BECAUSE she married my dad: my mom won't do anything she doesn't believe is right...remember? And this choice has proved very hard. Because there is a sadness with her family, even to this day...over her conversion to our faith. And....I LOVE THEM FOR IT. It proves  THEIR devotion to her...and their faith. But...my mom truly converted. She has never looked back. She has done things alone because of this choice. There have been many struggles that she faced alone because of it. But I never heard her question God. Her faith is amazing. I hope that my children will one day appreciate the legacy of faith that started with she and my father. Because it is one of my dearest treasures...

And...finally...I love her because she is my mom. Some kids aren't so lucky. You probably weren't so lucky. Because while I'm sure you're arguing in your head that your mom is meeting the standard...she isn't. There's no way. Heavenly Father truly made one of a kind.
If you aren't of my faith, some of awesomeness of this song might be lost on you because the lyrics are from so many of the songs we learned as children...taken and woven together in a beautiful tribute. Its become one of my all time favorites...can't listen to it without crying.
Mom's who truly deserve devotion and praise for a job well done...don't NEED it. They have the adoration of their kids/grandkids to speak to a job well done...
So happy Mother's Day to my mom! I love you Neicy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr8CGydPB5g

I am so super not sure why that won't post as a link...copy and paste it...its worth your effort :)