Happy Birthday to Meeeeeeee!

Yep, today is my birthday. I'm 32.

That doesn't make me feel old, but I think it does make my mom feel old. She's not, though. Look at her:
People think we're sisters. The picture's almost two years old, but she hasn't changed a bit. Nope, definitely not old.

Since my Mother's Day post was all about me, I decided it was only fitting that my birthday post be more about my mom, since she brought me into this world (and never once threatened to take me out of it!)*

On Sunday one of the talks at church was about how mothers show charity (charity being, of course, the pure love of Christ.) Well, my mom is the embodiment of charity. She "suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, and endureth all things." (Moroni 7:45) I don't think my mom has an unkind bone in her body. She is always willing to help those in need with no thought for herself. She puts up with all the teasing my dad and us four kids give her without ever complaining (so I sure hope she knows we do it out of love!) She raised us to choose the right and has always taught us by her good example. She has had a lot to deal with lately, and she has hung on and endured the ride, letting her faith in God hold her up. I have no doubt that my mother is one of His choice daughters, and I'm so grateful she's my mom. Love you, Mom!


Now, because it's my birthday and I'm far less charitable than my mother, I am going to demand a present from anyone who has read this far. Wait, don't leave now! It won't cost you a thing. What I want is for everyone who read this to leave me a comment and say hello. I like validation and I like to know who's reading my blog. I promise after this you can go back to lurking in silence and we'll all pretend that I never saw you here (although if you were looking for a good excuse to come out of lurk-dom and be a "reader" instead of a "stalker" - that's how I classify you all - then here's your chance!) Humor me, please, it's my birthday!

*The rest of my family should watch out, because I plan to blog about each of you at random, and possibly at seemingly inappropriate times. Consider yourselves warned.