A Tribute to my Mom

Here is a picture of my grandpa, grandma (mama kaye), and my mom as a baby.
I just LOVE old pictures! I love seeing my family members so many years ago. My mom was born in Mississippi (me too) during a really bad hurricane. They barely made it to the hospital and when they did, there were women delivering babies in all the rooms and hallways too. Amazing what Mother Nature can do! My mom was a little blue-eyed, towheaded baby. She was always very, very smart and had an aptitude for math, especially, like her father. She is still a great tutor for any one in the family. My mom married young and had 6 children of her own- 3 boys and 3 girls, 3 blonds and 3 brunettes. I am the youngest of the brood. My parents divorced when I was 2 and so after working several years, she went back to school in pursue of a better career and her love of learning. I remember her always reading me things she learned in school. I loved it! She instilled in me a great love of learning and reading.
When I was 8 years old, my mom inherited 4 little girls that needed a safe home and she raised them too. It was always amazing to me how my mom could study at the dining table with soooo many kids running around. But, like I said, she is so smart and she made pretty much straight A's all through college. She received a bachelors in psychology and then went to graduate school and received a master's degree in Social work. All the while taking care of us kids.
My mom has not had an easy life. In fact, I think it has been hard a lot, but she is so patient and positive. She has taught me so much about priorities, family, and service! She is the most altruistic person I have ever known! I often hear how the world demeans self-sacrificing mothers. Not that I think mothers don't need to take time for themselves (they do!), but I do appreciate how selfless she is. She had done so much for us kids and I know that one day she will receive her reward for all of her sacrifices.

My mom was a convert to the church at the age of 14 and she was so excited while hearing the discussions and she said the first time she walked into the church building, she felt the spirit so strong! The first lesson she received was about the plan of salvation and she felt as if she were finally being taught the things that she already knew in her heart. She still has a very strong testimony of the Savior and His Gospel. I am so thankful for this- that I was taught and raised to believe! I know the Gospel has been the rock that got me through a sometimes very rough childhood and the ups and downs of life. We have been so blessed!
This is a picture of my mom and her cousin, Sonny (who looks a lot like Braydon to us!)
I am also so thankful for my southern heritage. I hope to pass on some of our traditions to my kids. I still very much miss my hometown and the people there. But, I have so many great memories of being there with my mom and spending lots of time with her.

I just want my mom to know how much I admire and love her and all she continues to do for me and my kids. She is a great mother & grandmother ! I hope that she one day will have all of her heart's desires. I truly believe she deserves it!
Happy Mother's Day Mama!