My Mom and our St. George Trip

I have such a wonderful mother. She really is a saint. She has been through some extremely tough trials in life and she doesn't complain. She had to bury a 3 year old son and a 1 day old baby girl. I remember talking to her, when I was a little older, about their deaths and her telling me when she starts to feel sorry for herself she thinks of the pioneer women who had to bury their children in the wilderness and how blessed she is to have her children buried in an actual cemetery. She has taught me that whatever you are going through there is always someone worse off, so be thankful. When we lost Andrew I remember thinking 'Oh, no my Mom should not have to deal with this again.' She rushed to the hospital and was so great. She sat with me through my 20+ hour labor and held my hand when I needed it. She gave us her advice only when we asked and was so thoughtful to go to our apartment and pack up most of the baby stuff, but not all so we could have that healing time as well.

She stood in the background, so not to disturb Phil and I when McKell was born and has come for Alyssa and Nate's birth as well. She is an awesome grandma and when the grand kids ask for a second Popsicle she doesn't even pause before telling them yes. She spoils them all and reassures the moms that she gets the Popsicles with no sugar.

She has worked with my father in their business throughout their marriage and they are still married. If you know my dad you would realize this would be big mark under her sainthood. She has dealt with all of his poor health and still has a good attitude that things will get better. She is such a selfless person and can give and give and give. She taught me that in this family divorce is not an option, what a great piece of advice from your mom.

Ever since I was in 4th grade my grandmother lived with us. It was such a great thing to see my mother and her mother-in-law be such good friends. So when I was married and started to notice all the mother-in-law bashing that goes on I was a little appalled. My mom taught me that this new person in my life should be different that your own mom and to embrace what they have to offer, I am so glad for this advice and I hope to pass it on to my own kids.

My mom is an amazing person and she is so anti age. I have never heard her tell a single person her age. I remember figuring it out when I was little and thinking I was so clever, when I would say it she would get a disgusted look on her face and tell me she is only (real age minus a few years) with no wink or smile or anything so I would always second guess myself- she still does this. Anyway, the point to this post is this- she was having a big birthday this year and my sister-in-law, Lisa, and I decided it would be fun to throw her a huge surprise party. We got a list of people and sent out 'save the date' cards. In the mean time we started to get a little nervous about how she would deal with the party and Lisa started to get nervous that she would not be viewed as the favorite daughter-in-law any longer unless there was something a little more exciting than just a party for my mom. So we decided it would be great for me and the kids to fly out and surprise her. After many, many, many Internet searches for cheap tickets I took the plunge and got the tickets.

I flew in a few days before the party and my brother picked me up at the airport. We stayed at his house for the night and the next morning my mom was coming over to watch his boys for a few hours. After she opened the door the kids jumped out and yelled 'SURPRISE'!

She was like this, with this shocked smile on her face, the rest of the day. We went and surprised my dad as well. He had no idea we were coming, he is not the best secret keeper in the family. He too was shocked beyond words. It was so fun!!

We played around the next few days enjoying the wonderful 100+ degree weather while we had it.

We played in the splash pad at the new park by Lisa's house. McKell learned how to do cart wheels in the grass when she was 'bored', thanks to Sam- a daughter of my friend from high school.
After a canceled movie we ended up at a very fun little water park downtown St. George. Who knew they had all of this fun stuff in St. George these days. It happened to be a car show so they had the big air slides and snow cones, we had a blast. I even talked McKell into coming down the slide with me and she did it! Wow that is huge for her.

Saturday night was the big party and we surprised my mom once again. She was shocked to see a house full of friends and family to celebrate her birthday. It was so much fun.

The next Monday was my birthday and we celebrated with a day at the pool, Cafe Rio for lunch, and out to dinner with the family. It was so fun to be in St George for my birthday. Phil was on nights at the hospital so I didn't think my big 30th was going to be very fun.
My mom's actual birthday is the day after mine and we spent it a little more low key. We spent the rest of our time there shopping, playing with cousins, and hanging out. For memorial day we were able to spend it with a lot of extended family. It was so fun to see everyone. What a great surprise trip!