Happy Mother's Day!

I love Mother's Day! And this year was no exception. Church was wonderful (although Garrett would NOT go up on stage and sing...saying that it was only for the "big kids." Hmmmm, funny that the Sunbeams were up there!) and afterwards we had dinner at my favorite restaurant, Texas Roadhouse (the once-a-year exception to the no-eating-out-on-Sunday-rule!). I was also able to take the day to truly reflect how blessed I am to be the mother of two amazing little boys. They really are my world! And I wouldn't change a thing.
I also want to take this moment to let a few more mothers know how special they are to me.

Starting with my own mom, Laura Copeland, I want her to know how much I love, appreciate, respect, and admire her. She really is one of those mothers that can truly DO IT ALL. She's a great cook, can sew just about anything (have you seen my drapes?!), teach anyone, lead and inspire the masses, play the piano beautifully...and yet is as humble and unselfish as they come. But aside from all of that, she is one of my very best friends. I call her almost every day....whether it's to chat, share my happy, sad and hard days, ask questions, or seek advice, she is always there for me. I value our relationship more than she'll ever know. I'm also so appreciative of her love for the Gospel. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of the scriptures are awe-inspiring. She has always taught me to love the Lord and to be honest in all that I do. She encourgaes me to be a better wife and mother, and yet she gives me a sense of self worth only a mother can give. I admire the way she has lived her life; strong and unyielding through adversity, and selfless through times of prosperity. My mom may not be perfect to some, but she's pretty dang close to perfect to me. I love you, Mom!
Another mother that I have grown to love and appreciate is my mother-in-law, Joan Barlow. Over the eight years that Jeff and I have been married, Joan has become such a good friend to me. I love that we are building and strengthening a wonderful relationship, one that is built on respect, service, and love. I have no doubt she would do anything for my boys, as well as for all of her 19 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren! Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. She's not afraid to speak her mind. She loves to have a good time and can make the best out of any situation. She laughs constantly and makes everyone around her feel like an all-star. Most of all, she has been a wonderful mother to her 7 children...and since I am married to one of them, I am truly grateful. Love you, Joanie! To my older sister, Alison....oh, where do I begin? I often say that I would never want to have just one girl, as I can't imagine her life spent without a sister...just as I could never my own. I think that's why we both only have boys! If only everyone could meet Alison and have her apart of their life. She is one of those women that truly makes your life better....and a HELL of a lot more entertaining! We are as different as two sisters can be, but have some of life's greatest (and most hilarious) memories of times spent together. Growing up, she was always my idol and I tried to be like her in every way (except when she chose the pattern for the bridesmaid dress she wore to my brother and sister-in-law's wedding....a picture says a thousand words....and so does the Sunday paper which was shoved into the sleeves as shoulder pads!) ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Alison and her family have been living abroad for the past 5 years (3 in Paris, France and 2 in Shanghai, China) so our summers spent together are cherished and memorable. As a young 12 year old, I wrote a poem for her that pretty much sums up how I feel:

Sisters are more important than life itself...

I've gotten A LOT of flack over the years for that poem, but deep down Al knows it's true. Love ya!

Growing up with 5 brothers yields one amazing thing....lots of awesome sisters-in-law! Angie, Kim, Nattie, Anne, and Cassie...Love you all! My brothers did well and I thank them for bringing you all into my life. Happy Mother's Day! Anne (Cameron), Nattie (Kent), Me, Cassie (Craig), Kim (Kyle), Alison, Angie (Kevin)

To the Barlow gals: Janna, Kelley, Elaine, Jenn, Amy, and Di....hugs and kisses to you all!

And last, but not least, to all my wonderful friends, Happy Mother's Day! And thank you for being such wondeful examples to me. My life would not be complete without you.