Better Late than Never-Mother's Day

The opportunity to celebrate my amazing mom this past weekend was so wonderful!  This Mother's day, however, was different for me.  It was the first time that I truly realized that Mother's Day is a day to celebrate all of the women in my life.  I am so grateful for all of the amazing women that have helped me become who I am today.  Now I'm going to introduce you to a few of them:

First is my beautiful, patient, loving, kind, thoughtful, selfless mother.

For the past 22 years this lady has put up with everything that I've thrown at her.  The past few years have been extra fun though.  I don't know when it happened, possibly during my senior year of high school, my mom became one of my very best friends.  We talk every day and she's totally cool if I call her even if it's for no reason but to chat with someone for a few minutes in between classes.  My mom is the most patient person I know.  She has taught me to be patient with others because each person has their own struggles and issues they are working through and we need to give the benefit of the doubt.

Next is my happy, gorgeous, fun, honest, and forgiving sister.

Alyson has possibly put up with more from me than my mom.  Growing up, our relationship was pretty rocky, but, for us, distance made the heart grow fonder when Alyson moved away to go to college.  Since 7th grade, Alyson has been a bestie.  We talk about everything.  I look up to her and I strive to be as righteous as she is.  All growing up, Alyson would always be the first one to apologize and forgive and forget as we fought and argued.  Although it was annoying at the time, I am so grateful for her example and the forgiveness she showed me and taught me.

This lovely lady is one of the most sincere, smart, tender-hearted, gracious, classy people I know.

Amanda bravely married my older brother and joined our family just a year-and-a-half ago.  I'm positive it is hard marrying into our crazy family, but she has dealt with everything so gracefully.  She is so smart, but she is so humble about it.  I love that becoming a mother is a priority in her life.  I am so excited to have another sister and friend!

I am especially thankful for the women in my extended family on both sides!!

My Grandmothers were both literally the strongest women I will ever know.  They both fought breast cancer  before succumbing to it.  Even as they slowly lost their physical strength, they never lost their spiritual strength.  The faith of my grandmothers has helped me throughout my life.  I leaned on their testimonies, even after they passed away, as I gained my own.

My cousins are all such wonderful examples!  I look up to each one of them and want to be like all of them all the time.  There is never a dull moment.

I can't even mention my cousins without mentioning their wonderful mothers.  Both of my parents have amazing sisters who are always serving and loving.  My Cowley aunts are so fun and girly and supportive, from coming to my piano recitals when I was younger to supporting me in (my attempt at) running the St. George Marathon.  My Kellis aunts are always serving and cooking, of often doing both. 

Last of all, my lovely friends.  From London to Provo to Rexburg, each has had an impact on my life. I can't even believe that some are already mothers, and others are serving The Lord in foreign countries.  I'm grateful for every single one of the ladies in the following pictures and everything the taught me.

Obviously, I haven't even come close to mentioning all of the women who have changed my life, but I am grateful for all who have helped me!  I hope every Mother's Day will be just as good as this one!!