mom, i love you.

i'm completely convinced that i have the best mom in the world.
i thank God every single day for letting her be mother. because without her, there's no way i'd even be close to the person i am. and i could have no greater example in my life than her.
she's the most selfless person i know. through my entire life, the only way i remember her, is constantly serving. from making us pick up rotten apples on brother kay's lawn to her listening to her crazy visitng teachers for hours every single month. she doesn't have to do it. she doesn't even just do it because it's the right thing to do. she does it because she genuinely loves everyone. she finds the good in them and becomes their friend. it doesn't matter who they are, or how old they are.
she raised me so well. just simply loving me. she gave me my space when i needed it, but made sure i knew she was always there. she let me choose what i wanted to do, but supported me every step of the way. she gave me great advice, but taught me the best person to rely on was always my Savior. she listened when i needed to talk, but never prodded too much.
and the little things too, i haven't ever heard her complain about her body, and i honestly think that's why i've never had issues with my self image. she's taught me to eat healthy and live healthy. you don't have to worry about everything that's all over t.v. just eat healthier foods and exercise every day and you'll be alright. she taught me to love being outdoors, "get out of the house, go do something." to love hiking, and playing, and to enjoy it all with family. she's taught me to be a hard worker. and she's definitely one of the hardest workers i know. optimism is definitely something i learned from her, and i've never met someone who does better at it than she does. i never grew up with a lot, but she let us know that we're so blessed, and we have enough.
and most importantly, she loves me, so much. and i know that.
and really i'd be satisfied with life if i could just become as incredible as she is. and be as amazing of a mom as she is to me. she teaches me by the things she says, but most importantly be example. every single moment, of every single day, of my entire life.
so thanks mom, for everything, i love you. (: