Like Mother, Like Daughter

All growing up I always heard "you are so much like your mom." It wasn't until the last few years that I really appreciated what an incredible compliment that was/is. I think most of you know how incredible my mom is. So I thought in honor of Mother's Day yesterday, I would list off the qualities I got from her...or rather qualities she has that I would like to think I possess as well.

-long legs
-beautiful smile
-freckles
-love of food
-love to cook
-patience
-love of talking on the phone
-love of exploring new restaurants
-friend to all
-listening ear
-ability to talk for hours
-love of entertaining/hosting others in her home
-love of music
-ability to play the piano
-love of flowers and the outdoors
-family first
-appreciation of alone/quiet time
-love of reading and learning
-excitement to try new recipes
-thoughtfulness
-organized (that's more her, less me...I'm working on it)
-great wife (you'll have to ask Nate if I qualify for that one)
-wonderful mother (still yet to be proven for me)

I Love You MOM!!!

Now, for my daughter. I'm convinced she is going to be a mini-me, at least at first. So far, this is what she has going for her: (Think me, circa freshman year of college.)

-eats A LOT
-sleeps A LOT
-when she is not eating or sleeping she is known to have dance parties in her cramped living quarters (for me it was my dorm room, for her it is my belly)

Like I said before, a mini-me.

2 years; 24 months; 731 days; 17,544 hours; 1,052,640 minutes; 63,158,400 seconds

Wow how the time has flown! It has truly been the best 2 years of my life. In honor of the last 24 months, here are 24 reasons why being married to Nate is the greatest thing ever! (This is brag about my husband time, so feel free to stop reading if you'd prefer...really don't feel bad if you don't want to read all the cheese that follows.)

1. He eats anything I cook, no matter what it is.

2. He tells me I'm beautiful every day.

3. He plays games with me...a lot!

4. He rubs my feet.

5. He watches American Idol with me.

6. He plays sports with me and makes me feel like I'm actually good at them.

7. He encourages me to work on my talents.

8. He shares my enthusiasm for holidays and any other reason to celebrate.

9. He is patient when I break things, burn food, crash the car, etc.

10. He works hard at his callings and helps me to do the same.

11. He recognizes that I need more sleep than he does and doesn't make me feel lazy.

12. He makes me laugh every day, several times a day.

13. He works hard at his job to earn job security.

14. He writes me sweet notes all the time.

15. He constantly encourages me with my goals, but never makes me feel like a failure if I fall short.

16. He doesn't make fun of me for making up songs all the time, but instead joins right in.

17. Not only does he get along with my brothers, but he genuinely looks forward to hanging out with them.

18. He gives great hugs and even better kisses.

19. He is as excited to tackle the upcoming adventure of parenthood together.

20. He sings with me every week during Family Home Evening and always bears his testimony at the end.

21. He taught me to love to be outside camping, playing, etc.

22. He cleans the house and does the dishes more often than I do!

23. He always remembers to pay the bills on time.

24. He loves me and he tells me and shows me every single day!

I love you Nate! Thanks for being my best friend. Here's to many more years of happiness!

A few of my favorite pictures...

My mom gave these to me last weekend after they were cleaned out of my grandparent's house. Enjoy!

My first Christmas. Awesome hair mom, awesome!

4 generations...get a loud of those pig tails!

The tummy twins

Do you remember when this cute face was that young and innocent? Ok, so he's still pretty young and innocent, but you gotta love that picture!

And the latest picture of our sweet little girl. That's her profile with her foot smacking her in the nose. Our little gymnast!