Happy Birthday to Mom!

Today is my husband's Mom's Birthday! Happy Birthday Ruth Ann! We wish we didn't live so far away from you. When I told Logan today that it was your birthday, he said, "How are we going to get to California to celebrate with her?" It took a moment to convice him that unfortunately we couldn't drive right over. But we sure wish we could.

Here are some of the many things I love about my mother-in-law:

1. I never had a moment's worry that she wouldn't love and accept me with open arms into the family. I immediately felt loved.

2. She has an interesting history. I love hearing her talk about growing up in Payson, Utah. It was fun this summer when we celebrated my in-law's 50th wedding anniversary because Ross made a video for them from old pictures. It was fun to peek into her past and see her growing up. His folks also told us about their dating story and that was lots of fun to hear. She's also very active in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers which I think is fascinating.

3. She made me a quilt (purple, of course) when I married Ross and has also made adorable blankets for my babies. She even took the time to make my Logan one when she and my my father-in-law were serving a mission!

4. And speaking of the that, another thing I love is that I can see her love for the gospel. My in-laws served on the Apache reservation for 18 months in what wasn't an easy but fulfilling mission for them. It was so great to hear about their experiences there. They have also served in the Los Angeles and now the Newport Beach temples. And I know she serves in many other ways too.

5. She has also been a wonderful mother who taught her children the gospel and a love for the Lord. I'm truly grateful that she raised Ross to love and be active in the church. His testimony is in part because of her.

6. She loves my kids! What more could a mom ask for than fun, loving grandparents. Despite the distance, I know she thinks of, misses, and loves our children to pieces.