This one's for my Mom!

This year, particularly April and May, is a big year for my Mom. On April 10 she turned 50. Today she gets to celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary. Tomorrow we all get to celebrate how WONDERFUL she is. In about 3 weeks her youngest child graduates from high school. Alot going on that are major marking points in her life. Four weeks ago we had a big party to celebrate these events. Kayli and I planned a surprise party for her and secretly invited her family and closest friends. Although my dad was in on the surprise for my mom, the surprise was also on him as we had made it an anniversary celebration as well. Thirty years of successful marriage is quite an accomplishment that deserved celebration! It turned out to be such a special night as everybody ate delicious food and shared their favorite memories or greatest moments with my mom or with both my parents. There were a few other special surprises that night as well. ALL of my mom's siblings made it a priority to be there, even the ones from Idaho and St. George. I can't even describe how much that meant to my mom and all of us. (tears just thinking about it!) My mom said that that's how she pictures Heaven; all of her family and closest friends together! There just aren't adequate words to describe how incredible that night was! Also, thousands of thanks to Jake who put together an amazing video of my parents journey together! Lots of hard work and many hours paid off!

Here's everyone waiting for her to come in

Surprise!
My mom later told me she felt like she was going to pass out. Here she's leaning on the wall for support. What a shock!
These are the culprits who tricked her into the building. They were "planning" to go out to dinner to celebrate, but they had to stop and do some quick business at the church. (Jim and my dad are on high council together so it was believable). My dad "needed someone to help him" while he supposedly tested the chapel sound system so he sent my mom into the gym and told her to see if she could hear the microphone from there. That's how she was lured in!
Good ol' West Valley friends
I love this picture. It shows old friends so happy to see each other.
Poor Cameron couldn't get work off and Sarah had clinicals that night so we missed them at the party! Cameron came after work to say hi to everyone and get a family picture. I have such a cute family!

My mom has set the perfect example of service for me. She goes above and beyond to help others and in doing so has pure empathy for those in need. She is a very busy person because she's always out serving others. She is the most selfless person I've ever met! I seriously don't know how I got so lucky to have her as my mom! She has always been there for me and is my biggest fan. She came to every single one of my volleyball games and other school and church events. I know her greatest joy is being with her family and seeing us succeed. She was there by my side when I became a mother and has helped me every step of the way through this journey called motherhood.

Happy 50th Birthday,

Happy Mother's Day,

and Happy Anniversary!

Congratulations on 30 years together! I know I have been placed on the path of successful marriage through my parent's example. It's now up to me and Jess and the choices we make, but we will always have that example to follow!


What a cute couple! I love them!!!