Dedicated to my Mom

Yes, my Mom deserves to have a capital M used at the beginning of mom when referring to her. It's amazing how your perspective changes about your own mother when you become one yourself. I'm awed by the fact that my Mom raised 9 children, always made delicious homemade food, and kept a clean house.

On occasion Shari would use the phrase "you're such a little Joyce" to someone in the family. I thought how I did not want to be called that. To resemble something as old fashioned as my Mom was embarrassing to me. I guess it came from partly growing up with everyone thinking my Mom was my grandma. However, now as I think of that comment, it would be quite the compliment.

It was always of fear of mine that my own children wouldn't have the opportunity to meet their Skabelund grandparents. Luckily, so far, that has not been the case. When my Mom came out here last, I was constantly learning from her. She took such good care of us, cleaning, cooking and playing with the kids. She had the ability to teach Eli little things when they were spending time together. For me it is something I have to consciously think about doing while she just does it naturally at every available moment. My Mom loves babies. She couldn't get enough of holding and rocking Emma even if she was fussy. Then she made bread I think a total of 5 times. My Mama makes the best homemade bread. It was a goal of mine to have her teach me while she was here. However, it seemed like I was either super tired or having labor pains on the days she made it.

Since coming home from my mission I feel like my Mom's sense of humor or sarcastic side has blossomed. She's even funny sometimes when she doesn't mean to be. Don't let that humor fool you though, she's still my Mom. Chastising me to be better, make my bed, keep myself better groomed and to be more lady like. But at least now I have the ability to quip back with topics that make her blush and drop the subjects like a kite with no wind.

For some reason Mary Poppins is on my mind. It could be due to the fact that we listen either to the soundtrack everyday or Eli singing the soundtrack. So on that note my Mom is practically perfect. I love you Mom! Thanks for all!

And Mom here's some pictures of my first wheat bread. I finally got around to making some bread last week. I baked it a bit too long, it was overly dark. Though I have to say that it tasted quite like yours. Thanks for all the tips Mom. Though with a nursing baby and a potty training boy, I'm not sure it's something I'll attempt again for awhile. Still can't grasp 9.