Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to two great mothers in my life. I must first mention my own mother, Marlene Kay Rabiger Barth.

As I delve deeper and deeper into motherhood, myself, I gain greater love and respect for my own mom. I think of the wonderful opportunities she gave us.

First, in developing structure, discipline and learning. I remember the Big 5, a wood peg board with lists of the responsibilities we had for the day, such as: dishes, making bed, homework, music practicing... There began our foundation for work. I also remember her diligently teaching us poems and scriptures during morning breakfast. There I began to stretch my mind and spirituality and we impressed the whole primary reciting our learnings in primary talks. I still remember I Love You Mother...

"I love you mother, said little John

Then forgetting his work his cap went on

And he was off to the garden swing

Leaving his mother the water and wood to bring..."

I actually remember the whole poem as well as The Grumble Family and the first scripture I ever learned; 1Nephi: 3:7. In my mother's own words, she wasn't consistent, but persistent and it payed off.

Then there were the countless hours, not to mention money, she put into our lessons; driving, helping practice, encouraging, threatening. Dance several times a week, children's choir, piano lessons, voice lessons, gymnastic lessons, violin lessons, guitar lessons, soccer team. Did I forget anything, mom?

And on top of all that, we had wonderful vacations. That was partly due to not being wealthy ourselves, but knowing the right people. Lake Powell, California, Seattle and Zions were among our favorites. Still, mom organized, shopped, drove and endured endless car trips in often, unreliable transportation. We love the giant blue "Eight's Great" van. The character we built on those trips were priceless.

There is too much to mention, but those are a few the fantastic ways I remember my mom. Thanks mom for being "persistent" and giving me the world. I feel, because of your guidance and teaching, there is nothing I can't do or get through. You set your mark high and make me want to be a better mom. I love you.

Another great mother I must mention is my mother-in-law, Marilyn Syphus Mann. Although I have known this mother much less than my own, I have learned so many lessons of selflessness and service from her. Marilyn loves her family deeply and there is nothing she wouldn't do for them. I remember road trips Rob and I would take as newly weds where she would carefully pack food and drink in coolers for us without our asking. She still continues to do this for any sort of trip we might take. She is willing to do anything to make sure the people around her a happy and comfortable.

There have been countless times she has gone to great length to visit us so far away and to watch grandchildren so Rob and I can have a much needed vacation together. She also loves her grandchildren greatly. Homemade aprons for the girls, little care packages filled with goodies and toys for the kids, cards of love on holidays, fun picture books are just some of the things she does to show her love so far away.

One of the most remarkable outcomes of this mother are her boys; four fantastic, loving, responsible, successful, spiritual boy. Much like my mom, many of those mothering years were spent as a single parent. Yet, through her, her boys learned to work hard, to be frugal, industrious, kind, loving and fun.

Thanks, Marilyn, for being such a great mother, grandmother and mother-in-law. Thank you raising your son so well for me and letting me have him. I love you.