To Mom(s)

Dear mama,

Indebted, blessed, grateful, humbled. These are a few words that come to mind when I think of the inspiring influence you have over me. Heavenly Father saw fit for our relationship to be mother-daughter. I am so grateful He blessed me with you.

I still remember when I was little and I would lay on your stomach while you would scratch my back every night before bed. I still remember when you had me put ketchup on my lima beans because for a crazy while ketchup made everything taste good. I still remember when I broke my arm riding a bike and you were so compassionate towards what I thought was a huge mistake. I still remember you calling me sweet pea every night before bed. I still remember you yelling at me through gritted teeth for being mean to Rachael. I still remember when you surprised Rachael and me with Grady, the best dog ever. I still remember seeing you in the stands at all of the football games.

All of these little moments over time have created an amazing relationship and wonderful example of motherhood. You are dedicated. You are kind. You are fierce. You are passionate. You are submissive. You are faithful. You are selfless. You love your family. You sacrifice daily. And most importantly you love the Lord.

I am so grateful for all of the skills, characteristics, principles, lessons and game show trivia you have taught me.

Thank you for signing me up for soccer, gymnastics and swimming. Thank you for forcing me to be in marching band. Thank you for going to all of my games and cheering me on. Thank you for reading to me. Thank you for serving others. Thank you for singing Journey in the car with me and helping me fall in love with 90's country. Thank you for working 3+ jobs as long as I can remember so that we didn’t go without. Thank you for loving dad no matter what and standing with us when even when it seemed impossible.

Thank you for exercising your God given gifts, found in the sacred calling of motherhood, and letting those shine through us.

To all the other moms out there who have done so much for me. Thank you. I promise it does not go unnoticed. I love yall and am so grateful for the sacrifices yall made for me as well.

I love you to the moon a million times over and I can’t wait to see you next month.

When you feel down read this to remind yourself how important you are and that you are needed.

Love,

Hannah

Alabama vs. Reality

Confession:

I hate to admit it but I now secretly love being able to say I call Idaho home, especially Teton Valley and my vacations are spent where I used to call home.


Sundays in the South:

I loved being home and being able to catch up with my home ward and meeting all of the new members. This is Nikki. I went to high school with her and she converted 2 years ago and now she's married and pregnant so next time I see her she's gonna have a baby! Also my mom and I went to a piano recital for my sister's best friends since she wasn't able to go because she was at the beach.

Rachael Graduated:

My sister Karen came down from Nashville with my baby niece Elizabeth and my brother Joe works downtown where it was held so he was able to come as well. I'm so proud of her and all she has accomplished and I can't wait to she what she decides to pursue.

Graduation Cookout:

I loved seeing so many people come together to support Rachael and what she has done but I especially loved seeing my family. I surprised my nieces and nephews and hung out with them the whole night. My oldest nephew is now taller than me!

Fishing for Days:

How do I spend my last night at home? I fish. It is one of my favorite things to do and I was the only one who caught a bass. I caught 5 for the night. Don Paul just wanted me to take a picture with his catfish so I took one with Hunter who leaves for his mission on my birthday next month to Spain. Last time I get to see him for 2 years!

Home to Home in 1 Day:

Usually when I travel home I break it up into 2 days because it is such a long drive to Idaho alone but I did it all in one day on Wednesday. Woke up at 4, flew to Dallas with a 2 hour layover, then SLC, then drove 5 plus hours to Teton Valley. I got a beautiful sunrise before I got to the airport and when I got back to Idaho I got a rainbow in my backyard.

JOSH TURNER:

Thursday I went to a sold out show at my school for Josh Turner. I went with my friend Daniel who has heard of him but doesn't know much of his music. I'm pretty sure he loved it. Scotty McCreery came 2 years ago and sang a cover of Your Man and Mr. Turner ended the night with that song. It was great to say I've heard it twice on the same stage. We had amazing seats too!

Training:

Thursday I also started my training to be an AFY counselor and so far it has been a blast and a ton of work. I got chosen to be one of the wranglers so all that time at President Wilson's paid off! I also live with 34 people and that has been one for the books as well.

HomeGrown

Sunday Best:

I just love these girls and it is going to be an amazing summer! (Bekah, Annie, Meredith, Me)

Last Ride on a Monday: 

It rained and I took Scott riding. Once again I learned a new path and I LOVE riding in the rain.

 Work:

I had to cut metal poles for tents and bunk beds and it looked pretty cool. I even got to wear Keith's brand new welder's cap.

Sunsets in Idaho and Alabama!

It had been raining for days in Idaho and when I was in Pocatello the clouds let up to give me a great show. Then I decided as soon as I got home to Alabama I was going to the stake camp out at camp Hulaco and this was the sunset on the way and I loved it.

Stake Camp Out:

Since I am ropes certified my friends volunteered me to help work the ropes course all day. It was so fun to see all the kids I use to babysit come up and do a great job on all of the elements. This place is beautiful. and I miss it so much. (Jessica Armstrong with her daughters Lily and Kate. I am their former babysitter. And Don Paul the most knowledgeable man I know when it comes to the outdoors.)

 Baron's Baseball:

My parents both have summer jobs downtown for Birmingham's Minor League team the Baron's. My dad and my sister were at the beach for a music festival so I went with my mom since she had to work. We lost by a landslide but I was still in heaven. I just love being home and the south; just look at those clouds! She also showed me where they installed the sign for the entrance to the newly done rotary trail. I love being home!