Mother Dearest

Dear Mom,

Happy birthday! I hope it's been a great one and I'm glad that I've been able to spend it at home with you. You are an amazing example to me of selfless service, an example of someone who will jump at the chance to provide help to someone in need. You are an example to me of someone who will fiercely defend her children. You have gone to bat for me countless times, and for that I am extremely grateful. You are a loyal mother, wife, and friend, and you honor what you say you will do.

Thank you for the countless hours that you've talked to me. I know sometimes I call home too much, have too many stories and sometimes too many tears, and you have shown so much patience. Thank you for the little gifts, the letters, and the care packages left under the seat of my car, in my suitcase when I leave home, and in my mailbox at school. They each mean so much to me.

Thank you for being an example of beauty. We all know I have a hot mom, and your example of good health has shown me that maybe someday I can look half as good as you. :) But while you are beautiful outside, I don't think it even comes close to the beauty you have on the inside. Your kindness and ability to bethere for someone who needs you is unprecedented. I don't think I've ever met anyone who comes close to you.

Thank you for your testimony. Your quiet faith has been an example to me as my testimony has grown and shaped itself over the years. I take it as a compliment whenever someone tells me I look or act like you. No one can say anything nicer to me!

I love you, Mom, and I hope this next year shows you lots of happiness. You are an amazing woman, and everyone who knows you better realize how lucky they are to have come across you in their lives.

Love,

Alexa

Now, I know she might get mad, but here's a little photo montage of my mom. Isn't she beautiful??

Seriously. Hot couple award right here. I have attractive predecessors.

Love Notes

Tonight was one of those nights. The one where nothing is really going on, you're home alone, and your mood starts to sink a little bit. I hope I'm not the only one who occasionally has those! The stress of moving in the next few weeks, of paying rent when I have about $5 in my bank account, and other things just kind of got to me. So I decided to read some notes.

I have a drawer in my room where I keep notes and letters from friends, family, neighbors, etc. I haven't read them in a while, and browsing through them was just what I needed. Notes like those remind me to put a smile back on my face, and to keep moving forward. They remind me that there are people out there who care about me, who want the best for me. So to those of you who have written me a "love note" in the last 4 years, thanks. Thank you for reminding me that I'm beyond blessed for having so many wonderful, amazing, and inspirational people in my life. And thanks for the memories those notes remind me of.