Celebrating the Best Mom Ever!

The Fab 5 strike again!

All 5 of us kids wanted to make our Mom's birthday extra special this year. She will be turning 70 years young! Our first idea was to have a big birthday bash like we did for my Dad when he turned 70. But my Mom needed to be in Elko, NV with Josi as she delivers her third baby boy this month! Our next idea was to collect letters/memories from friends and family and create a big book of remembrance for her! But she wasn't too thrilled with the idea of broadcasting her age.... So, we decided to do a scrapbook just from us. We each wrote a letter and had the kids add pictures or kind words. We also all sent Jon and Cami pictures of us with Mom and they, with the help of Tanner, created a beautiful slideshow of her incredible life. Cami found a gorgeous necklace that is in the shape of a heart, says MOM, and even has a little diamond. We all chipped in to purchase it for her!

Cami hosted a wonderful birthday bash with yummy food and a delicious chocolate cake! We had a great time celebrating our favorite person and it was our privilege to spend a few hours honoring our precious Mother!

Mikaela was by Bebo's side for a good 30 minutes. They have a super special bond that I find so enchanting. He even "played" with her and said silly things in a funny voice with her cute little animals. 

Here my Mom is reading the card we all signed before she opened her sparkly surprise.

Group shot! Cort was taking the picture and both Jon and Tanner were outside with sleeping toddlers. Each of them had to drive around for a few minutes to get the melting children to fall asleep. It was kind of Tanner to take one for the team- as he so often does.

These girls LOVE babies!

After the party we went back to my parents house where they presented Parker with his first set of scriptures. It is a special occasion marked by his baptism. But since my Mom won't be able to make it for that sacred day she made sure to have a meaningful moment with him as she shared her testimony and explained to him the importance of the scriptures. She even had his name engraved on them and added a little Lego train to help him always remember to "stay on track"!

Parker was thrilled with his gift and though we are sad that my Mom wont be able to make it to his baptism we feel so lucky to have all of the Peterson family willing to attend. My mom is giving of her time and talents to Josi. And we are all so happy and grateful for her sacrifices for each of us! But she will be missed!

Dear mom,
You are the best mom in the entire universe! I've been thinking a lot about what makes a "good mom"-is it that her kids are clean, well fed, and go to bed on time? Is it that she reads them stories and things them songs and takes them on fun adventures? Is it that those kids grow up to be successful adults and become mothers themselves? Is it fair to judge what a "good mom" is based on the outcome of her children? Well, I think a good mom is one in which her children know that she loves them, that they love themselves, and that those children show love for others. Most of all I think a good mom teaches her children to love the Savior. See! You ARE the best mom in the universe! You do all of this and SO much more.

How grateful I am to have been born under the covenant to goodly parents and an extraordinary mother. I am so thankful to be your daughter for all eternity.

Of all the memories I have of you,mom, all of them are happy! Riding to Utah in the station wagon propped in the middle of the front seat right next to you, special lunches out to clifton's or McDonald's. Ditch days to Laguna for hot chocolate and shopping, the bead shop, and cordials. Swimming lessons and ballet class, piano lessons and Play dates. Always a beautiful doll as a gift for my birthday or Christmas, or the perfect handball, beach days at three arch Bay, fancy nights out to see Broadway shows, and Family home evening. Driving me up to Rexburg Idaho for my first day of college and even signing me up for my classes!

Of course we can't forget about our adventures in Europe, The top of the Eiffel Tower, the coliseum and the south of France. Or our epic adventure across the country and that old beat up car. Stomping through Chicago, Water taxis, and your arm getting stuck in the train door!

I couldn't be the person I am today without you by my side every step of the way. When I felt like I had nowhere else to go I knew I could always come home and you were always happy to have me there. Words can't express how much it means to me to live close to you and to share every day with you. Not a day goes by that I don't talk to you on the phone, text you, or see you in person.

I've had three babies and you were the constant, unwavering pillar of strength through each of those blessed, miraculous events. My children love you so much. There's no doubt in my mind that you are Parker's best friend!

You understand me so clearly and make me feel like I can conquer the world. Your advice, honesty, and generosity are all so appreciated! Whenever I felt scared or like the world was crashing down on me you would always smile, maybe even laugh, and make me feel like everything is going to be ok. And it always is! I know that your superpower is prayer because when you pray for me I feel this incredible strength flow to me. The peace and assurance you provide me is immeasurable.

I love that you have been by my side (literally) through most of my life's most important events. Remember when I came home from my honeymoon and was moving to Las Vegas? I cried and asked you to come with us as we moved into our first apartment! Only a mother like you could be so welcome at a newlyweds domain! That just goes to show what an excellent mother you are and how much you mean to me.

Above all, mama, I'm so grateful for the example you sent to me as a right to start over heavenly father. You serve so faithfully in the church. Your willingness to sacrifice your time, talents, and means to build up the kingdom of God is truly admirable. I strive every day to be more like you. I am so thankful that you taught me the Gospel. You took me to church, prepared me for a temple marriage, and encourage me always to follow the spirit and choose the right. The light of Christ shines so brightly through you, mom. You are truly beautiful! The most beautiful woman in the whole wide world! And I'm so honored to be your daughter!

Happy birthday Mama! I love you so so so much!
Love,
Chan