Happy Mother's Day MOM!

Dear Mom,

Thanks for being my mom! I know that you haven't gotten the 'main' gift yet - but I wanted to also give you a tribute on my blog. I am so grateful that you're my Mom...and for all the wonderful things that you've taught me.

Let's take a look, shall we...

(cue dream-sequence-like music. probably a harp...)

You taught me how to be a good sister. Both Karyna and I survived our childhood and are now good friends.
Except for the second floor stair banister on the Como house, I think most things remained unscathed...

You taught me how to see the world from a different perspective.
And that things aren't always as they seem. And that's not bad - there is much beauty in things that aren't always recognized initially.

Vanocka. Yes - in my lifetime - I've probably eaten more Czech Christmas Bread dough than actual bread...but it was delicious! And now, I can make it myself.
Christmas (and Easter) wouldn't be the same without it. Sorry for taking so many samples as a child - your patience with me as a kitchen assistant was incredible. As was the foresight to have tums and alka-seltzer on hand when I became ill.

Thank you for having me write down my goals each year at the North Shore. It's something that I do to this very day...

In addition to the goals, I've added a few motivational words. It works! As testament to #3 on the list. I made this list back in 2007 when I wanted to stare at something during a particularly grueling bike trainer session.

You (and Patti) always encouraged me to try new things.
Even though they don't always work out... it doesn't mean you still can't have fun trying! (I only fell twice...luckily I wasn't going fast. I couldn't really get enough grip on the ice to go fast... man, those edges are small!)

What would life be like without being silly, or having fun? You taught me to be less serious - because sometimes I'm too much for my own good.
I may look like a dork - but at least I'm having a good time. And everyone else was amused as well...

You gave me an appreciation for art and music... and that is something that I will carry with me forever.
Every time I look at this picture, it makes me feel happy. I remember the April day the we got it...Nathaniel and I spent hours trying to figure out if we really wanted to pay THAT much money for it. And you supported us with thoughtful questions - and to this day I'm grateful that we got it (and two others...)

And you've supported my love for art and all-things-artsy in a very special way
I don't know what it is with me and teapots. I just love teapots... and Mom has really nurtured that love.


You've also taught me to go after the things that I want, but that the road won't always be easy.
Yes, life sometimes seemed like an uphill battle, but with your support I've always ended up on top. (Or else close to the top).
Kim and I, Palomar Mountain General Store. January 2009. COLD descent!

And you've taught me about love. I don't know how else to say it...
Better yet? You've loved this guy from the start - even though he was my first boyfriend ever, and even though he was in ROTC at the time, and even though I had only been in Madison for a week... nearly 9 years later and it's working beautifully. Yes, the Marine Corps thing is (still) a little weird to me - but he's really incredible. Thanks for making him 'one of yours'. He loves you too!

I love you Mom! I wish more than anything I could be up in Minnesota, spending the day with you and Dad. But we'll have to postpone the celebrations for another month until we meet up in Idaho (knock on wood). OKAY - EVERYONE PLEASE KNOCK ON WOOD!

Thanks!

Have a GREAT Mother's Day Mom - thanks for being my MOM!

PS - there were so many more things I could have added to the list... I hope you know that. Endless, really...