Meet my BFFs: Mom

Mom and Dad; sadly, I don't know the date or the occasion, I just like the picture.

The first time she came to visit me in New York (9/07) she was REALLY excited to visit my office.

Christmas 2007

In Naperville, Illinois October 2008

In Portland, Oregon at a wedding September 2008

It's my mom's birthday today!  I was just thinking of my mom today (despite the fact that it was her birthday) because I was in Bed Bath & Beyond picking up my favorite fall candle.  It reminded me of this time almost exactly a year ago when we were in Chicago and I told her I could never pick out a good candle so we stopped by BB&B and she helped me pick out a good one.  

There are so many times I'm out and about in the city and think, "I wish my mom was here right now."  Pretty much every time I need to pick something out for my apartment I wish she was here.  I am NOT good at picking things out.  Today I was bath towel shopping and just got frustrated because I just didn't know what I wanted.  How do I know what is good quality?  How do I know what I'm going to like?  How do I know what will match the color I'm about to paint?  She would have all these answers.  She and her friend used to have an interior decorating business, and she has such a good eye.  I, somehow, am lacking the decorating gene, and never know what will look good together.  

Another time I wish she was here is when I'm cooking.  My mom is the best cook!  I can cook and bake alright, but it's just never as good as how she makes it.  Anytime I make dinner for friends I end up telling them several times, "It's so much better when my mom makes it, I promise."

Anyone who's gone to THHS has known Mrs. Hope in the front office, and has most likely been influenced for the better by her.  She comes in contact with thousands of people every year, so many of them remembering her because of ways she went out of her way to help them.  She's always taking extra steps to help people, just because she's that kind of person.  There have been countless times I've been in California shopping in Target or the grocery store and had someone ask me (either because they learn my last name, or just because we look so much alike) if I'm her daughter, and after I say yes they go on and on about how much they love her.  It gets to the point that I almost hate to go anywhere with her because she knows someone everywhere we go.  Seriously.  She says she feels like a celebrity, hahaha.  :)

I'm so grateful for my mom and all she's taught me.  I'm thankful for the way she's always kept our home open so my friends felt comfortable, and the way she's always been a cool mom.  My friends have always loved her.  She always knows what's cool, and is often times telling me about newest trends, even saying, "That's really in right now."  Haha, I can't help but laugh when she says things like that.

I hope you have a great birthday Mom!  Love you!

What do you do?

I'm a receptionist at Trabuco Hills High School.

Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day would be a day at an uncrowded beach in Hawaii, with perfect weather of course, reading a great book, enjoying the sun, watching and listening to the ocean, watching the sun set and sharing my feelings with my husband and having him truly understand me.

If you only had time to watch one tv show a week, which would you choose?

I would have to say Oprah because she is so inspirational, non-judgemental, understanding, caring, giving, and entertaining.  I have really learned a lot from her over the years.  Pay it forward.

What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

That I am shy in many ways.

When you've had a really bad day what makes you feel better?

Watching an inspirational show or reading an inspirational book and know that the day really wasn't that bad after all.  I have so much to be grateful for!

Who's your celebrity crush?

I've always loved Tom Selleck!

(I don't blame you, he's a fox!  Remember Richard from FRIENDS?  Mmmmm.)

What's one of your favorite childhood memories?

Going on many fun and memorable vacations.

What's one of your guiltiest pleasures?

See's Bordeaux or truffles candy.

If you could change one thing about the male race what would it be?

To understand women completely in every way!

What's one of your favorite things about living in southern California?

The weather definitely!

What's your favorite part of being a mom?

Watching my kids doing and giving to others...being of service to others...living a Christ-like life.

What book(s) are you currently reading?

Still trying to get through Edgar Sawtelle and just bought Undaunted by Gerald Lund...it's about the pioneers that settled where my mom's ancestors settled and since I'm going there in a month, I just heard from my sister Kate that it is awesome!

If I gave you $100,000 with the stipulation that you couldn't save it or invest it, and had to spend it within a week, what would you do with it?

Build the room I've always wanted above our living room, give part of it to my kids so that they could each get into a house, and give to some organizations like Alzheimer's, stroke, and cancer groups since those have affected my family's lives.

What is a piece of modern technology you could not live without?

Probably the computer because you can watch what you need to via computer plus communicate with others as well and learn.

Where is the most beautiful place you've ever been?

WOW, that is hard because I've been to some really beautiful places...I would have to say Europe.

What book should be required reading for every American?

The Bible.

You've got two round trip tickets to anywhere in the world.  Where do you go and who do you take?

Probably Greece with my husband.

What three material possessions do you value most?

My family genealogy books, mine and my kids' scrapbooks, and things my mom has made me over the years for our house.

What are you looking forward to?

Always look forward to having my kids home with me for a visit.

What are three things on your "bucket list"?

Getting my genealogy done as much as can be done, getting my scrap booking done, getting our house completely organized...don't think I have enough life left.

Who is someone who has changed or shaped your life for the better?

Both my dad and my mom definitely (tears!)

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

Enjoy each day and not wish and want to grow up so fast.

What do you know to be absolutely positively true?

That God the Father loves me unconditionally and that His son, Jesus, is the Christ and that He died for all mankind and He too loves me unconditionally!