To Our Mommies

Things we've learned from our moms:

1. They brought you into this world and they can take you out.

2. Cross your legs when you are sitting on stage in a skirt.

3. Just because it’s your room doesn’t mean it can look like a pigsty, a tornado went through, a bomb went off, or anything else that might cause a room to look like a natural disaster hit it.

4. Check your clothing labels before doing laundry.

5. If you wash things on hot, everything will be tiny and one shade of gray.

6. Don’t stick your fingers in a fan. Don’t get your hair to close to one either.

7. Do not cut your own hair.

8. When you’re a child, wait to shave your legs for as long as possible. It is a curse.

9. The same does not go for arm pits. Those sneak up on you early.

10. Eat your vegetables.

11. Tighter pants do not always mean better pants.

12. Less makeup is more.

13. Do not run down stairs.

14. Do not walk around alone at night.

15. Boys do not always have your same motives in mind.

16. You are the prize to strive for.

Dear Mom,

You gave me life just so I could turn around and raise hell in yours. I know that I’m not the easiest person to live with a lot of the time but you have never ceased to be by my side, support me, and love me. You were there when I had nightmares and would run into your and Dad’s room. You were there when I was sick and you let me have Oops All Berries cereal because it was all I wanted even though I immediately threw it up all over the stairs and left a multicolored stain. You were there when I won volleyball and hockey games, but more importantly you were there when I lost them. You supported me in whatever adventure I wanted to try that day whether it be a food or a sport. There are a lot of things I remember doing with you. I remember going to Gus’s pretzels in St. Louis and having the best pretzel of my life. I remember going skiing with you several times. I remember you sitting in the sun so long watching me play doubles volleyball you got a purple sunburn on your legs. I remember going to work with you. There’s one specific time that will be forever burned in my mind though. We went down to the store to get a snack and there was that guy that used to work there who would smash your Twinkies. He wasn’t there that day so we got our snacks and left and as we were walking out I saw a guy who looked like him and just as I was about ready to yell “TWINKIE SMASHER!!!!!” I realized it wasn’t him. Every time I think about it I laugh. I remember when I had to do a speech on how to make a Thanksgiving item in 3rd grade and I made your pumpkin pie. You gave me all the directions and even a spice girl joke to put in the middle of the speech. I was so upset when the cafeteria lady burned it to crisp because she didn’t follow my mommy’s directions. You held me close and kept me safe for 18 years and when it came time for me to move on to the next part of my life you let me go and I know it couldn’t have been easy but I couldn’t have done it without you. I came up here with everything I could have needed. I knew how to cook, clean, do my laundry, and I knew that before anything else I needed to do my homework and be responsible for myself. All things you taught me. Thank you for everything you have done and will do for me. I don’t think you hear how thankful Kimmy and I are enough.
I love you! Happy Mother's Day!
-Katie

Momma,

As the only girl in Daddy’s house, you were always my feminine relief: my girl time. I remember:
-Braiding your hair at soccer games.
-Making pizza from scratch.
-Baking in general. You would always let Jared and I lick the bowls and spoons.
-The time Brittany Brasselle had a tea party at her house, and you helped me color coordinate myself into red nails, a red hat, and a red and white bead necklace. Every time I look at that necklace I smile.
-When Caitlin Reynolds had a Spice Girls party. I hated the Spice Girls and had no idea what they looked like, but you did your best to make me look like Baby Spice.
-When you threw me the coolest birthday party ever with the face painting and the fishing thing in the basement.
-The English and math workbooks you made me do during the summer. I hated it at the time, but you always knew what was best for me, even when I threw a fit.
-How we used to have a huge pantry. I would open it up and not know what I wanted. I’d look to you, and you’d say “The world is your oyster honey.” You always made me feel fuzzy.
-The time we were eating nuts and we put our heads side by side and giggled because we could hear each other crunching.
-The time you sat down at the piano and played. You said you were just plunking, but I thought it was so beautiful I had to try not to cry.
-When there were elk in the back yard and we went out and stared at them for the longest time.
-When I had really bad nightmares, you would pull out the dream interpretation book, and we would talk about it until I felt better.
I also remember the hard times. You were so strong when I felt like I was going to fall apart. And when I hit my horrible rebellion stage, you managed not to kill me.
You’re my church buddy. You baptized me and continue to help me feel my through my path with God. You’re my friend – I tell you everything. When I have heartbreak you are always in your office ready for me to spill my guts. You’re my live theater, Red Lobster, Barnes and Noble buddy.
I can’t wait for you to show me how to be the kind of mother you were and always are. You taught Jared and I so much, and personally, I think we came out pretty well. I love you mommy angel baby! Happy Mother's Day!

- Caitlin