Who knows but that something wonderful may happen today. Have faith that it will. After all, every morning is a chance at a new day! -Marjorie Pay Hinckley


Monday, March 7, 2011

Happy Birthday, Mom!


Saturday (March 5th) was my mom's birthday. I don't know why, but I always miss her so much around her birthday. She was an amazing woman--positive, thoughtful, dedicated to her faith and family, and truly at times a force of nature! ;-) She never let the health problems she had slow her down. I've enjoyed taking time to remember my mom this week for her birthday!

I love this picture of my mom standing at the entrance to the Public Garden in Boston (notice the horse pooping in the background). I had spent the summer of 2001 in Boston (the year before I actually moved there) and she came to visit in August and then drove back to Indiana with me. She was still relatively healthy at the time and we made the best of it! We had such fun going around Boston and spent a day in New York City (mind you this was a month before 9/11). We rode the Staton Island Ferry past the Statue of Liberty and have pictures of the twin towers still in the NYC skyline. We also went and saw Les Miserables on Broadway. It was amazing and one of our happiest memories together. Saturday night (her birthday) I watched/listened to Les Mis and loved every minute and found myself singing the songs all day Sunday and wishing I had a voice like Cozette! ;-) Such happy memories!!


I found this note my mom sent me for my birthday a few months before she died. She often sent me money for a pedicure because she knew how much I love getting pedicures. This is classic "JaNet" and I love that I somehow found this and still have it to remember her. I had thought about going to get a pedicure on Satuday (her actual birthday), but decided to instead clean my house in her honor (she ALWAYS had a clean house).


I also put this picture together on Saturday. I've been wanting to make something like this ever since Lauren was born. It's just a little something to remind Lauren of who she was named after...Lauren JaNet Thacker.

I think the most overwhelming feeling I have felt this week was gratitude for the Savior and the blessings of the temple. I am grateful to know that I will see my mom again, not only see her but give her a big hug again someday. I can hardly wait!! Until then, I'll do my best to live in a way that would please her and my Savior.

9 comments:

Mallory said...

What a sweet post. Love you!

Williams Family said...

I wish I could have known your sweet mother. She must have been one amazing person. You are proof. Love you too!

Laura and crew said...

I've never seen a picture of your mom before. She's cute! I still remember when Lauren was blessed as a baby having an overwhelming feeling that your Mom was right there with you and Lauren as you blessed her with your mom's name. Still gives me goosebumps thinking about it. Anyway, I love ya and think you're awesome...and p.s. I'm always up for a pedicure, too!

Jessica said...

Wonderful JaNeece. Your mom was one of a kind. This is a great dedication to her. I know you are making her proud.

K and M K said...

So sweet JaNe! She was an amazing woman indeed...but as they say, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." :) Love ya!

The Curtis Family said...

What a sweet tribute to your mom! She sounds like a wonderful lady. I'm sure she's a lot like you! And, I love the picture you made for Lauren. What a great way to remember your mom!

Nygards said...

Loved your post. We thought about you the whole day that day. Thank you for your friendship!

Nicole said...

Wow, such a neat post. By the time I was done reading it I was crying :-).
I didn't know Lauren was names after JaNet. I'm sure she smiled up in Heaven when you wrote that.
I can't believe it was 2001 when you moved to Boston.....I remember my parents mentioning that and it doesn't seem that long ago.

Go get a pedicure the first week of every March to remember your mom. SHE WOULD WANT YOU TO!
Also, your toes NEED it after the winter, just in time for spring.

Eh said...

maybe i loved learning your mom called jeecer. i only met your mom at your wedding, but whenever i make tator-tot casserol, i think of it as your "comfort food" that she made for you.
hugs to you.
-jenny