Day 28: The Book Book

A familiar sight for anyone who knows Ruth Ann is a pair of headphones and a tape deck, cd player or mp3 player streaming her latest book find. She achieved the status of master multi-tasker long ago, listening to books while sewing, cooking, walking, running errands and even sleeping! I would not be surprised to see her reading one book while listening to another, though I'm not sure she's tried it.


One thing most of you probably did not know is that she reads so many books that she has started keeping a book journal by the side of her bed, to help her know which books she has already listened to or read.

To the left is a sample page from last May. The letters next to each title are code for how she consumed the book. B = physical copy of the book. BCD = Book on CD. You knew she read a lot, but did you know it had reached this level?

This post was Dad's idea, and I made a little video of him explaining the book:



While we're on the topic, I know Carrie really loved the book club the sisters did up at the Park City cabin. Anyone up for that again? Which book would you choose/propose?

Day 27: The most important work

I started thinking a few weeks ago and realized that this is not only Mom's "big year" but my "big year" too. I turn 30 this year. That means I am half as old as Mom this year. It also means that she was about my same age when I was born. How can this be? I have half as many kids as she did at my age and she was only one year younger than I was when she got married. She always seemed like such a pro and so experienced by the time I came around. Tell me Flori, did you feel like the guinea pig? I think Mom just has that natural knack for mothering and all things homey.

Mom was always so good at being a homemaker that I just figured that was the only thing she ever wanted to do. Going to college really opened up my eyes. I studied things I was passionate about and saw different opportunities in the world and suddenly realized that motherhood was a choice and sacrifice and not some obligatory or blindly assumed role.

We have a brilliant mother. She speaks Spanish, speaks English better than most (she could totally pass for an English major), she is good at math, and is clever and funny. On top of that, she is one of the best in her true field, home economics. I know that she has never played the role of the martyr in being a stay-at-home mom but I also know that if she had chosen otherwise she could have taken her life in other successful directions.

Our mother knows a lot of things, but most importantly she knows this:
"The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes."

- Harold B. Lee

We all know that Mom really wanted to have 20 kids; and if anyone could have done it, she could have. I've often thought about my role in the family as one of the kids on the tail end of the family. As a child I took having a big family for granted. I don't think I ever realized the sacrifice that was involved to have so many children.

Mom told me the other day that she didn't start feeling stressed out until #5 came along. I'm just grateful that she went on to have 3 more children, and that I made it into the world and into this family. I have learned so many things from my parents and brothers and sisters that have shaped my life and helped me to grow and become better. Thank you, Mom, for choosing to be a mother and to have a family and also for choosing to be involved in our lives the way you were (and are).

Day 26: Best of Friends

My dear, dear friend Ruth Ann,

I look out the window at snow that is piled up almost to my height. When the weather is - 20 or so, I feel the cold biting at my face every time venture outside. Even in bad weather, we could walk inside. If I could, I would even walk outside with you now. Because the walking was never as important as the talking. We talked about EVERYTHING, although our children were always certain we mainly discussed them.

You are such a calming influence. I recall at a wedding, maybe John and Ashley's, someone was getting extremely upset. Instead of joining the fray, you simply told those who could have been offended not to take things too seriously because "she is just being a little hypervigilent right now." I observed how your framing the problem in terms of someone with needs and weaknesses defused anger.

Maybe your calm acceptance of life's frustrations makes me (and probably many others) "dump" on you. Thank you for listening to my soul's many complaints during the frequent times I feel stressed. What a comfort to know that I can reveal my perceived faults and that you will still love and accept me despite them as well as the faults you see, but don't criticize me for.

In addition to the way I feel happy in your presence, my family and I have benefited from your homemaking gifts. Thank you for giving me food and recipes and cooking advice. Thank you for catering my children's weddings and other events. Thank you for sewing your unique gifts for me and my family.

Of course we are not the only ones you envelop in your big embrace. You invite the socially needy and new people in the ward to your cabin. You rush to take care of your children's needs. You give sustained and tender attention to first your father and now your mother as well as your extended family on both sides. You consistently serve in the temple. You are a happiness facilitator for so many of us, on both sides of the veil.

So, if we could walk together, even in the cold, I would. But while we won't be walking friends for awhile, I continue to be blessed by your intelligence, your profound gospel insights, and your love and demonstrated compassion for your family and friends, including me. Thank you.

Love, Athelia

Day 25: Mama Ruthie becomes the Nanny

I am happy and proud that Maddie's birthday today also marks 14 years since our mom became a grandmother! 14 years of being the beloved Nanny! Since Maddie was almost 10 days overdue, it was an anxious time for everyone and mom and dad would call me every day to check on me. I promised over and over again that I would let them know the moment we headed to the hospital. When I finally called to tell them we were on our way, I remember how excited mom was and wanted to rush right down to the hospital too. Kay and Cecile headed down from Idaho and they, along with mom and dad, spent a long night in the hospital waiting room, all of them waiting for the baby who would send them each into the realm of grandparenting.

Madeline Ruth (I'm so happy she has the name Ruth!) changed all of our lives forever. It has been humbling to me as I grow in motherhood to continually recognize and discover the many ways in which a mother sacrifices for her children. I have wondered at our mother's reserves of patience and kindness, and am so grateful for the example of love she set in our home. I have loved watching Mom grow in her role as a grandmother and know that she cherishes that role as well as her mothering role.

Many people have mentioned Mom's talent for making others feel special. She also has a talent for quilting and our family has many "special blankies" made by Nanny. Maddie is getting pretty old these days, but she still loves her blankie and enjoys her status as the first grandchild on both sides.

Day 24: Classic Ruth Ann

May 2004:

Ruth Ann mastering the multi-task--holding brand new baby Bentley in one arm and playing spider solitaire with the other. I'm just wondering where her apron, audiobook and headphones are...

Day 23: Mother Never Knew

Our family has used the same photographer, Dave Newman, for many photo shoots. He always asks us to say "Mother never knew..." instead of "Cheese!", and then mom closes her eyes for the shot.

I wonder how many things mother really did know that we thought she never knew. You know? I compiled a quick list of my dirty doings. Mom, tell me if any of these are a surprise. I don't have any pics of me getting caught in the act, but this picture reminds me of all of the kids doing super stretch acrobatics off the kitchen counter to reach the treats above the fridge. Nice try hiding those mom!



My "Mother never knew" list. Mother never knew I...

1. Cut holes in my new Sunday pants because I was mad at her.
2. Sprayed windex on our bathroom light bulbs because I thought it looked cool when they exploded.
3. Wore Bob's diapers when I was 10 one day for extra padding (and for the heck of it) to do acrobatics in the front yard with John.
4. Made John and Mary eat cat and dog food even though they were just playing pretend
5. Added extra zeros to a babysitting check from Debbie Nelson. Got busted by the bank.
6. Used to sneak boxes of jello to eat in our play-chalet finger dip-n'-lick style.
7. Faked a fall in the shower to stay home from school (Jim had fallen that same morning... Mom gave us both the benefit of the doubt).
8. Squeezed mustard into loafers and spit snot into the pockets of sweatpants on the rack at VF Factory Outlet.
9. Got busted by a mall cop for stealing.
10. Hid between her mattress and box spring after I woke up surly from a nap. "She probably wouldn't even notice me if I was gone forever" I thought in self pity. Mom came looking for me and I stayed hidden. I only emerged after mom formed a search party of family and neighbors that called around for 15 minutes outside. I was satisfied with the effort. Thanks Mom.

After creating this list, I'm afraid for the parenting years to come. As an adult I often hear people comment "How did all of the LeBaron kids turn out so great?" Those people should read this post, and they'll realize it wasn't all roses. Thanks for putting up with us for so many years mom.

Now, as my challenge to the siblings, in-laws and grandkids... confession time. What did Mother never know? Fess up.

Day 22: Tradition!

While I could never add to Tom's prolific post on Breakfast in Bed (and prolific pictures, I might add), there is no doubt that Mom (and Dad's) loving traditions live on in the lives of each of her children.

This morning Sisi kicked off her 5th birthday with one of my favorite traditions—breakfast in bed: delectable french toast, the happy birthday and fried ham songs (not captured in the video below), and a bed full of siblings (Kai and Anders) ready to partake in the spoil.

Some of the other traditions (alive and dead) that I have enjoyed with mom are:

1) Special Day (where one of us gets to go out with her for an hour or two)

2) Morning scripture study

3) No chores on your birthday (which, sadly, never applied to Mom)

4) Having our favorite meal made on our birthday

5) Rib Fest (lunch at mom's for Joseph's work colleagues)

6) Going around the table on peoples' birthdays and saying what we like about them

7) Going to the old stake center on Christmas Eve to hear the organ play

8) Visiting Midway every year

9) Going out to lunch with everyone before the MTC

10) Eating gelatin pudding in those old-school gray plastic dishes at our old house for FHE

11) Putting our Christmas presents into "sections"

12) Getting chocolate oranges in our stockings

13) Singing hymns in the morning

14) Father's blessings (with mother's blessing?)

Looks like most of my favorite traditions revolve round food. I'm looking forward to hearing other traditions I've forgotten about!

Thanks for making Sisi's Birthday Nanny!

Day 21: Teaching Love

The RuthAnn everyone admires is the one who loves her family and makes it known to them. I admire that RuthAnn as much as anyone else but the RuthAnn I admire the most is the one who loves her neighbors and lets them know it. When I was dating James there was always a party or a reunion at her house, she was always trying to make the lonely members of the 4th ward to feel welcome and have a place to go on Sundays.

I am always touched by her willingness to help her friends on wedding receptions and sewing projects.














It is expected from a mother to love her children, from a wife to love her husband, from a grandmother to love her grandkids, from a friend to love her friends. RuthAnn has shown unto us that we can give love to anyone. Thank you for being so altruist and teaching us how to love.

luci.

Day 20: The Woman in Our Life

Of all of the beautiful creations that our mother has shown us—she is the most beautiful one. President Hinckley's tribute to women is our tribute to you, mom. How thankful we are for you. God bless you.

Day 19 :Who loves you?

I echo what Jim and others said about nap time. I scanned this image last week thinking it would be cool to talk about it so I am glad you did. I think like the breakfast in bed each of the children should load some pictures of them during a nap.

As children a reccurring series of questions would be asked of us. They went like this:

Mom/Dad: Who loves you?

Child: You do.

Mom/Dad: Why do I love you?

Child: Because I am special.

This daily affirmation instilled in all of us a feeling of truly being special to each of our parents. Mom, you have always told me that I was your special boy. Looking through all of my pictures brought back so many great memories of spending time with you. Whether it was watching a sad movie and holding your hand while we cried, or me crying because I didn't want you to tell me how to "down-berry, up-berry" properly. I have always loved to be with you and I am so grateful for all you have done for me and my family. Thank you for making us all feel loved and special in our own way. When I tell people that there are eight kids in our family the always say things like, "Wow I bet you didn't really get very much attention since your parents had to divide their time between so many children." I think you and dad did a great job of taking time for each of us and always making us feel important and special. I love you because you are special to me.

Thomas

Day 18: A"Maise"d by Nanny

Our most recent visit with mom was when Maisy was born in November. It was so fun to have her there with us and you would be amazed at all she did and all she always does. I kept having the thought, "No wonder she could have 8 children. She is so good at getting things done."

While she was here she sewed a diaper bag, burp cloths, half of a quilt top for uncle Bob, finished a quilt top for Gunner's bed, helped me tie a quilt (and rounded up the quilting frame from a sister in my ward), sewed the binding to the quilt for me to bind, sewed a carseat cover, cooked meals daily (she often had 2 or more meals going at once to fill the freezer as well as feed us that day), kept the laundry going, cleaned, took the kids places, went to the grocery store a bazillion times, read to the kids, listened to her own books, read her scriptures, visited the hospital several times, planned Thanksgiving (for us and the rest of the family)and talked to probably every person in the family multiple times. ** Are you tired yet? I am too, and I probably left things out.

What is more impressive than all that she accomplishes is that she does it all tirelessly for all of us and others. She is the best example of selfless and Christ-like giving that I have ever known.

I am so grateful to you Mom, for your happy and willing attitude and for your endless generosity and hospitality. I often think of your willingness and selflessness when situations arise and hope to someday do it all as well as you do. I love so many things about you but this is at the top of my list. Thank you for talking the talk and walking the walk.

Day 17: More than words...

Evelyn—Park City Summer 2009

I absolutely love how Nanny always seems to make time for her family, whether it's from Grandpa to Coco. Even though her schedule is a little rough, she always manages to squeeze in a game or two of clue or rummy with us before she's off to her next sewing class. She always has the best recipes too, and so many, I remember one day we were going through all of them and putting them in sleeves so they would fit in binders. She brought in folders and several containers full of recipes that didn't have books, I was amazed, at the time it seemed like there were millions of recipes, (which there probably were) but there were so many I couldn't believe my eyes. My favorite of hers are her rolls and homemade jelly, if I were stranded on an island and could only pick three things, that would be one of them. I could say so many other wonderful things about her, but to me what really counts is that I was lucky enough to be part of the LeBaron family and meet so many wonderful people, including Nanny. I want to thank her so much for being there for me and loving me as much as she does and that I love her more than words can describe!
love, Evelyn

Park City Cabin Summer 2009—LeBaron Family Reunion

Day 16: Our Funny Valentine

Dear Mom,

We LOVE that we get to celebrate you this month. And, not just any old February birthday, but a monumental 60 years of lovely (and freezing cold) Februaries.

I think it is rather appropriate that someone so sweet and kind was born in a month of

LOVE

How did you get so sweet? How did your parents luck out to get such a stellar daughter? And how did Dad score such a talented wife? And how did we end up being children of the best homemaker around?

Pure and splendid luck, I suppose. :)

Mom, you are OUR valentine for several reasons:

1) You share your home, meals, time and love with each of us on a daily basis. (sorry if that gets entirely overwhelming, too!)

2) You are an exceptional example of what it means to be a devoted daughter. Watching you care for your OWN mother has been an inspirational (and emotional) thing to witness, so thank you for that.

3) You are creative and funny. I love seeing all you can make just by seeing something in a store or tasting something in a restaurant. You are the type of person that can "play by ear" and make something better than the original.

4) You are sensible and determined. Anyone that can harness the impulsiveness and craziness of Neil LeBaron deserves one big valentine. :) I know that each of us values your thoughts and opinions on matters of life, love and happiness. I also know that your own personal determination and righteous goals have rewarded you with a happy life and family. We want that for our little family, too.

5) You are beautiful inside and out. Apart from being easy on the eyes, your absolute goodness and wholesomeness is inspiring. Thank you for teaching us to serve and love one another.

We love you, Mom! Happy February!!

Love,

The Brauns

P.S. This Valentine is actually one from Grandma Adam's card collection. We thought it would be sweet to include it here!

Day 15: Nap time with Nanny

I read a Curious George book to Isabel and Tiago the other day at nap time (for Isabel) and I couldn't help but think of all the times that Mom took the time to lay down with us and read to us.

I have a lot of fond memories of naptime and reading books with Mom. Thanks Mom for putting up with us when we were naughty and didn't go to sleep right away; This is something I can appreciate even more with naughty children of my own.

Thanks for pretending to be fooled when you would announce you were coming into the room to check on us and we would pretend to be snoring/sleeping.

You helped give me more focus than I would have had. You instilled in your children a love of reading. I am grateful for the countless times that you read our favorite books. I'm sure we can all look back and think of several books that were read over and over. Thanks for making that sacrifice Mom. It might not have seemed like much at the time but it has made a big difference in my life.

Thanks Mom, I love you

Jim

Day 14: Happy Valentine's Day

As I mentioned in a letter to you all at Christmas, I put this quote on our wedding invitation: "The deepest law of the spirit is that men become like that they love." - Byron

Mom and I are in the Salt Lake Temple today. It is the perfect expression of love to participate in the temple ordinances of the Savior – who loves us the most. He said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Mother and I were called last week as assistant shift coordinators on Mondays. We start that assignment today. When the new shift coordinator saw Mom greeting the women in the temple, how musical and wonderful she was, she knew that she needed Mom as one of her assistants.

One of the dumb apprehensions I had in marrying Mom was that she didn’t play the piano, sing in parts, etc. I quickly decided that the "rest of the package" was so wonderful that it wasn’t that important to me. In looking back, I see how musical Ruth Ann really is. I see it in her life. She is the most musical phone answerer I have ever heard and I love to hear her singing hymns next to me in church. She probably just thinks that I am moved by the lyrics when I stop singing – but it is mostly just to listen to her.

There was love all around
But I never heard it singing
No, I never heard it at all
Till there was you.
-from The Music Man, by Meredith Wilson


　
Happy Valentine’s Day, Ruth Ann

Love, Neil, Neil, Neil!

Day 13: Nanny's First

Five years ago today Nanny shared with us one of our most important memories - the birth of Tillie! Her visit was extraordinary and special for many reasons. First and foremost, it was during this trip that she taught me how to play rummy - which she probably regrets now! It was also important to Mary and me because this was our first baby. We were far away from family and friends, and in a different country whose perspective on medical care was very foreign to us. To put it bluntly - we were terrified. Nanny's presence and encouragement put us at ease and when it was time for Tillie to come, she was really the one who coached us and directed us on how to push that baby out! I know it was special for Nanny, too, since it was the first time she'd ever seen a baby born. The week that followed was exciting and exhausting and I'm sure Nanny was ready to go home after sharing that little studio suite with a newborn. I remember Mary crying when we sent Nanny home - I just held her as she cried and wished Nanny could stay forever.

I've been happy to witness the special relationship Nanny has with each of her grandchildren and especially with my little Tillie. I love you, Ruthie.

Remembering this experience now just confirms the strength you are to your family and anyone around you that is in need of help. I hope I can learn from your example of pure love and service.

Day 12: Rollin' with it

Is it my turn? Is it my turn!


I've been waiting for the day to write a post. Johnny hasn't had to badger me too much in writing on this blog, because he knows I already love to write posts. And what is more fun than to write about Ruth Ann!

I'm sitting basking in silence while Johnny, Sisi and Kai went to a friend's baptism this morning. At first, Kai was going to stay home with Anders and me (because he simply did not want to go,) then while Johnny and I were chatting over our bran muffin breakfast, he told me that he sometimes "worries about Kai." Kai doesn't like to sing in primary and is not keen on praying. Well, at one point Kai had a choice this morning in regards to what he wanted to do—not anymore. I bustled him upstairs and had him in church clothes, hair done and spiked along with his gummy vitamin in less than four minutes. By golly, he is still young and impressionable, right? I don't even want to start thinking yet about teenhood with him.

Gillson Beach Fall 2010—Johnny, Kai, Ruth Ann, Sisi and Bobby

Which leads me back to the main subject of Ruth Ann. How in the world did she have such fine children? I know I can't give all the credit to her, it is Neil too who helped in the process, but I must give a lot of credit to an excellent mother of eight. As I have thought about what to write, it keeps coming back to me of how Ruth Ann makes everyone around her feel special in some way, even me, the lowly daughter-in-law.

I recall one past Christmas I was in a panic after trying to make rolls (for my first time on Christmas morning, that had flopped in every sense of the word.) We all know that store bought rolls are just not as good, (especially for Christmas dinner,) so I was nervous that I'd fail if I tried them once again. What was I going to do!!

We went to Ruth Ann and Neil's for Christmas morning brunch and it was a busy, wonderful, family filled morning with gifts, songs and yummy food. I could tell Ruth Ann did not get as much sleep the night before (was this the year she made the grandkid overnight bags? or was it the jammies?—I can't remember.) Anyway, I asked if she would mind going over her recipe with me, so I could write notes in the margins. Oh course she agreed, but I knew she could tell I was frustrated with what had happened earlier that morning, and that I was super anxious about making mistakes again.

Next thing I knew, she was whipping out her Bosch and mixing up a batch of rolls right then and there, and walking me through it. Oh, the embarrassment from stealing Nanny away from the family while I got to learn the art of making Nanny's rolls. It was even more embarrassing that I wasn't making rolls for the LeBaron's, it was for my side of the fam.
Oh the shame.
Not to mention she had already made a huge feast of a brunch for all of us, she had to be tired of cooking.
again repeat...
oh the shame.

Apple picking in Wisconsin Fall 2010—Johnny, Kai, Sisi and Ruth Ann

With my selfish request she sweetly walked me through the process. Maybe she doesn't remember this incident, but I can tell you it was amazing her love in helping me that day. To this day, I have no fear of yeast or making rolls. In fact, I really enjoy them so much that I never buy rolls at the store anymore.

I still feel badly about taking time away from the family that Christmas morning, but hopefully I can make up for it someday with homemade rolls. Thank you Ruth Ann!

I love you.
xoxo

Day 11: Recipe Exchange—Fish Tacos

I'm proud to admit that most of my best recipes come from mom. Hers are the ones I trust the most, the ones that always impress, always turn out right, and always get requested from friends. In fact, my hand-selected book of recipes is one of the things I would grab if I had to leave quickly. So it makes me laugh when Mom requests a recipe from me, because it's usually one she gave me in the first place. For instance, last time she visited, we were going to make fish tacos. "Do you have a good recipe?" she asked. "You'll have to send it to me!"

I DO have a good recipe and of course it came from her. It has been passed along to many others and shared with several friends, all to rave reviews. In fact, we went out for Fish Tacos with some friends last weekend, and I came home confident that this recipe is way better than any restaurant. (Sadly, I'm finding that a lot lately. See how good cooking ruins you?)


Ruthie's Baja Fish Tacos

1 lb Fish - either halibut or tilapia, cut into strips or chunks**
oil for frying( about 1/2 in. in frying pan)
3/4 c. cornmeal mix or panko crumbs
1 t. salt
1/2 t. paprika
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
1 egg
1 c. water
Combine cornmeal mix and spices in a bowl for dredging the fish.
Beat together the water and egg. Dip fish pieces in the egg wash and then roll in cornmeal mix.
Fry about 3 min. each side. Drain on paper towel.

**I bread the fish as directed and then place on a broiler pan and brush fish lightly with olive oil. Then I broil it for a few minutes until it flakes easily. It's equally tasty and much lower fat.

Tomatillo dressing
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. sour cream
6 tomatillos ( husked stemmed and rinsed and finely diced)
1/4 small red onion
1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro
juice of 1/2 lime
1/2 to 1 finely minced jalapeno pepper
salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Food process or blend ingredients of dressing and chill before serving. **This dressing is also awesome on taco salads.

Serve with chopped cabbage, tomatoes, avocado, and salsa.

Day 10: So much love

Almost 6 years ago, Maggie asked us to take pictures and film her wedding. After we got a shot of Maggie and Justin in front of the temple, Mom and Dad wanted their turn... then things got a little fresh!

Mom and Dad, I love finding pictures like this of the two of you. You have always been a stellar example of a couple who loves one another.

The happiness, tenderness and patience in your marriage was an unspoken comfort to me as a child, and has been an example to me and my family.

To your credit I never remember hearing either of you raise your voice to one another, manipulating or putting each other down. I'm not sure my kids could say the same, but I take some comfort in knowing they are really young and they'll probably forget it all when they're older, right?

Day 9: Performing for Nanny

A video is worth a thousand words and if you let the wrong (0r right) person talk on the video you just might get a thousand words.



After he sings Happy Birthday, Gunner is saying "are you one?". Justin's family goes through all the numbers up to your birthday number.





Fried ham. Just for you!

Day 8: The Mother Wabbit

Mom,

Happy [Chinese] New Year! Did you know that 2011 marks the Year of the Golden Rabbit? Did you remember that every person born in the year 1951 is born under that same zodiac sign? Did you know you were destined to be the Mother Wabbit even before any of us were born?!

I'm glad that you were born and that the Chinese philosophers had you figured out thousands of years ago. :)

Here are some of the WONDERFUL qualities of "RABBITS".

(you. you also. also you.)

People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper.

Rabbits are keen, wise, fragile, tranquil, serene, considerate, fashionable, and kind. Generally, they are quite calm, do not exhibit aggressive behavior, and will avoid confrontation at all costs. When angry about something, they will approach it calmly and considerately, hardly ever raising their voice.

The Rabbit is a symbol for mercy, elegance, and worship of beauty. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are kind, loving persons. They give others an impression of being frail-looking because of their gentle appearance. But, in fact they are strong-minded and have strong wills. They pursue their ideals all their lives in a precise and orderly way. They do things slowly and deliberately because of their cautious characters.

There is no need to worry about their lives. They are nimble, clever and good at avoiding harm to themselves. They are talented and like artistic ventures, such as painting and music and are generally quite present in these worlds. They are also very hospitable, good hosts and warm-hearted companions.

Rabbit people are usually relatively careful when it comes to their finances. They use much of their money for possessions such as their homes, cars or furniture. They love hunting for antiques, arts and crafts and will tend to make sound investments in these types of things.


I edited this a little bit - since some of it talked about rabbits being good gamblers and lovers (bleck!) :) I like the part about being virtuous and fashionable and also hunting for antiques. You and dad must be "textbook" rabbits. I'm happy to have such a sweet and sensitive mother who is also clever and strong-willed. I also love that you LOVE being the "wabbit" since it is such a tender form of endearment we can each use for you. You are exactly what is described here and so much more! We love you, sweet wabbit, we do!

Day 7: Music to my ears

In summer 2001, my mom and I were attending a LeBaron family reunion some place far away. During one of the craft/talent show/general store extravaganzas, I came across a beautiful poem written by my great great great grandmother's sister—Emily Hill Woodmansee of "As Sisters in Zion" fame.

Emily's life story is an amazing one. Under threat of disownment, she and her sister, Julia, had joined the church in England and soon set sail to America—never to see her parents again. She eventually joined the Willie Handcart company and—after considerable suffering—settled in the Salt Lake Valley.

Emily passed through a number of additional travails in her life, but always kept a strong sense of optimism and faith—along with a burning testimony of the gospel.

The same week I found her poem, I wrote an accompaniment on the guitar and dedicated it to none other than my own mother.

Love you mom.

My Mother

by Emily Hill Woodmansee (1836–1906)

Say not that I too highly speak

Of her who gave me birth;

I feel, but oh, I cannot tell

Her peerless, priceless worth.

All other loves will never quench

AII Times broad waves ne’er smother

The daily cherished, dearly loved

Remembrance of my Mother.

Tis true that distance often lends

Enchantment to the view,

Tis true that years have intervened

Since her fond care I knew.

Tis true that fancy's fairy form

Around affections cling,

And breathes of darling absent ones

The most enduring things.

But Ah, my memory can defy

Fair fancy, time, and place

To lend one well remembered form

A holier, purer grace.

My Mother's worth, my Mother's love

Ne’er amplified can be;

Where e’er in retrospect I turn

She is all dear to me.

I say not time hath wrought no change

Nay, by it s power alone—

To me my Mother’s faithfulness

Is duly felt and shown.

I say not time s increased her worth,

But it hath made me wise;

For time there was, I did not deem

Her love so rich a prize.

Oh! I have missed her gentle care

When sickness bowed my soul,

And thought that magic of her touch

Would surely make me whole.

And I have loved, and felt that love

Of noble hearts was mine.

Yet Mother, I have never known

Affection deep as thine.

My Mother! Broad lands part us now,

Huge waves between us roll,

But ne’er as now, couldst thou so move

In fountains of my soul.

All other loves will never quench,

All time’s rude waves ne’er smother

The ever bright, the beautiful

Remembrance of my Mother!

Day 6: I'm So Happy I Won!!

For those of you who don't know, Mom is very competitive. I always remember her telling me how hard it was to play games with Dad's family, because they would be playing Scrabble and would help each other in a communal effort. With Dad and his family, every round was a "practice round." That camaraderie didn't fly for Mom, though. She was used to the cut-throat game rules of the Adams family, where Scrabble words were challenged with a Dictionary and Canadian spellings like "colour" were completely unacceptable.

Though Mom would never be a poor sport after losing a game, she loves winning. I remember when I was about 16, Mom had become an accomplished Free Cell...player? Cellist? Anyway, I remember her bragging to me about how she had won 30 games in a row. She was so proud of her record that I decided to beat it. I couldn't replicate the feat, but I figured out if I was about to lose a game, I could simply restart the computer and my terminally ill Free Cell game would close out with no loss being recorded. So, after about 15 restarts, I had beaten Mom's record fair and square. But she had an unconquerable spirit. She still beat my new record and then went on to master spider solitaire.

Another example of mom's competitive spirit happened when we were in China. Mom climbed higher on the Great Wall than anybody else. When we got back to the tour bus, Mom proudly announced that she had climbed higher than anybody else in the family. I was so annoyed because I didn't even know it was a competition. I had been walking right next to her and it seemed like she only went like 50 yards farther than I did. "Duhhh," I thought. "I could have climbed way higher than she did if I had known it were a competition." The fact that it bugged me made me realize how much of her competitive nature had been passed down to me. It's the same nature that makes you want to put in the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle.

But perhaps my favorite memory of Mom playing games came a couple of years ago after a hard-fought battle of Scum. During the game, Mom had risen from the ranks of low scum all the way to King. She became king on the predeclared final round of the game. She was beaming and was so visibly elated at her victory that one of the brothers asked her if she was going to cry, which triggered tears of triumph. Later that night, before the Ambien had set in, Mom was nested in her bed with her heated rice bags, reading her scriptures. I came in to give her some ice water before she went to bed. I gave her a hug and kiss goodnight, but as I turned to walk away, I felt her hand latch onto my wrist and pull be back towards her. Her grip tightened and she looked at me with the eyes of a little kid on Christmas and said, "I'm so happy I WON!" It made me smile to know that her victory from hours before was still giving her joy.

Mom's competitive drive hasn't just been helpful for winning games and finishing thousands of books on tape. It has helped her to be the best that she can be. Mom's competitive nature isn't selfish either. When she likes the soup at a restaurant, she is determined to make a better version at home, and then she shares the recipe with everyone she knows. She finds joy in being the greatest she can be and has helped instill in her posterity that they, too, can be great--that they are special.