Master Mom

I think out of all the people in the world, I most look up to my mother. Her example and influence have been so great in my life. She is an amazing woman. And today she accomplished something spectacular. Today she graduated with her Masters in Education. Not only did she complete all the requirements for her degree and write a killer paper entitled, "Children's Attention in Print-Rich Environments", but she did it all while teaching full-time, and being a wife and mother at the same time.

I am so proud of my mom. She is so hard-working and dedicated and does an amazing job of accomplishing whatever she sets out to do. She has an incredible amount of drive and a willingness to do hard things in order to accomplish great things. I know that most of the good things I've learned in my life, I've learned from her. She has taught me what it means to work hard and to persevere and to know that any challenge can be overcome with faith and a determined attitude. She was one of my strongest supporters while I was struggling through my own master's program.

Most importantly, my mother taught me the gospel and helped me gain my own testimony of it. She helped me find joy in service and taught me how to love from the heart. So today, I want to say thanks, Mom, for being the kind of mother I hope to emulate. I love you and am so proud of all you've accomplished; not only today, but throughout your life. Congratulations! I love you!

Mom getting ready to be hooded

Me and Mom

The whole gang