Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday. She is such an amazing woman. I know everyone thinks that of their mom, but I think I can prove my point! She tops the 'Amazing' list!
She has a strong spirit. Even as a young child, she knew the importance of the gospel in her life. She would attend church weekly, sometimes alone. She has a strong testimony and lives it daily.
She knew she wanted an eternal marriage, so she married a man that is as close to perfect as you can get on this earth. Together they raised 9 children. WOW!
I have often referred to her as 'Saint Shirley' and believe me, she has earned that title. This woman has a direct line to heaven. Her motherly instincts are almost psychic. She knows when her children need her and what to do about it. You can feel that the Lord is at her side almost all of the time.
She not only taught the importance of hard work and education, but she is a living example of it. She was up every morning before the crack of dawn to herd her kids out to do their chores, cook a HOT breakfast, have family prayer (on our knees - of course), read scriptures then help every one off to their various destinations. She washed 4 or 5 loads of laundry DAILY, cooked, cleaned, and taught a plethora of piano lessons. She did this for over 40 years! She was never idle. Even when she would visit with the neighbors, she had a big bowl of beans to snap, or something similar. When the chore was done, so was her visiting and back to work she went. If you were to sneak into her room at night, you could always catch her reading. Not just any book, but a self improvement or religious book. She is always trying to better herself.
She shares her talent of music wherever she goes. She has probably influenced thousands of people with her music. Between her hundreds of piano students and her various church callings, she spread the love of music everywhere. We were not in the car more than 10 minutes before we were all singing some silly song. Everyone of her children have a deep appreciation and love for music because of her.
She is a beautiful woman - inside and out! She is tough as nails yet as feminine as a flower. She can hunt and fish, pack a gun and rough it with the best of them and yet, she still carries herself like royalty. She always was trying to teach us manners and etiquette as well as gutting a deer and starting a fire.
She makes the best of every situation. She is always looking for the joy in life and always finding it. If there was something unpleasant to do, she makes a game of it.
Our home was always open to anyone at anytime. She is giving and loving. It doesn't matter if you are related or if you are one of the many who call her your 2nd mom or grandma, you are family when you are around her. It is not very often that you visit her home without leaving with a bag of peaches or a loaf of homemade bread or some other home made treat.
She loves deeply, laughs freely, gives unselfishly and cares from the bottom of her heart.
She has made such an impact in so many people's lives. She is truly and 'elect woman'.
Happy Birthday and we're looking forward to many more happy birthdays.