Phaedra Parker

This woman is an inspiration to me for many reasons but one that stands out indefinitely is her willingness to help anyone out at anytime! She is definitely the worlds greatest Step Mom! (Besides me of course :D) I don't think many people these days would do anything in there power to pull a fundraiser together to help single mothers have good Christmas's! She is always there when I need to vent about stupid things and she always gives the best advice she can!! She has been through a lot in life and she has learned a lot too! I see her as a very wise woman. She even took on a lot marrying a man that had 3 kids and god knows how many grandchildren! Even though she wasn't ready to be a Grandma! She is the very best Bnana any kid could ask for! And we love her very much!! Thank you for all that you do Nana!!!  

Christine Humphreys

As time continually progresses, the more I realize how much my mom taught me. I find myself recalling so often things that she would say to me. I treasure the things that she taught me. I treasure the advise that I received. Imparting her words and knowledge keeps her alive.

She taught me things that to this day make me laugh: I remember one time I went to Wal-Mart with her and we decided to get a donut before shopping. We ate them and my mom said, "Ya know, I think the least that Wal-Mart owes me is a donut for me doing my shopping here." I couldn't agree more. And to this day I don't feel any guilt when I enjoy myself a donut at the store.

My mom had common sense: She always said, "Money is meant to be spent and cars are meant to be driven" Thus why I don't always feel guilty when I spend money or drive far too much.

In going through her trials and sickness she said. "I think I knew what I was in for in the pre-earth life and what was to come and the trials I would face and I accepted them to be able to have the change to be with my children."

My mom understood the gospel in every way. She understood that she was foreordained to be my mom and to be an example in this life and to go through the trials that she had to endure. She went through this life with dignity and grace and style. She embraced those around her who were rarely embraced by others. She loved her husband in a way that he will never be the same while he is away from her. She raised her children in a way that for the rest of our days we will cherish her and call her blessed.

I love you, Mom. Beyond these words.

Casey

www.foreverchristine.blogspot.com

Jaci Smith

Jaci genuinely enjoys people and cares for their well being. When I asked her if I could use her property for an All Doll'd Up showcase, not only did she say, "OF COURSE, SILLY!" She opened her home for girls to try their dresses on and offered everything she possibly could to make it successful. I truly felt comfortable asking for things too! I love that :) In the few hours that I was there, not only did she impress me with how comfortable she made the many customers feel, friends continuously dropped in to say high! She clearly loves it! It's never a bad time! If she was in the middle of cooking dinner for her family and someone drops in, she is now cooking for her family and her friend with no questions asked! Her home is your home!! AMAZING!!!!

Brenda Burrup

My older sis, Brenda, is someone I truly admire. I honestly don't know if there is anything she can't do. If we were back in pioneer days, I would want her on my team, for sure! We would be the best fed, best dressed with our names stitched clearly on our seams, playing the funnest, most creative games. She is a wife (of a man who just completed his masters.. CONGRATULATIONS, JOEL!), mother of 4 beautiful children, and just recently went back to school. Amazing! Her smile in infectious! She has an eye to see those who are in need and is quick to serve. She's always good for a real good laugh, too! She is the full package! I sure love you, Sis and don't see you enough!!

Michelle Barton

One of the people in my life inspires me more than anyone else. My sister Michelle is one of the strongest people I know. With all the hardships she's overcome through the years she somehow remains in control & positive about everything.  Working 6 long days a week & being a single Mother to her 3 children makes it seem like there's nothing in the world she  can't do. I look up to my little sister in many ways. She's very giving & I know that one day she'll be rewarded for all of her  hard work because it doesn't go un-noticed! Her kids will be better people because of the examples she sets. She's an  amazing sister & an even better Mom! I hope she knows how proud of her I am!!! I LOVE YOU SISTER!!!!

Love Christti

Marie Brierly

We've been camping with Marie for many years. She is great fun to talk to but what really wins her the spotlight this week is her natural ability to take care of people! There are a lot of people who help out and make themselves available, but it's different with Marie. You never get the impression that she's doing it because she feels like it's the right thing to do, or she feels obligated... you can just tell it's in her nature. She saved a girl who was a passenger on a motorcycle that was involved in a bad accident. When you listen to her tell the story, she doesn't tell it in a way where she's looking for any credit! She's just very matter of fact about it! She saved her life for crying out loud!! What really made me notice her quiet quality was this last weekend while we were camping. A friend of ours brought up a bunch of food for all meals and took it upon himself to cook. When it was time to start cooking, Marie just stands up to start help putting stuff together! Never gives an impression of annoyance, but genuinely wants to make sure our friend has everything he needs, and that everything is gathered and perfect for everyone else when it's time to eat! The last evening she slept VERY little, if any, because her sister needed medical attention (again, Marie didn't even need to be asked to be available... it's just what she does!). She was up helping with breakfast for everyone before I even made it out of the trailer. Again, no complaining of being tired, it's just what she does! It's a real cool thing to watch :) I really admire you, Marie, and strive to be more like this!