Happy Birthday "Damma!"

Today I want to say "Happy Birthday" to my mother, Annette, who turned another year older. Most of my readers know how special she is to me, and what a wonderful woman she is. I am proud to say that I have been given a lot of her qualities, everything from physical to emotional characteristics. In fact, she is my role model in just about every aspect of my life. To those who haven't met her, I thought I would jot down a few things that come to my mind when I think of her:

1. Reading. I cannot remember a time in my life when my mother didn't have a book on the table that she was currently reading. Hence, my siblings and I are very avid readers.

2. Smart. Not just because she reads a lot, my mother was a valedictorian in school and is now a medical secretary. She is the first person I call with any kind of problem, especially the medical ones.

3. Loving. She was an excellent mother and now an even better grandma, if possible! I admire how she gets down and plays on the floor with all her grandchildren every time we get together.

4. Diet coke and popcorn. A description of my mother wouldn't be complete without mentioning these. They have been staples in her diet since my childhood. Give her a diet coke, popcorn and a good book and she is happy as a clam!

5. Go Jazz! She is a very big Jazz fan and gets to attend a game every now and then. Not only the Jazz, she has always loved watching sports, which has naturally impressed any boy I ever brought home.

6. Patriotic. She has a very fierce love of this country and tells us often how proud she is to be an American.

7. Religious. My mother is not one to be in the spotlight, but she has a very deep testimony of the gospel and will share it often. She loves to serve in the church, especially in the primary and nursery and is planning on serving a mission in the future with my father.

As you can see, the boys drew pictures for you "Damma." The first one is a cake with candles and a "0," because that's how old Keek said you are today and the next one is a picture of you. The last one, Sam tried to draw you too, but it ended up looking like swirlies! We hope you had a wonderful birthday. We love you more!