My Parents...Neil and Jill

Well all I can say is that my parents are awesome. I could leave it at that if I wanted, cause it is true, but I won't...I will elaborate...

I think everyone might say this about their parents, but I really do have the best parents!  As I have grown up I have come to so much understanding of what it means to be a parent, not only a parent, but a good parent!  I have to admit that I have the best examples to pull from now that I am in the thick of it!

My Dad was always my confidant, he was my support and my encouragement.  When I needed to talk my way through a problem, he was there helping me see things in their true light. He was my guide through my adolescent years.  Encouraging me to keep trying and helping me understand which battles were worth the fight, and which ones weren't.  I remember playing ping pong with him in the garage.  We would just talk and talk, I would vent and complain and get enlightened...but the ball would never drop.  When I needed someone he was there.  He was such a great example of a true friend and supporting others.  After we moved to Las Vegas we had a few day long trips that we would take.  Drive to Utah, go to a mission farewell or a family gathering, then drive the 6 or 8 hours back to Las Vegas.  He helped me see a world where good was good and bad was bad.  He helped me understand the importance of full obedience.  Obedience to him, the family and most importantly the Gospel.  You can only be truly happy when you are truly obedient.  He was so good to have a firm hand and a strong word of encouragement afterwards.  I love my Dad for this and so much more...!!! 

My Mom was always there to help me feel better.  I have learned that the call of a mother is the most important in life and also the most unrecognized. Truly a thankless job.  Even if I told my Mom thank you every day, it still wouldn't measure up to all the thanks she actually deserves.  She was home for us kids, always. Some of my favorite memories of my Mom include snuggling at bed time.  She would just sit and talk with us for so long! Believe me, at the end of a long day I am sure this is the last thing she wanted to do, but she would sit and listen to our stories of the day, our fears and the things that made us happy.  These late night talks I could feel her love for us, as well as her love of our savior. I felt so safe and comfortable. She would lay there and put my feet between her legs to get them warm, you see...I swear I suffer from chronic freezing cold feet!  She was always so good to laugh and play with us!  Like I have said before most of my childhood memories come from the outdoors! That love came from her I think.  She loves the beauty that this world has to offer.  I just can't say thanks enough for giving me the freedom to play so hard outside, get so dirty, yet feel so loved and safe.  I knew that when I came home there would be food on the table and a warm hug when I needed one and a warm bath at night.  Now that I have kids of my own I have so much appreciation for her sacrifice. She didn't only sacrifice a job or a social life, she sacrificed part of who she was so we would grow up to be good people. I think I am at liberty to say that we are...good people. 

I love my parents, I love laughing with them, I love playing with them and I love being with them! I sure do miss them!  Logan is just too far away!  I am so thankful for all their efforts to be here with us when they can.  When I am with them I feel a better sense of self, who I am and who I need to be.  When I am with them I know I can do anything!