Inspiration

Through out my life, I have had many  inspirational people touch my life, in ways that they might not even realize. Of course my Mother has always been my number one inspiration. I always thought growing up, that I would do things so much differently. Have I? No. My kitchen is organized like hers, and I do alot of my clenaing like she does. I call her about 50 times a day, for fun, just to talk, to tell a funny Makayla story, or to ask a parenting question. I have a parenting book, for toddlers. But why read that, when I have a whole family of experienced mothers? I'm always asking her how I should do things, or what she thinks. Mother does know best!

Growing up, I also had Sophia and Doug for inspiration.


We have always joked that she is my best friend, and that her daughter Liza is my Moms best friend. But really and truly, she is one of my best friends. I named my daughter after her, and even married a  man named Doug ;) Sophia has had many trials dealt to her, and with each one, she always comes out on top, and benefits from each experience. This woman, and her husband, are going straight to heaven- I'd bet my life on it. Sophia and Doug have adopted their three oldest grand kids, and those three kids are the most kind spirited, gentle, well mannered, and loving kids I have ever had the pleasure of having in my life. I have been through many hard times these past few years, and Sophia has been there thru it all. I even called her and Doug in the middle of the night once a few years ago, needing the comforts of a blessing, and advice. There has never been any question as to whether or not I can call them if needs be. I know I can, and they would do anything in their power to make sure I was okay and had what I needed.

Most of my favorite memories have Sophi and her family in them. Countless family dinners, cards, games, movies, trips to Bear Lake and The Ranch, Diet Cokes, Tai Pan...and even memories I can't remember. I was the first baby she loved, other than her own children. No joke on that one. The bologna chunk Utah story, trips to Vegas, the time they came to visit when they were living in Indiana, and of course, everything being 38%. There are hours upon hours of home videos to capture the happiness that two families have created over the years.

Sophia was my wedding planner, and without her and my Mom, my wedding day wouldn't have been everything I had wanted it to be. She always has the best ideas, and like my mom, always knows what to do. She isn't afraid to speak her mind, ask questions others wont, or tell you things you might not want to hear. You know she is going to speak truths when she starts a sentence with.."Madi, you know I love you right? And you know I would do anything for you?" That sentence is ALWAYS followed by a harsh truth. But I love her for telling it like it is, and saying things I really need to hear.

Right now, Sophia has major heartache and drama going on in her life. Her youngest granddaughter Zaylee, has been moved across the country. Reading her blog lately has just made my heart break! I wish I could handle life's hard times like Sophia does. Her life doesn't come to a stop when things aren't going good. She continues on, and does the best that she can do, with the cards God has given her. She understands that everything happens for a reason, and that it is not our place to question why. She inspires every aspect of my life. I want my daughter to grow up to be life her Aunt Taylor, and Sophia's girls, Gracie and ZJ. I want to be an amazing homemaker like she is, and have the ability to make my house a home, where everyone feels welcome and relaxed. Over the years, she has become a best friend. Someone who has always been here for me, and loved me regardless. She inspires me, and I will be forever thankful for everything she has done for me and Makayla.

On Mothers Day, we were at the park grilling hamburgers, and having the most wonderful day. Sophia told me that she was proud of me, and the mother I'd become. Hearing that from her, made my Mothers Day so much sweeter. I'd been having a hard time with Makayla, and her tantrums, and not feeling like too good of a mom. So having her tell me that, was just what I needed to hear, and until now, I don't think she knew it.
I love you Sophia. Forever, and Always.