Happy Birthday Grandma Peg!

Since today is Peg's birthday I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all the things I love about this wonderful woman! I am so grateful that I married into such a wonderful mother! I remember the first time I ever met her . . . Russ and I were on what we refer to now as our marathon date weekend! Our first 'official' date had been the night before. The next day we were together in St. George. We had dinner with my grandparents, I believe, and then since we were so close stopped by his mother's house to say 'hello'. It was August in St. George so it was incredibly hot and the two of us pulled up to the most adorable pioneer home. Standing out front watering her flowers was this sweet woman whom Russ had simply described to me as a "Primary President Personified". I was petrified to meet his mom. We had known each other for a few months (since we worked together) and I really liked this guy, he was sweet and charming, he made life fun and I was so impressed with his ability to make others feel so comfortable around him. In the months that we had worked together he had told me lots of stories about his family, especially his mother whom he obviously loved and respected quite a bit. He was always telling me what a selfless and kind woman she was. I knew that he would take her opinion about me very seriously and I was so scared she wouldn't like me. I stepped out of the car (into the BLAZING HEAT) and was introduced for the first time to Peg! Russ gave his mama a great big hug and then introduced me, she gave me a hug and ushered us into her home. Before I knew it we were standing around the piano singing and I immediately felt so comfortable. All of my insecurities washed away and I felt right at home. I still feel that way whenever I walk into her house. I know that she loves and cares for us and she shows it in so many ways! I am always greeted with a hug and told just how very much I am loved! I am so glad that Aly has a grandmother who loves her so very much! Someone who is willing to adjust their weekly work schedule just to help us with daycare, someone who will let me and Al drop by when we are just having a rough day, she is always there to babysit, to read stories with, and to teach simple life lessons. She offers her shoulder for me to cry on, she is our sounding board when we need advice, and a dear friend! Thank you 'Mama Peg' for all the help, love, and advice these past 5 years! We are blessed to have you in our lives! Happy Birthday!