Recently I’ve been missing my mom. All I really wanted for my birthday was to go to North Ogden and put flowers on her grave. Somehow, it seemed fitting to celebrate her on my birthday. But since that wasn’t possible this year, I’ve been savoring some great memories. Mom taught me a lot over the years – some things serious, some things practical and some things just crazy!
So here, in no particular order, are a few of the gems I picked up from her. She didn’t necessarily use these words (except for a few that my siblings will surely recognize), but by her example she tutored me in some of life’s important lessons.
I hope I never forget these Joyce-isms, but honestly – how could I!
- Be proud of who you are
- Fold the laundry as soon as you take it out of the drier
- Celebrate your marriage
- Speak up
- Love chocolate
- Launder the kitchen cloths and towels in a separate load
- Be nice to your brothers and sisters
- Clean the toilet thoroughly – including the space between the seat and the tank
- “Two sets of four” is the hardest phase to get
- Don’t treat your friends better than you treat your family
- Great shoes can make your outfit – or your day
- You can do it willingly or unwillingly – but you WILL do it
- Grease and go naked with your hair on fire (her response to any whining about having nothing to wear)
- Service in the Church and to the Lord are a key to happiness
- Springtime lilacs smell so good
- A mother’s love is unconditional
Thanks for everything, Mom.
things that make me happy 
I am laughing/crying at the things you remembered! I frequently find myself telling my kids some of those same things. The only other thing I remember from mom is that the underwear must also be washed separately from anything else. Amazing how mother’s shape our lives. How I’ve also been missing our mother! Thank you for the sweet memories. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
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I know that I am late at reading this but better late than never! I am like Shell–I laughed and cried!! I had just thought earlier today about folding the laundry right out of the dryer–as I looked at a load sitting on the couch! Thanks!
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