My Mama the "Sign Lady"

Every time someone in my family had a major accomplishment, you could be sure the whole neighborhood on Casper Road knew about it. 

My mom was always great about recognizing us and our successes. For that, I am so thankful. Even if it was my Dad coming home from being out of town on a business trip, you could guarantee a "Welcome Home, Dad!" sign would be proudly displayed on the garage door or hanging on the columns of our house. My mom was so great at that. She had a sign for every event in our lives--whether it was making a sports team, doing well on a test, getting baptized, receiving a mission call, getting engaged, celebrating our birthday, or just to say she loved us. And honestly, I did love it. I think we all did. In fact, my sisters and I do the same things for our families now. 

Isn't it funny the little things you inherit and pass on?

My mom wasn't just the queen of house signs, but of the queen of "napkin notes" in our lunchbags, too. It wasn't too often that we took "cold lunch" ("hot lunch" offered at the school was cheaper since we were poor and on "reduced lunch."), but when we had to for a field trip or something else, I always knew I'd find a napkin in my lunch with a love note from Mom. And she always signed it with this dorky-looking heart with a smiley face in it. It's her signature. But I love that dorky logo. And I love my Mama!