Gwendolyn Riedel Hughes

Two years ago, December 30, 2007, my sweet mom, Gwendolyn Riedel Hughes, passed through the veil and into the arms of our Heavenly Father and her earthly father, William Riedel. (Mom always wanted a middle name but wasn't given one at birth. Sometimes she would make one up for herself. Her favorite was Gwendolyn Marie). I am sure the reunion has been and continues to be a blast! She had a great laugh and was always ready for an adventure (when she felt well). However, being her only daughter, I continue to miss her deeply. I think that the emptiness gets more profound with each passing event.

I have thought a lot lately, as this date has approached, about the things that I most remember mom teaching me. I am grateful for her life lessons.

She taught me to believe in myself. When I was in 7th grade I decided that I wanted to try out for cheerleader. I had absolutely no coordination and had never had a tumbling or dance class. I don't even have a voice that can yell. None of that mattered though. Mom encouraged me all the way through the humiliating try outs and when I was not picked (obviously), there was a darling arrangement of yellow carnations and white roses in my room with a poster stating "YOU'RE STILL NUMBER 1 TO ME!". This was the beginning of many times mom reminded me of my value with that little statement. It never mattered the outcome, regardless of the competition, I always knew I was number 1.

She taught me to work hard. Mom's life was filled with illness and surgeries. Regardless of how she felt, she would always work hard to provide the best for her family. After working all day she would come home and make incredible meals for us every night. Most nights dinner was at 9:00-10:00 but it was important for her to make us full course dinners every night. She was an amazing cook.

She taught me to be organized and clean and use my time wisely. Cleanliness and organization was not an option. I always knew what was expected of me when it came to how my room was to be kept, including when I was a teenager. Needless to say, I didn't lose a lot of things because mom always said that everything has a place and if you are the one to put it in that place, then you should know where to find it. I am so grateful now for the gift of organization and time management.

She taught me to be generous. Mom was always giving gifts to everyone she knew needed something. If a neighbor had a baby, they were showered with an abundance of gifts. She was known for giving all of her nieces and grandchildren pajamas for Christmas. Something they all miss. I remember one time in particular, Rick was a home teacher for a family who were struggling. We decided that we would buy some groceries and help them out a little. When I mentioned this to mom, she decided that even though she didn't even know the family, she would double what we were able to provide.

She taught me of the importance of faith and the power of prayer. Mom's relationship with Heavenly Father was one that was built upon faith. She knew that if she would just pray, everything would be okay. She had so many faith building experiences and always gave credit to Heavenly Father for all of her blessings.

I miss calling her and telling her simple things about my life and getting the exact response I need, whether it's a good laugh or a good swear word because I don't dare say them myself. She wasn't perfect but she wanted so badly to be a good person. Mom was feisty and had a glare that could scare anyone. You knew you were in the "dog house" if you were the recipient of "the look". Fortunately, she never held a grudge and your time in the dog house didn't last long.

I loved watching movies with her, shopping with her, talking on the phone with her, working side by side with her (most of the time), helping her decorate her house, going to lunch at The Tiffin Room at ZCMI where we really felt like fancy ladies, and talking about the girls' trips that we were going to take "someday". We never did.

Mom was a beautiful lady who loved me with a mother's love that always made me feel safe. I think that is the thing I miss the most. I also have the knowledge that mom knew how much I loved her too. I have no regrets about my relationship with her.

Mom, I miss you. You're still number 1 to me.

and this girl

She's pretty too. (Sorry if I'm bragging today).

I kinda like this girl

She's Pretty - The girl in the purple. Not the girl in the background. Well, I'm sure she's pretty too but that's not who I was referring to. (gotta make sure I'm being politically correct.)

Congrats Ali on being asked to be the Head Counselor for Barbara Barrington Jones! I couldn't be more proud! You'll do great! Love love peace and stuff, my dotter!

Chase has been busy

With all of the attention that Brooke received with Thriller and Tyler received with the mission call and Ali receives on an ongoing basis while waiting for Travis (that's not a dig Ali, just shows you how much you are loved), I figured I would dedicate this post to Chase. He is the happiest person I know. From the moment he wakes up to the second he falls asleep he is singing, talking, laughing or just smiling. The only time he's a grump is . . .. i'm thinking . . . . . Oh, when he's so completely stressed out and overwhelmed with Mr. Totland's class. Or when his siblings are bugging the crud out of him. So all in all, he's just happy! And he loves his mom. That's the best part. He thinks I'm beautiful and smart and tells me all the time what he thinks about me. Great kid. Below are pictures of him in the Alta play, "The King and I". He played the part of Prince Chululongkorn. He did a fantastic job and clearly loves being on stage and performing. He said his favorite part of the whole experience was the applause at the end and greeting people out in the hall afterward.

The second picture is of Chase with David Archuleta. We received a phone call from David's voice coach asking Chase to be part of a 10-child choir for one of David's songs at his Christmas concert. This was such a fun experience for him - and me. We both made new friends and enjoyed meeting David. Chase even got to meet and shake hands with Kurt Bestor. Probably the first time I have actually been jealous of him. Anyway, it's been a busy month for Chase and, as a result of me being his mom, me too. What's next Chase? I can't wait to see!