be-lated wishes

so after all the birthday stuff the blogger moms have been doing lately, (which i will blog about later), i was thinking to myself today, "why didn't ever make a list of what i love about patsy when it was her birthday earlier this month?" seriously, i'm so dumb, she's one of my best friends in the world, i adore her like no other and it seems totally appropriate that i would docment what exactly it is that i love about her but for some reason i did not. so, even though this is late, like, uh, seventeen days late to be exactly, i figure it's better late than never right ? so here goes...ten things i LOVE about my friend patsy...

1. patsy is the best mom - seriously - she's the best mom. i know this is true because she has the best kids, they are all so friendly and happy and willing to help. we used to be neighbors years ago and rich and i actually talked about what great parents patsy and brett are are and things we do to have a home more like theirs. i still try to emulate her as a mother, i want to be just like her when i grow up.

2. patsy is always sending great notes and good mail. years ago when allie sung at a baptism, patsy sent her a note thanking her for helping her feel the spirit and encouraging her to keep singing. allie was so touched and still has this note in her scriptures. i was so inspired that now i write a note to anyone who touches me with an awesome lesson, or musical number, or whatever. good friend and good mail queen for sure. 3. patsy's house feels like home even if you don't live there. i've always loved going to her house, any kind of a visit ends up being longer than i planned because her home is so inviting. there is a wonderful spirit there and it makes me want to stay for hours - and sometimes i do. 4. all of patsy's kitchen chairs are mis-match different colors and styles. it says so much about her personality and i LOVE this about her - and her cute kitchen.

5. she has always wanted to have a sugar bowl like in arthur, some day we're going to make that happen.

6. patsy organized a cupcake swap and gave me a plate of cupcakes even though i flaked out and forgot all about it! the most amazing treat i've ever had in my whole life was her copy cat hostess cupcakes. oh...my....goodness. love in the form of chocolate they were.

7. patsy is a volunteer - a real child advocate, all because she loves children. part of how i've gotten to know her so well is through volunteering. i've never met anyone as passionate about the real reason we volunteer than patsy. she's a great example of what an involved parent should be.8. one of her goals this year is to be creative every day - i love that creativity is this important to her... and she totally is! she has done some of the cutest projects!9. she has a sand collection from beaches all over the place and displays it in bottles. i love this about her.

10. i'm saving the best for last: my number one favorite thing about patsy is that she is so down to earth. a long time ago when we were neighbors and i was first married to rich, i got sort of swept up in the pretending game - you know trying to be the best mom, the best volunteer, the best cook, the best scrapbooker, etc. patsy was the first person who told me that women should be teammates instead of competators. that really stuck with me and i've tried to embrace that philosophy ever since. she gave me permission in a way to be myself and not to pretend that life is fantastic 100% of the time and not to care necessarily what everyone else is thinking. there's not a fake bone (or boob) in her whole body and this is a gift to me and to everyone around her.

so, seventeen days late, but here it is anyway. i love you patsy girl! you are a gift and i cherish your love and friendship! :)