Today was my beautiful mother’s birthday and I thought what better way to celebrate her special day than to reflect upon the influence that she has had on my life. Now, she is probably not going to appreciate me sharing pictures like this or bragging about her online, because she does not like the attention being on her. But, it is about time that someone proclaimed what a STUD she really is. Not sure that stud is the right word for a woman, but I don’t care. She IS a stud. She rocks. Let me tell you why I think so. The list of things that she has accomplished when it comes to fitness, sports and active living is LONG. To name a few: started ballet in college and went on to perform and teach for many years, ski and snowboard instructor, ran the Salt Lake Olympic torch in Big Sky for a stretch, surfing, paddle boarding, weightlifting and fitness competitions, bicycling, swimming, running, even truck pulling!! My mother is not afraid to try new things and accomplish new feats. She does not care that people think she might be crazy for doing so (sometimes me included!). She decided to do a body building competition after raising three children, set her mind to it and ended competing in two! On our annual trip to Glacier National Park, it is not unusual for her to ride her bicycle to the top of Going to the Sun highway and back to the hotel before anyone wakes up for the day. After having double feet surgery, she was dreaming up ways to keep her upper body in shape. She went back to work the day after having pins put in her wrist. The point of me sharing all of this, you might ask? She is one of my greatest inspirations. She doesn’t back down. She is strong, even when she doesn’t know it. If I can accomplish even half of what she has done in her lifetime, I am a blessed and lucky person. Happy Birthday MOM!!!