Across the Acres

What three words best describe your mom? Thoughtful, giving, patient.

What is one lesson your mom taught you that you stand by today? My mom is so thoughtful of others, and I had the privilege of watching her glow when she helps people. I learned that joy from her.

What tradition did your mom start that you still carry on? Tons. Giving to others to brighten their day, lake memories and traditional foods during certain holidays.

What is one skill your mom taught you that you are grateful for? Cooking. She’s a great cook.

What is/was your favorite thing to do with your mom? Learning her recipes and making memories at the lake with my own family.

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What three words best describe your mom? Caring, honest, determined.

What is one lesson your mom taught you that you stand by today? My mom taught me at a young age to have an open mind and think positively. During one particular tough time in my life, I remember calling my mom on the phone to talk. After she listened carefully, she calmly gave me this advice: “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” That piece of advice struck me in that moment like a breath of fresh air. I needed those words and that positivity. I painted those words onto a sign that currently hangs in our home above where our daughters hang their jackets and backpacks, so it is a constant reminder to them as well.

What tradition did your mom start that you still carry on? This question immediately brings a big smile to my face, and I’m grateful to be able to share this story. My grandma (my mom’s mom) started a tradition around 30 years ago that we still carry on each year around Mother’s Day. When I was in high school, my grandma had the idea for her, my mom and me to check out the city-wide garage sales in Alexandria the weekend of Mother’s Day. At the time, if I’m being honest, I was a bit hesitant, as I wasn’t so sure this was a “cool” idea. But I went along, and by mid-morning, we stumbled across a garage sale with Girbaud jeans (if you know, you know). I was ecstatic. From that moment, my mindset completely changed about garage sales. We continued to do this every year from then on, even after my grandma passed. My sister-in-law shares our love for seeking out great garage sales, and she has joined us in this tradition for the past several years. We have shopped in towns other than Alexandria some years, so the destination has sometimes changed, but we are always out there together, looking for those amazing finds while enjoying spending time together.

What is one skill your mom taught you that you are grateful for? I’m very grateful my mom taught me how to bake. I can still smell the cookies in the oven and hear the music playing on the radio that we were singing along to while my mom taught me the ropes of measuring out teaspoons and tablespoons and making notes in the cookbook when a recipe turned out great, so we remembered to make it again. Baking together always yielded more than a few dozen cookies; it was that feeling of togetherness and accomplishment that was the sweetest part.

What is/was your favorite thing to do with your mom? My mom and I share a strong love for country music, and going to concerts together is definitely one of life’s highlights for me. I recall standing in line with my mom at the ticket box office at the Minnesota State Fair back in the 1990s — long before buying tickets with a few clicks and swipes on your phone was an option — hoping to get tickets to see Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn and feeling the excitement when we not only got tickets but got amazing tickets just a few rows from the stage. We have enjoyed several concerts together since then, with some favorites being Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean and Gabby Barrett, with Cody Johnson being next on our list to see. These are definitely some of the memories I cherish the most.

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What three words best describe your mom? Steady, safe and unwavering.

What is one lesson your mom taught you that you stand by today? You don’t have to have it all figured out to keep going. She shows me daily what it looks like to stay steady when things feel uncertain — to keep showing up, to keep caring, to keep loving people well without making a big production out of it. Not loud strength; just consistent, quiet strength that holds everything together.

What tradition did your mom start that you still carry on?  She taught me that traditions aren’t about the thing, they’re about the feeling. The Christmas Puffcorn, Easter baskets, Memorial Day parades, KXRA Birthday Club call-ins — simple, consistent, thoughtful Mama.

What is one skill your mom taught you that you are grateful for? She taught me how to show up for people. She’s so good at remembering birthdays, favorite foods and big life events.

What is/was your favorite thing to do with your mom? Just life — our morning calls, girls’ nights watching “20/20” and Lifetime movies, pedicures, little trips, shopping, and lunch and coffee dates.