A Tribute to the Mothers in My Life

In light of recent (obvious) events in my own life my attention has been unavoidably drawn to just how amazing motherhood is... and how wonderfully incredible the women around me are. Their influence has helped to shape the person I am today and I thought it was a perfect day for me to share some thoughts and feelings I have regarding a few of the mothers I have in my life.

Mom and I at Cats 2010

Who better to begin a tribute to than my own dear mother. Words cannot describe the incredible person I know her to be. She is incredibly smart and gifted. She is organized, clever, and is not afraid to take charge in order to get things done. She is gentle and tender during quiet, private moments not too many see. I know she loves my brother and I with all her being to the point that she would do anything to help us succeed. That love for us has hurt at times when we have been less than wise with our decisions but it amplifies in our triumphs. I see it every time I get to spend time with her. I love to spend the day with her shopping, chatting, crafting. It becomes an adventure and our project list usually becomes a little longer with each visit...  But we enjoy ourselves and have fun exploring the many possibilities. I love sharing the love of creating something new with her. She has taught me a love for cooking. She has a fearlessness when it comes to trying out a new recipe, and then worries that it might not be perfect (which, it usually is). I love her so much and I couldn't have asked for a better mother and friend.

Mom holding a little lamb

My mother in law has been an incredible support to me this past... 2 years. She has given me some great advice but she respects my decisions and supports me and my husband as we progress through our life. She is a very inspiring woman with a lot of experience and stories to share. I feel so honored and privileged to be a part of her family and to receive her unconditional love on a daily basis. She is talented in so many areas, but I appreciate her ability to see the good in everyone and to share those qualities in a very sincere compliment. It means a lot to me that she would take the time to comment on the little things I feel go unnoticed sometimes.

Me and Grandma: my Jr. Prom

My Grandma B. is an incredible woman. I believe she is an angel sent to us to remind us to slow down and enjoy life. She is always so happy, sweet, and kind to everyone. I love to listen to her stories and experiences that she has had throughout her life. Her story is fascinating and I love hearing about how she and my grandpa met and got together. You have to watch her when playing games with her, or she always wins. I learned to eat broccoli and meat loaf eating at her house. I love spending time with my grandma and always feel that I am a better person afterwards. I love you grandma!

Linda and Me: my graduation day.

My aunt Linda has always been there to take me under her wing. My parents left me in her care as a little girl when they went to D.C. She did my hair in pig-tails, let me play the piano with her, and I have some fond memories exploring her walk-in closet. :) I visited her classes every so often and helped her in her classroom. (whether I was actually a help or not... you'll have to ask her.) I was certain I would serve a mission to Mexico like she did and I wanted to learn Spanish to be like her. She undertook the recent baby shower and has been almost as excited about my family as her own grand children. She has taken our family under her wing. When I had my surgery she checked in on me regularly. She is so strong and selfless. I am so grateful for the inspiration and example she has provided for me throughout my life.

What a beauty! I LOVE this pic! 

The strength my Grandma S. has never seems to have an end. I have so many fond memories being with my grandma on the ranch. I loved to help her "feed the chickens" (which included: chickens, horses, cats, dogs, birds...). I was always amazed how brave she was when there was a chicken sitting on an egg. She could reach in under a chicken and get it without getting pecked. I will never forget the time she rounded up the escaped horses with the golf cart. She read books to me, and let me help her take care of new kittens. (I was pro at catching them... the trick is plenty of patience and a quick grip 'round the tail as they try to split... I was  four.) She has a strength and attitude that is contagious as she faces life without giving up.

I have been influenced by so many wonderful women. Thank you to you all. I am a better person because of your example. Happy Mother's Day to everyone! Love you!