Mother's Day

Yesterday was bittersweet in many ways. First of all let me give a shout out to the amazing women in my life.

First and for most. My mom rocks! She is spunky, creative, tender, and nurturing. She is one of my very best friends. I get much of who I am from my mom. She instilled in me the confidence of being able to do anything! I am pretty sure that is why I think I can remodel, rebuild, or redecorate anything! Nothing is too big for us! She inspires me. She worked so hard for over 20 years at a company to become a regional manager all without a college degree. Then when she felt they were treating her unfairly she quit and enrolled in school. That day! She makes me proud. Not much worries my mom and she is a strong believer in the "it wasn't meant to be" statement. Also, she firmly feels that everything will be ok no matter the circumstances. She has proven to be an amazing grandmother to my nephew and I can't wait to bless her with many more little babies!

My sister! She is my polar opposite except we are just alike! Does that make any sense? School was soooo important to me she was there for the friends and the fun! She always needed to use the phone when I did, yet I loved to sit in the hall and listen to the "big girl" conversations she was having. I just thought she was so cool! She hated to have to babysit me and have me tag along but always tried to include me! She has been my rock through my miscarriages and parents' separation. She is seriously one of the best moms. I never thought that would be the case, but as soon as my nephew was born she totally turned into a mother in all sense of the word! She loves to take care of her baby sister. In fact my wedding would not have happened without her! She is ambitious and strong. She is super intelligent and just fun to be around!

My Grandmother. She has been through many struggles. She raised three wild boys with very little money. She is gentle and likes to take care of everyone. When I was sick in school I would stay with her and should would pamper me all day while we watched hours of I Love Lucy! I spent many summers camping with her and my grandpa and she and I would go for walks and fish. She is a very classy lady at 83.

My Mother-in-Law. It's funny most people hate their mother in law. I really love mine! Let's be honest, we haven't always seen eye-to-eye but I imagine it's hard to see someone as strong-willed as me marry your baby boy. She is very inspiring! She went to school after her kids when to school and graduated Friday with her Masters Degree. She was the Oklahoma Teacher of the year which led her to an amazing job opportunity. John gets much of who he is from his mom. They are both all about following the rules whether it be in a parking lot or in school, they are both crazy organizers (in fact no matter what trip either of them plan, you are going to receive a detailed itinerary in your in-box!), and they always want to make sure everyone else is taken care of an happy! We are looking forward to making her a grandmother in the near future!

My Sister-in-Law Shannon. I was so intimidated by Shannon when John and I first started dating. She was in Miss Oklahoma one of the first times I met her. Here I was an awkward teenager meeting my boyfriend's beautiful sister. She and I were not really ever that close until the past 3 or 4 years. She really wants to do what is right and she is an amazing friend. She was so supportive and a great shoulder to lean on through my struggles. It's pretty freaky some of our similarities. Many times I will say, "I can't believe I am going to admit that I like this show (Kendra, Duggars, Guliana and Bill...) she will most usually say, "Oh! I watch that too!" She and I could probably laugh and talk to days!

My Sister-in-Law Caitlin. I have known Caitlin long before I even knew John. She was in my grade in school. We went to church camp together, and we played softball together for years. In fact, I didn't even know she had an older brother until middle school! We ended up getting into the same scholarship program in college which eased all of my fears knowing we would be going together! She is going to moving into a house 3 houses down from us this summer and I cannot wait to have her as a neighbor! She is a great friend and I love her dearly!

Yet there was one person missing yesterday. My Grandma Patty. She passed away 15 years ago from Ovarian Cancer, but it still feels like it was yesterday. She was such a fun and crazy lady. She would take me to the dollar store and literally buy me whatever I wanted. I was in heaven! She was an amazing grandmother to 5 grandchildren. I know it is hard on my mom and aunt to not have her around.

Yesterday, should of, could of, would of been my first mother's day. That was a little rough, but really knowing God's plan and purpose for me and my children quiets my aching heart. I know that I WILL be a mother. NO MATTER WHAT. Until then I still get to sleep in! Ha! I hope that yesterday was filled with joy no matter what your situation. Remember that whether you have three beautiful children, a fantastic mother, a mother who has passed, single, infertile, or estranged from your mother, celebrate the women in your life that have made a difference for you! Also, take the time to be a mother for those that need one. A mother doesn't have to be biological to nurture, love and care.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!


****EDIT******

After thinking about it I should most definitely give another shout out to my BBs! Laura and Jaclyn! Since really they are more like sisters than friends!!! Love you girls!