Happy Mother's Day

First I want to brag on my wonderful husband. Last night right after we got the kids in bed he says oh, I have to run to Walmart. Of course I know why:) But he brings home Chili's and some chocolate and a chick flick. I'm happy. Then this morning, he hears the kids downstairs and knows they are making me breakfast so he gets up and ruins their morning by insisting that they make waffles, strawberries & whip cream, and bacon and eggs INSTEAD of Cheerios and yogurt and toast. They were really upset so I had to choke down the Cheerios and yogurt to appease them. Oh, and it was served on our fancy plates with a goblet of fresh squeezed OJ! It was worth waking up for! And then the gift was a DVD with THREE chick flicks on it and some very dark chocolate (85% cocoa). But the best part was the card. I know I'm hormonal being pregnant, but I got all teary and Sydney said, in a disgusted and disbelieving voice, "Are you crying?" Quickly wipe away tears and get smothered in hugs from all the girls. It was seriously the best beginning to a Sunday I have ever had and one of the best Mother's Days on record! Thank you Dan!

Now I want to say thank you to all the mothers out there who are examples to me. Of course my mom is the best example I can ever hope for. The sacrifice and love on her part is overwhelming to me now as a mother of my own kids. I can't believe what she went without to give us what we needed and wanted. The things she provided (on a very limited income as a single mother) were: family vacations, nice clothing, and music lessons. The things she provided (on a limited amount of time as a single mother) were: family prayer, scripture study, and church activities. We were so well taught and taken care of. Whenever something sounds too hard, I say well if mom could do it, so can I. Thank you for my life, Mom.

Now as a mother, we look back on the women in our lives and recognize their amazing qualities as mothers--not only mothers but women. The things they were able to accomplish, the way they treated their children, the love they gave other people's children. My grandma, my aunts, the women at church, my friends moms. They all sacrificed for not only their own children, but everyone else's children as well. Did I realize at 17 that the women teaching me would not only benefit me but countless generations to come? No. I barely realize now that my sacrifices and examples to children will benefit the world. I know that is idealistic and a trifle self-important, but I know it's true. Not just of me, but of all women--now and throughout time. It truly does take a village to raise a child. So Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there who are doing their best to make the world a better place.

PS - I hate to name names for fear of leaving some people out but there are a few I just can't get out of my mind. Nancy Dixon, Dorothy Robb, Lori Pate, Joan Faircloth, Delores Dennis, Adele Lundy, Elaine Hardy, Cathy Robb, Dorothy Winder, and Sarah Campbell. Seriously the list could keep going. Thank you ladies.