a day for mamas

Sarah, Mom, and Me - 1986

{a day to celebrate mothers, a day to say thank you.}

Mom and Me - 1991

Where do I even start with my thanks?  Thanks for giving me life, loving Dad and our family with absolutely everything, showing me how to love God, and making everyday sacrifices for your family.  Thank you for modeling the kind of mother I strive to be.  For doing a billion loads of laundry, making detailed packing lists, teaching us how to roll the perfect lefse round, and giving us all the gift of music.

Baby Ella and Grandma Karen

Just thank you.

Baby Ella and Daddy and Grandma Mary

Thank you to my mother in law, who mothered two very sweet boys, hard working and totally devoted to their family.

Ella 2007

Reese 2009

I don't think I ever really grasped the power and depth of a mother's love until I held my own sweet girls.  In that very moment, I looked back on all the times I may have rolled my eyes and now, I understood my mom.  I was raised with an overwhelming sense of love, and I feel that now as I am bringing up my daughters.

Baby Reese and Grandma Mary

I am so richly blessed.  Not only do I have a wonderful supportive and compassionate mom, I gained another when I married Spencer.  Especially when I am so far from my family, and don't get to see them often, having a mom in your corner is the best feeling in the world.

Baby Reese and Grandma Karen

And not only that, I have the gift of friendships with mothers who share their joys and frustrations, advice and support, and are truly the most loving women I know.  The sisterhood is a shared understanding, and a knowledge of just what mothering is all about.

To me, mothering comes in all shapes and sizes.  It isn't strictly about giving birth to your own, it's about nurturing and loving and making lasting influence to shaping the future.

I am blessed with two joyful daughters who daily remind me just how beautiful life can be.  I simply cannot explain the paradigm shift that occurred when I held that sweet little baby on September 19, 2007.  And then, how my heart pretty much exploded with love when another baby girl blessed our family on July 30, 2009.  Every single day, that love seems to bloom.  They teach me patience, forgiveness, acceptance, and most of all, grace.

wishing you and yours a very happy mother's day, celebrating all the ways we are blessed by mothering.  :)c