This morning I am so thankful for so many women who have changed my life. Since Presley was born, I have learned {the hard way} how challenging being a Mother really is. It is 24/7. Selflessness. Patience. Sacrifice. So many things that I never noticed MY mother giving up for me. It has been LIFE-CHANGING. I have an entirely new appreciation for my mom, and all the other mothers in the world. Single mothers. Well. You ladies are INCREDIBLE. Words cannot even describe how hero-like you are in my eyes. I cannot inagine raising a child on my own, so mad props to you on this calender marked day of recognition.
There should be more Mothers Days. Seriously Moms rock.
Where would we all be without our Mamas?
So, for your reading pleasure, here are some of the amazing Mothers who have changed my life. Given me life. Altered my life. Impacted my life.
I cannot thank you enough for the people you are, because you have made me the person I am today. Your incredible, and loved beyond words.
These are in no special order. EXCEPT, of course, My mother is first.
First off. My mother. I could write for hours about this incredible woman. Not only did she raise me, and two rowdy brothers but she did it without complaint. Without all the modern day conveniences I have today. She breastfed me till I was 2 {holy crap mom, you ROCK!} and worked while I was growing up. This amazing mother taught me about having a strong work ethic, a solid education. She taught me to use my talents frequently, to help others, and to give selflessly. She is the model example of a Mother. She has the largest heart, makes sacrifices for myself and brothers without question. She is a wife, new grandma, sister, daughter and an amazing role model. As soon as Presley was put in my arms, I gained an entirely new love and appreciation for my Mother. Mom. I am sorry I put you through hell and back again, I had no idea the emotional pain I caused you, and I never knew - and probably still dont know, how much you truly love me....I am only beginning to learn. Thank you for being gentle, kind, for always listening, for playing the devils advocate {when I needed you to}, for playing dress up, for dancing and singing all the time, for Karate lessons, piano lessons, singing lessons, (and all the other lessons!) for being silly, seriously and always sarcastic. You are my hero, my favorite, and the best Mother a girl could ask for. I am so lucky God gave me to you.....he picked us out perfectly for eachother.
This amazing lady is our California Mom/Grandma. Nancy took the place of our Mom while we were in California away from our Mothers. She is such an incredible person, an a perfect example of a Mother. Nancy constantly gives, not only to her own family - but to so many others. She ALWAYS puts others before herself, and is first to help and offer assistance. We first met Nancy while we were in the Singles Ward, and slowly started hanging out at the Harlow home on Sundays. Then it was Thankgivings, and Christmases, and all major events.....and shortly before we left, Nancy's husband, Rich - blessing our Daughter. The Harlows opened their home, and their hearts to us. Nancy created the most comfortable atmosphere in her home, that it was one of the first places Chad and I always wanted to go. She spoiled us, gave us advice when we asked, lots of yummy food, love, hugs, and always a shoulder to cry on. Nancy changed my life. She showed me so much about being a Mother, and wife. Nancy watched Presley while we were packing for our big move, and over the years, helped us SO much. We miss her {and the Harlow family} SO MUCH.
Terri. I don't even know where to begin with Terri. I met Terri when I first met Chad (almost 9 years ago) and she instantly became one of my Best Friends. Over the course of my relationship with Chad, we grew extremely close (our hubbies are BFFs) and Terri and I ended up spending SO much time together. She has been an amazing best friend, photographer, mentor, but her most redeeming quality is the fact that she is a Mother. I got to see Terri raise all 4 of her children, and I cannot even say enough about that task. I seriously do not know how she does it. Terri is super woman. She has 4 amazing kids who she has raised to be so adorable, so responsible and attentive. She's got a ROWDY husband, a photography business - and she always keeps everything together. Terri not only was one of my Best Friends but the BEST support during my entire pregnancy. She answered literally thousands of questions with open arms, and offered some of the best advice. She opened her home to Chad and I - and has given us more meals, sleepovers, adventures, boat trips, camping trips, photo sessions, outfits, and advice than I ever knew humanly possible to give. She was a role model to me as a wife, mother and friend and I can never begin to thank her enough for everything she is. Terri, YOU FRICKIN ROCK girl. Seriously, not sure how you do what you do - WITH a smile on your face all the time.
Terri. I love this woman. She is SO fun, and so down to earth. I hope I can be a rad, mom and wife like her. We are currently living with Steve and Terri, and I cannot thank Terri enough for the support she has given to Chad and myself - not only now, but throughout our entire relationship. I am so thankful to be a part of their family - and to have Terri as a Mother In Law. Terri is so carefree, loving, giving, kind, and always eager to listen. She has the BEST shoulder to cry on - and is so easy to talk to. She is spontaneous, outgoing, and loves to have fun. She works hard, and plays hard - and has 2 amazing children. She is such a fun, loving mom - and a perfect example of a Mother. She has taken me in, and shown me that the In-Laws are truly the In-Loves - and that family is always loving, and always there. THANK YOU Terri for everything you are, and all you have done for us. I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough. I am honored to be part of the family.
I cannot even begin to thank Mama Karen enough. Without her I wouldn't have Chad - and without Chad I wouldn't have Presley. Karen is such an amazing Mother, and I can see so many of her qualities in Chad. She is so adventurous, outgoing, and a hard worker. She is a pleasure to be around, and a pleasure to talk to. She is so energetic, bubbly, and always in a great mood. She is an amazing Grandmother to Presley and an amazing Mother-In-Law to me. THANK YOU Karen for raising Chad to be who he is, for being who you are, and for being such an amazing Mother.
I do not have pictures for, but also what to thank:
Great Grandma Marcia. This woman let me live with her for a year, has taken me to London, Hawaii and been present for all my accomplishements throughout life. The emails, phone calls and follow ups never go unnoticed and I look forward to chatting with you. THANK YOU for being such an amazing Grandma to me, and an amazing Great Grandmother to Presley. I love you, and am so thankful for everything you've done this Mothers Day. I don't know how you raised my Dad {that crazy guy!} and applaud you as a Mother and wife.
Great Grandma Judy. The amazing woman who raised my mother to be who she is. This wonderful woman raised 8 children {I have no idea how!} and is an exceptional good cook, listener, and woman. She has the softest heart, the warmest hugs and the best stories. I do not know how you were a Mother to 8 children, but I am forever in debt because my Mom turned out to be amazing.
AND ALL the other Grandma's, great Grandma's, Aunts, cousins, friends, woman trying to become pregnant, furmomies, daughters, single dads out there. You are incredible, I admire YOU - the world couldn't go round without you.
MOST OF ALL. I want to thank my sweet girl Presley.
For making ME a Mother.
For teaching more in the last 4 months about myself than I ever knew possible. For being my perfect match. For teaching me patience, love, and for helping me see what LIFE is all about. I had no idea how hard being a Mom was/is. These last 4 months have been the most challenging 4 months of my entire life.
They have also been the most rewarding.
I am so, so, so thankful for all the amazing Mothers that surround me. For the opportunity to be a Mother, and for the chance to be as good to Presley as all the Mothers I know, have been to me. Today is a day full of such love and compassion - you better be out there lovin on your momma.....
