Mom...

What a wonderful word!

I have some very special moms in my life and I want to make sure they all know how much I love them.

First, my own mom.

As a single parent, she struggled. I can't even imagine the stress that was involved in raising a child all by herself. She was strict and at the time, I couldn't understand why, but as I look back, she was shaping me into the person I am today and I am so thankful for that. I think she did a pretty good job.

My grandma was and is a very important person in my life. We spent a lot of time with my grandparents. Love has always just poured out of my grandma and her love for the Lord poured out along with that love.

I had two very special aunts growing up. One on my mom's side and one on my dad's side. Both are still very special to me today and both are women who I admire and adore!
I also have some aunts who have come into my life by marrying my uncles. These special ladies have been wonderful additions to our family, and I'm so glad God placed them with us.

I've also been blessed with a wonderful step-mom. That wasn't always the case...(believe me, I've had several) But Dave finally got it right and what a wonderful person she is. God still amazes me with His timing and how the right people just come into your life at the right time. I'm so thankful for her and for God's help in the timing of placing her where we all needed to be. Even though Dave is gone...I am left with a wonderful person in my life that wouldn't have been if not for Him.

Ah...
the mother-in-law!
What can I say, she was the best. I am so thankful for the time I had with her and I thank God for giving me that wonderful opportunity. Even though we didn't get as much time as I would have liked, she taught me so much. She is continuing to teach me everyday. I tell Andy all the time, "oh, that is so your mom!" And that's a good thing.

Then...
someone started calling me that word. It started as mama, then mommy, and now, I'm mom! I love it. I always knew I wanted to be a mom, but I never knew how awesome it would be. It's hard and sometimes I'm not a nice mom, but I'm trying to do my very best to raise well-rounded, independent, respectful, God-loving children.

So a great big "Thank You!" to all the moms in my life! I wish you all a very happy Mother's Day!

The Journal

A few months ago, a few of my friends were sharing with me about their experience at Hearts at Home. I've never been...not that I haven't wanted to go, it's just that the timing hasn't worked out for me.

One of the ideas a friend shared was to start a journal with your daughter. One that just the two of you read. One for "girl's only!

A few weeks ago, Maggie and I started one. And it has been great so far!

Every night, I write in the journal thanking her for simple things she has done. I encourage her to be kind to her brother and others. I tell her that I'm proud of her and that I'm praying for her everyday.

It has been a wonderful tool.

I tend to be a little hard on her. I don't know if it's because she's the oldest or if it's because she's mature for her age...or maybe because she's the only girl. I don't know. I have great expectations for this girl of mine and sometimes I forget to tell her how proud I am of her. This has been a great way to do this.

I think we have started this "girl's only journal" thing at a great time. She is able to write back to me without assistance and I love seeing a few misspelled words or trying to make out what she is talking about. It's going to be great to look back at in a few years.

Maggie likes it too. She'll come in a whisper to me at bedtime, "Mom, did you remember to write in the our book?" I love it. I hope to continue these journals for many many years to come.

Two!

We were lucky enough to be able to share this past Saturday with a very special little girl. Sloan Joy turned 2 on Saturday and we have really loved spending so much time with her.

She celebrated with family....

and friends....

she danced....

and I really think she liked her new back pack we got her....

We love you sweet girl!