Mom

My mom is amazing. Other people worry about being "better" parents than their own, I actually worry sometimes about living up to the amazing, loving, self sacrificing example that mine showed me.

I have so many treasured memories of my moms devotion. Countless hours helping me clean horse stalls, running around catering to my whims while I stressed out and got super cranky at horse shows, nursing me back to health when I got a terrible flu in college, graciously inviting all our friends into her house whenever we wanted (and fully enjoying us being there) and my wedding...I remember just laying in bed some nights running over wedding details and suddenly being in complete awe that I had such awesome parents helping me put it together. I always felt loved beyond belief, my entire life and I am so incredibly grateful for that gift.

My mom loves children. When me and my brother were both in college, she went to work at a daycare because she missed being around kids. She has amazing patience and joy with Saben and Annika that constantly reminds me to treasure these times with them. You can tell she is doing exactly that, every week that she is here. My favorite thing she ever said about the kids was when someone asked her "if you could go on a trip with anyone besides your husband, who would it be?" She chose Saben, who was only 3 at the time.

After mom quit working at the daycare, she started picking up volunteer "jobs" all over town. Food bank volunteer, language tutor, church librarian, MOPS mentor mom, discipleship group teacher and I am sure many more I am forgetting. She comes up almost weekly to help with the kids while I get my grocery shopping done. My mom has a gift for showing God's love to others through service and it is beautiful.

I admire my mom's faith in God and the way it plays out in her life. She has this knack for striking a balance between strong principals and enormous grace and generosity to those around her. I only hope to raise my children and show them love the way she did me. Happy Mother's Day Mom, I love you!