It's Mother's Day...

I am the absolute WORST at remembering these days! They sneak up and surprise me. I don't like that about myself. I know that all the women in my life who I should send a card and a gift know this about me. Thankfully, they dish out grace when it comes to me regularly! I thought I would pay tribute to each one today in my blog:

To My Mother:
You have always been there for me. I don't think you'll ever know exactly how much that means to me. I know there have been some hard times, but I also know that you are a rock who clings to THE ROCK! Your life and the testimony that it presents is the reason that I am able to confidently claim my faith today. You have instilled in me the values with which I am now raising my own children. They (the kids) remind me regularly (when parenting is hard) just what an awesome job you did (and do). Your support and always "being there" for us is such a gift. I can say without a doubt that this is not the "normal" parenting that took place among my friends as a child and a teen and even as an adult. Actually, it amazes me when I really think about it. Of course, I miss being closer to you...but am thankful that we are still not far apart! Thanks, Mom! I love you!!

To My Step-Mother:
It's hard to believe how much time has passed since you walked into our lives. I know that there have been times when it must have been hard to be "another mother figure" in our lives. But you have done a beautiful job of it. I appreciate the many ways that you go out of your way to make sure that family and extended family have time together. You have always been there and helped us know that we are an important part of your life as well. Thank YOU for the many ways that you care and love us. We (and ESPECIALLY I) want to let you know that we love and appreciate you.

To My Mother-in-Law:
Thank you for your love and generosity over the past 20 years! I listen to other people tell about their mother-in-law relationships in negative ways...and I am SO THANKFUL that I can say with confidence, "Not MINE!" Your giving and loving spirit is such a picture of the love of Jesus. It doesn't go unnoticed OR unappreciated. I'll admit that I wondered how it would be when we all lived together in the same town. Now, I almost can't imagine NOT living in the same town! You are a blessing to all of us! Thank you for raising your son to be a wonderful and Godly husband! May God continue to bless you abundantly! We love you!

To My Grandmother:
You are such a gift to us! I love the fact that even though you have moved further away, we can still communicate on computer. I love to look back on all the things we have done together. I appreciate all the memories that you have given to me (and our family). I know that family is so important to you and I think I have carried some of that into my own family. It is a blessing to have a Grandparent who wants to know and be a such a part of her grandchildrens and great grandchildrens (and even the great great grandchildrens) lives! I love you, Grandma!!

Happy Mother's Day to each of you....YOU ARE LOVED!!!