Mother's Day 2011

I didn't want to let Mother's Day pass this year without telling the world how thankful I am for motherhood. I feel so honored to have the blessing of children in my life. I am grateful for a wonderful mother and mother-in-law. I am thankful for grandmas and great-grandmas who helped to shape me into who I am. I'm blessed by aunts who've loved me like a mother, and other women who mothered me when I needed extra help.

Thank you to my mom who has loved me unconditionally. Who taught me to go after what I want and who was ALWAYS there to back me up. As I've had my own kids, and have seen what's involved in trying to create "well-rounded" children, I am always amazed that my parents were so supportive of me and my brothers. Let's be honest, I'm trying to get my kid to drop out of the gifted program and quit piano so that my life is easier (just kidding; sorta). I'm glad that my mom could be a bit hard on me and taught me to be tough. That's a mom's job... to push your kids through the hard times. I'm so grateful for all the fun we've had over the years.... the bra-shopping when I thought I would die of embarrassment, and then of laughter. The jokes that nobody else quite gets. Somebody else in my world that understands that a Diet Coke and a maple bar just might be able to make everything better. I am grateful that she is a grandma who wants to be involved in my kids lives and will always do her best to help out, even if means a lot of driving on her part. Someone who will listen to me when I feel sorry for myself and then tell me to "put on my big girl panties" and get on with things.

Thank you to my mother-in-law who has truly become my second mother. A woman who raised my husband; who taught him that women have "emotions" and taught him to be gentle. For the wonderful grandmother she is and for her desire to build strong relationships with my children. For teaching me to take time to enjoy the small, quiet things in life; that cooking in the kitchen or weeding the garden is where memories are made. For taking the time and making the effort to foster a relationship with a lovesick girl while your son was serving a mission and for always being so awesome to talk to. I love talking to my mother-in-law.

To my grandmothers, both on this earth, and in heaven. Thank you for making me feel like I could do anything I wanted; and for expecting nothing less. Thank you for your examples in enduring, enjoying and enriching life. Thank you for working so hard and being such good examples.

To my Aunt Suzy, who loves me no matter what! For making me feel special and accepting anything and everything about me. I am so grateful to have you in my life.

To my girlfriends who are moms -- to my children and theirs. Thanks for your great examples and for the laughs. I am sure that you are the reason why I am able to get through life. Laughter and commiseration make all things possible.

Finally, to my children. For picking me. I'm not the best; not by a long shot, but you need to know this. I love you with all of my heart and my soul and I would do anything for you (unless it would be a better learning experience for you to do it yourself.) I am thankful everyday for the opportunity I have to be your mother. Thank you for being my guinea pigs, therapists and partners in crime. I love you!