Happy Mother's Day...weekend!

My mom…

I have an incredible mom! Seriously, she's great. It’s funny how many times I will catch myself doing and saying things that I know came straight from my mother…and probably straight from my Gram…and probably straight from my great-grandma whom I don’t even remember…as much as I try to resist certain things that drove me crazy when I was a young lady, it’s just a part of who I am. It’s who my mom has formed me to be. And for so many of those things I can be grateful.

For example:

I LOVE that my mom made sure that our home was a place where God was loved and morals were taught.

I LOVE that my mom stayed home with us kiddos. As I transition into becoming a stay at home mom, I know that it’s a hard decision and one that you have to rearrange your life in order to make it work!

I LOVE how my mom (& dad) fought for her marriage and family. I don’t ever recall a time when I thought my parents might not be together. They are a strong, unwavering pair and that’s rare in today’s world.

I LOVE that my mom used to take me along to go visit the elderly neighbor ladies. It’s taught me to be respectful and caring.

I LOVE that my mom (and Gram) loved to read and were examples to me. The older I get, the more I have a desire to read and learn just like them.

I LOVE that my mom knows how to make her kids feel special. I still remember one of my birthdays when I was in my early teens. My mom and dad took me out to eat in Dubuque and then went shopping, just the three of us…that’s a special treat when you have two brothers competing for attention!

I LOVE how my mom would cheer for me at my high school track meets. I could pick her voice out of the entire crowd, she single-handedly willed me to run faster and harder.

I LOVE that my mom is a hard worker. I've been told that I'm an 'independent woman', because I resist help from others. I think I received some of my mom's ability to at least try to accomplish things on my own first, you can always call in the backups later... ;)

I LOVE how my mom loves her grandkids. It's such a blessing for all three of them!

There are a million things I LOVE about my mom – I’m blessed to have her and should tell her that more often!

Judy...

I’ve been blessed to have a super mother-in-law! To be honest, I've heard the horror stories from wive's that have less than ideal MIL, and I lucked out with mine! Although I’ve only known Judy for about 7ish years, I’ve learned a lot from her and thank her for raising such an amazing son!

I LOVE that Judy embraces life wherever she is at. She's taught me that you don't have to have the best of 'things' to be happy.

I LOVE how Judy loves unconditionally. She's truly lives this out every single day, you always know that she loves and cares for you.

I LOVE that Judy is so flexible. She is always willing to work around anyone's schedule to make sure everyone can be present at holidays, birthdays, and any other celebration. She understands that it's people that matter, not the date.

I LOVE that Judy is patient with me as a cook. She's worked in the restaurant business for years and knows how to cook so well...but she never pokes fun at my sad attempts at dinners sometimes.

I LOVE Judy's generosity. She passed this on to her son. Both Judy and Shane would give the shirt off their back's if someone else needed it more than them!

I LOVE how Judy lights up when she see Zay...and how Zay lights up when he sees Grandma.

Once again..there are a million things I love about Judy. I'm so fortunate to call her my mother-in-law!

I hope that I can take all the knowledge, tips, and wisdom from both of my wonderful moms and become a great mom just like them!

...Happy Mother's Day!