A tribute to the Mothers I admire...

I have to admit that lately, Mother's Day has not been my favorite day as my children are too young to realize (or maybe to selfish to realize) that it is supposed to be a special day for me. So instead of focusing on me and having another miserable day(I know... I'll wait while you all get out your violins!)... I am going to focus on the mothers that I admire and celebrate them!

First of all... my own sweet mother, Pat. Growing up I never gave her the props she deserved (Hmm, maybe paybacks?!) She was always so quiet and emotional and to me it seemed at the time that she was 'weak' because she cried so easily - well let's just say that I have now totally revised that childish thought process. She is one of the strongest ladies I know. She has a huge heart - hence the tears - and she is content to let those around her shine while she supports us all. She is a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, she loves to laugh with us too! She is a spiritual giant and a really terrific mother. Thankfully she is mine!

Next, my mother in law, Ima Jean. She is an amazing lady who has so much faith. For a long time I thought she just saw the world through rose colored glasses, now I realize that she chooses to look at the world through her faith that she will do her part and the Lord will do His. She is a hard worker and almost too cheerful!! She is the epitome of early to bed and early to rise..., she never sits still and she is always doing for others. She is the calm in the storm as she rarely if ever gets rattled. She raised a wonderful son, and lucky me, I married him! I am thankful for her in my life as I am always able to learn from her.

My fabulous grandmothers... Geri and Afton. Now you want to talk about some strong ladies... these are they! I am amazed by them always. They have lived amazing lives. Grandma Heath is a worrier... she is always thinking about all of us and what she can do for us. She is frugal and caring and so talented. She has a great smile and chuckle. She is such an example to all of us and has amazing faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. Grandma Evans too has amazing faith and testimony. She is so thoughtful and caring and so full of life. She loves to give advice and I love to hear it. She is wise and loving and a doer. She is also a survivor in every sense of the word. Grandma does not say 'I can't'... she just does! Did I mention that they are amazing?! They truly are and I love them both.

My aunt Sandy and cousin Linda... no here is where it gets tricky, as I have many terrific aunts and cousins... but I just have to point these two out. They are mother and daughter, and two of the most fabulous ladies. They too are survivors and have taught me sooooo much. I don't know if I can explain in words why they inspire me so much (at least not without getting too personal and taking too much space) other than to say they have and continue to climb the mountains with faith and courage and love for others. They are heroes to me. I love them.

I have many friends who I also admire for their mothering skills -I will mention those who I know will read this blog!! That's fair - right?! Kelli - a mother of 5 boys who has an amazing sense of humor and also a strong testimony of the gospel. Corrine - a mother of 4 young children, going through trials like crazy and still smiling and going on with hope for the future. Sharon - really there for her kids. Heather - my idol! Fabulous mother! Bethany - lives life with a smile and so much energy. Judy - who raised these two previous fab mothers! Yvonne - who I have never met, but so admire for her dedication to her family and the gospel and sharing with others. Jessica- amazing in every way and raising a darling family. So a big shout out to all of you for doing a great job!! If I missed anyone - leave me a comment!!;)

I also have many sisters who I think are terrific mothers - five to be exact... Lori, Julie, Emily, Mandi, and Becky - I don't know if Kristin is a mother yet...(I am not sure how it works on the other side exactly) but I do know she is fabulous in every way as well! Each of my sisters have gone through trials and climbed their own mountains as well and yet each of them come out with amazing strength and testimonies to match. They are all incredibly talented and beautiful women. They are raising really great kids. They are without a doubt my best friends and my rocks to lean on. How lucky am I to be surrounded by so many?!

So you can see I come from a long line of strong and truly FABULOUS women and mothers. I thank each one of you for being so influential in my life and to many others I don't have room to mention... You all really are Fabulous and Amazing and I love you! Happy Mothers Day!!