Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers in my life.  You know who you are!  So many mothers have had and continue to have such a huge influence on my life, especially now that I am a mom myself.

My grandmothers are women that I have always looked to for advice and support.  My grandma Edna is still living and I just love her so much.  She reminds me that motherhood is mostly instinct and trial-and-error, and not to make such a big deal out of it. Grandma had a big part in raising me and my sisters, and I will never forget that.  I will always remember her use of the word sh**, which is still a big part of her vocabulary, or when I started wearing deodorant and wanted everyone to buy me some so I could have all different types and she told me that one was enough.  I was so excited and she was so gentle and matter-of-fact.  That quality (gentle matter-of-factness, if that’s a word) is something I strive to have with my own children.

Jason’s grandma Olline passed away last year, but she is still someone that I think of often.  She was such an example of strength and hard work. I used to love sitting in her living room asking her questions about things she had done in her life, and she had done a lot!  I am glad that I have those memories to share with Charlie and Maddie one day.

Both Jason and I have been blessed to have all of our grandmothers in our lives for a long time, and I am glad that Charlie and Maddie have had the chance to know their Great-Grandma’s Edna and Olline.  I know that MeMa and Grandma Robinson would have loved them as well.

My mother-in-law Sandra is a wonderful example to me as well.  She has been in my life since I was 17 years old, and is a picture of understanding, patience, and love.  She is always there for me whenever I need her help, and doesn’t ask any questions or act like she doesn’t have time.  I am most grateful to her for raising such a wonderful son, and I hope that I can be as good to him as she has been and continues to be.

Some of the most influential people in my life at this time are my mommy-friends.  I believe that different friends are put into our lives at different times when we need them, and the friends in my life right now are people that I will always love and appreciate.  It is so valuable to have women to talk to, to complain to, and to ask questions of.  I appreciate them letting my children practice life on their children!

My sisters and sisters-in-law bring power into my life.  I love them all so much and appreciate their sisterhood.  Just knowing that they are by my side when I need them makes me feel strong and proud. Cousins are first friends, and I am so happy that Charlie and Maddie have been given wonderful cousins to grow up with.

Lastly, the mother of all mothers.  My mama.  I just love her so much.  She is a driving force in my life.  Charlie wants to fold up the house and move it next to hers, but I don’t see how we could get much closer.  I told Mama once that you don’t really understand how much you are loved until you have children of your own.  It is overwhelming to me to know that there is someone who loves me as much as I love Charlie and Maddie, and that is her.  I now know her sacrifices and her mother’s guilt, and I love her all the more for that.

Me and my little blessings! We found this turtle in our yard when we got home from church.

Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous; is not proud; is not conceited; does not act foolishly; is not selfish; is not easily provoked to anger; keeps no record of wrongs; takes no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. ~I Corinthians 13:4-7

Most of all, I am so glad that I am surrounded by examples of godly women, women who are not ashamed to be women in a time when that is sometimes looked down upon.  I love you all.