The Examples of Mothers

Of course, I have to start with my own Mother. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of my Mother is service and sacrifice. She is always putting others first, always thinking of others first and always finding time to serve those who need it, especially her children. She sacrifices her time, energy and wants to take care of those she loves. She is the most giving and unselfish person I know. She didn’t physically give birth to me, but she gave me the life I know, full of love and hope for a wonderful life. Here she is with my Dad and Grandma.

My Grandma has a quiet strength. Her example of grace and calmness in life changing situations is a lesson to those around her. 

My oldest daughter, Traci, laughs with her children. Sometimes she evens laughs at her children. She doesn’t take herself to seriously and she’s teaching her children the same lesson. They’re learning to be happy boys and live their lives full of fun and joy. Here she is with Ben and Julien, Sebastien wasn’t born yet.

My next daughter, Whitney, is learning balance. She’s trying to balance her life with just graduating college, being a new mom, pursuing her teaching career, having a husband in law school and making time for family. In one short week after Maddux’sbirth she’s already learned to let go of some things she once thought were important, because what she’s holding is more important. Here she is with newborn baby Maddux.

My daughter-in-law, Emily, is a teacher. She’s always teaching her son and other children. He’s growing up knowing the importance of  always learning. He’ll come to realize that learning is fun and essential throughout his life. Here she is with Parker on his Blessing Day. She’s expecting Ella in 11 days.  

My sister, Melissa, is an example of the beauty of patience. She’s always wanted children, longed for children and then waited for children. She met and married her sweetheart and started her family right away. She is a beautiful mother working hard to give her children a beautiful life. Here she is with Max, Drew, Graham and Samantha.  

My sister, Deah, is a hard worker (besides looking the same age as her daughters). She’s teaching her daughters to work hard and cherish the family time they have together. Work hard! Play hard! Love Life! And look cute while doing it all! Here she is with her daughters, Brooklyn and Payton and my daughters, Emilee and Amanda.

My sister-in-law, Lara, is a strength to her children. You have to be strong when your husband is a Marine and deployed a lot of your marriage. They have grown up knowing their mother was strong enough to raise them on her own when their Dad wasn’t there and strong enough to step back and let him be the authority when he was home. Here she is with Deah’s husband, Tyrone.  

My sister-in-law, Lisa is an adoring mom. Her children are her life. She lives for them, works for them, plays for them, loves for them, volunteers for them, sacrifices for them, cries for them, prays for them and has fun with them. She is an example of a happy mom raising happy children. Here she is with Dustin, Lilyan and Quynce.

Hubby’s Mom is in purple. She has always loved those who need love the most. She has taken in foster children and loved them when no one else could or would. She has taught her biological children and foster children compassion for others.

Hubby’s sister, Dani, is sitting next to her Mom. She has raised her children on her own at times and with a spouse at times. She has taught her children to never give up.

Hubby’s sister-in-law, Marcie, is in green. She is always available to her children. She has taught them that they are the most important things in her life and they can always count on her to be there for them.

Hubby’s sister-in-law, Holly is in red. She is an example of perseverance and endurance through the trials we are sometimes given through our mortal bodies. She has a quiet strength and beauty she has already passed on to her beautiful daughters. 

Hubby’s sister, Jeri, on the right. She livens up any room with her laughter and has taught her children to have fun even through difficult times. She has a love for babies, just like her mother.

And what do I want to teach my children?

To love and grow to know Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ.

To put family first above anything else on this earth.

To always learn more.

To always have time to serve others.

To laugh and play more.

To find something you love to do and share it with others.

To find in others the qualities you’d like to possess and work hard to achieve them.

And where did I learn all these things?    From my Mother

I love you Mom!   Happy Mother’s Day!