Happy Mother's Day!

I have had a fabulous Mother's Day spent with all my loved ones. We had a relaxing bay cruise on the boat with Matt's parents and then a yummy dinner cooked by Matt, my dad and brothers back at my parents' house in the evening. I think what I am most aware of today, this day that is supposed to be about me, is that I am who I am because of so many others in my life.

My husband - without who, I would not be a mother. Matthew you have given me 3 of the greatest gifts I could ever ask for. Motherhood is crazy busy, tiring, and sometimes hard to understand. But it is exactly what I love. Exactly what I want to be doing. Exactly what makes me happy, fulfilled, and complete. So I thank you for making it all possible. For working so hard so that I can stay home with our kids. And for always helping, being a "hands on" Daddy, and showing your love unabashedly.

My children - Again, without who, I would not be a mother. Megan, Molly, and Wyatt - you are 3 of the greatest gifts, more than I could ever ask for, more than I could ever dream of, all I could ever want. Everyday you fill my heart again and again with love and laughter, awe and wonder. How did I get so lucky as to have you to call MINE? What have I done to be so blessed? You are all happy, healthy, independent little loves and you make me proud everyday. This being only my 4th Mother's Day, I am sometimes all to aware of the years that still lie ahead. And I am overwhelmed with the desire to slow everything down and speed everything up at the same time. I can't wait to share and grow, teach and learn, watch and experience our life into memories. You 3 have made your Daddy and I a FAMILY. And there really isn't anything else in the world I wanted more than to be a Mommy and have a family. So I thank you for making my dreams come true. I love you more than I will ever be able to express, say, show or tell.

My mother - who has taught me by example the kind of woman, wife and mother I want to be. Mom, I know you know that I love you. But I really would not be able to be the mom I am without you in my life. You give so much of yourself to everyone else. Especially your family. And we are all better for it. I can't think of a time that I have asked for your help or advice and you have not been there for me, going above and beyond the call of duty. If I need a babysitter, if I need to know how long or how hot to cook something, if my baby is crying and I can't figure out why, if I have had a hard day and need encouragement, if I want to whine - or if I want to share my excitement...I always know I can call you and you will be there for me with answers and moral support. Having this foundation, this safety net, this reassurance, this friendship is such an amazing thing. I hope to be all of these things and more for you as we face this next saga together. I have faith that God will carry you through the surgery, recovery and chemo with flying colors. You are not your boobs. You are not your hair. You are your family. And we couldn't love you more. You are one of the strongest, most faithful people I know and we can't wait to make this easier for you.

My Gramma - my other Mom, who is loyal to a fault and loves her family more than herself. Gramma you have taught me about simplicity, frugality and the power of a dollar. You can make dinner out of nothing - and it will taste great! You always have time for me and my children. Never tire of reading them books, answering their questions or brushing their hair. When I worry about how to entertain them, you can make a whole morning out of taking out the trash, folding the socks and washcloths, and rolling pennies. Who needs toys when GG is around?! You let my girls play tea party with your fine china and drink juice from your stemmed glasses. They go to sleep for you better than they do for me - and when I return, they don't want you to go. I could not be the mom I am without all your help. And my children are better because of all your love!

My mother in law - who raised a son, by herself, and has taught me about perseverance and commitment. Janis, you have not had an easy life. But you have always made the best of what you had. And you have always made sure your son knew that he was loved and supported and that family came first. For that, I thank you. Because you raised the most loving friend, husband, and father. I am so lucky to have him - and you in my life. These past few months you have faced times when even the best of us might have thrown in the towel. But you didn't. In the beginning I didn't really understand why. But now I do, and I respect you for sticking to it. For knowing that where you want to be isn't always easy to get to -but it is worth the work and sacrifice. This spirit of perseverance is in your son too, and I love that about him. Thank you for always making my children feel over the top special and important.

My girlfriends - who teach me everyday that life is bigger than me, but with each other to lean on, we can make it thru anything. What haven't we faced in the past few years? Health scares with our children, our parents, each other, death, issues of faith, marriages, births, divorce, buying houses, selling houses, making HOMES. I am so blessed to have each of you in my life. On a daily basis you inspire me, encourage me, help me, mold me, teach me, support me, and make me be a better me. A better mom, a better wife, a better woman, a better friend. I look to all of you for help and guidance and you do not disappoint.

I love each and everyone of you. Thank you for you, and who you are in my life!