Mothers Day

Mom,

You are one of the most amazing, selfless, loving, and honest women I know. You have been by my side through the good, the bad, and the ugly. And through all those times you have never failed to love me. I am who I am today because of the way you raised me. You have taught me how to fear and follow the Lord, how to be a friend, how to be a wife, to be wise, to love, and to always remain true to who I am . The older I get the more I see of you in me. And you know what? I like it. There is no other woman on this earth that I would rather emulate. I thank you for your patience with me. I know I was not always an easy child to raise yet you seemed to do it so effortlessly and with such grace.

When I look back on my childhood I remember:

• The nights where you would read to us before bed, depending on the book, some nights were filled with laughter and some with tears. 
• Sneaking into your room in the wee hours of the morning and you always having the bible in your lap and welcoming me (and usually other siblings) to snuggle in between you and Dad. 
• The creative ways you came up with, to get us not to watch TV. Like that time you gave us (Amy and I) a choice to watch TV all week but if we chose to do so we had to watch it all the time and never do anything else all week. I am pretty sure I chose to watch TV and I am pretty sure I begged you to let me go outside only a day into it. Your plan worked and I was off  of TV for a while. 
• The incredible patience you had homeschooling me.
• How you would show up at all the HS football games just to watch me Cheerlead.
• When in a moments notice, sometimes right before school you would cut my hair.
• The times of discipline when you would always help me understand why I was being disciplined and then you would pray with me afterwards.
• All the letters you have written to me over time. And even though I was not always ready to hear what you had to say in those letters I can look back now and see your heart in them. 
• The day I called you and told you I was moving to NY, followed by a weighty confession, and you supported me 100% and told me that you were proud of me. 

It is these memories that I reflect on today, as times that you loved me the best. And I will always cherish them.

I admire the woman of God that you are and I strive every day to be more like you. I love you Mom and thank you for everything that you have shown and taught me through the years. You are irreplaceable.

 Happy Mothers day!

Grandma,

Do you know you are the coolest grandma around and that I constantly brag about you??? Because I do! You are apart of so many of my childhood memories and I am so thankful for that. I am so lucky to have such a hands on grandma who loves me so well. Thank you for raising such an amazing woman as my mom is. It takes an amazing woman to raise one! I would not be here if it weren't for you.  

When I look back on my childhood I remember:

• The time I finally got over being a victim of home sickness and went to NY with you and Grandpa. You took me to see "The Scarlet Pimpernel" (my first Broadway play). 
• Playing dress up in front of all your mirrors in your closet.
• The many times I spent with you in the car (usually going between your home and Pleasanton) and the conversations that were had.
• Every September when you would take me back to school shopping (thanks Grandpa for financially backing this experience!) and the patience you had with me. It usually turned into an all day affair.
• Spring Breaks when Megan and I would crash at your house and you welcomed us with open arms.

You have provided so many memories and have been so generous with not only your money but more importantly your time. I am so lucky to have a Grandma who has been so actively apart of my life. Thank you for always being there for me and being such a great listener and friend. I can't imagine my life without you! I love you.

Happy Mothers Day!

(How the heck we don't have a picture together, I don't know? But it needs to be fixed next time I see you!)