She beat me to it!

Mom wrote an awesome "tribute" to us (her daughters) for Mother's Day! That was my idea too so I will just proceed even if it seems like I am copying her idea!! Oh well!

This Mother's Day, I have thought a lot about who my Mom is and what she is not. I treasure and value all of those things and thought I would share them.

What she is NOT:

1. Perfect! Thank goodness! We could never live up to that. Instead she taught us to strive to be like Christ - not her (although that is her goal as well!). And showed us that being weak is not a weakness if you allow God to work through that!

2. Selfish! Mom gives and gives and gives again! She has finally started realizing that she also needs to let herself "take" sometimes but I think it is hard for her still!

3. Unfriendly! She sometimes even embarrasses us by her desire to be friendly to everyone! But that is a gift and a treasure and that must be where Ty gets it! As a result, Mom has friends almost everywhere!

What she IS:

1. Loving! In that real, not enabling way! My sisters have sometimes viewed our relationship as "more" than their own with her. That is not true. But she is the type of mom that is comfortable with silence with me (you'll know it when you experience it). We don't have to do anything to be content in each other's presence. And she can still be tough when she needs to be!

2. A "Great" Grandma! I think her relationship is equal but different with each one (if you know me, you know that is HUGE to me!). Ty loves spending time with Nana. And his relationship is somewhat like mine with Mom. It is enough to just "be" without having to "do". You may find Ty on the computer, playing a game and as long as Nana is in the house - all is ok! And he LOVES hitting the movie theater with Nana. He loves every minute of it!

3. A "REAL" Christian! Does that mean she is without faults - no. But she recognizes them, works on them, and allows herself to be transparent about them. She has faith when it is hard to. She believes when no one else does.

4. A great Wife! This past year has taught us and her what commitment means. What true love endures and conquers. What love can experience when tested and be stronger and better for it.

5. FUN! I love being with my mom and some of my favorite, fun memories are with her! We have a blast!

I LOVE YOU MOM! For what you ARE and for what you are NOT!

Have an awesome Mother's Day!

*You know I love you - what a great picture of you and a horrific one of me!lol

Sandi