Today is a very special day for a lot of ladies out there, and though I've never really been one to fuss over holidays or birthdays, this morning I was inspired to plan something fun in memory of Travis' and my first Mother's Day. We'll get to that in a minute...
I've been surrounded by amazingly strong mothers in my life...
First, my mom - she is a rock. She was the only girl with 7 brothers and has done an incredible job raising Tammy and me. She has been my very best friend since I can remember and I am lucky to have such a strong supporter in my life. Amazing that, over all these years, she is still here for me - any time I call... even when the two of us butt heads and hug and kiss to make up. Without a doubt, she's the most important woman in my life.
My sister, Tammy. To have a sister like her - wow, I'm blessed. She has always taken care of me. She is my fairy Godmother, who, without even blinking an eye, fake registers me at Baby's-R-Us to help me get ready for my newborn, who mentors me through picking linens, china, flowers, invitations, venues at my wedding, who slams the door in my face and knocks down an entire wall of mom's china when we were fighting as kids, who played marco-polo with me every summer of our youth, she was the keeper of the white Barbie corvette that I always wanted to borrow. You are one of the most selfless moms I've ever known.
My sister, Sabrina. The older we get the closer we are. I love hearing a sweet Aussie-meets-California voice on the other end of the line. I am so grateful for technology and how it's helped us get old together. You gave me my first Erasure mix-tape. I always wanted to be a cheerleader like you and have always been jealous of the beautiful blonde hair that self-lightens in the summer (lucky girl). Thank you for making such an effort to keep us in your life - the trips to the states almost every year... I can't tell you how much I look forward to them and love the time we get to spend when you are here. I owe you a trip. I will make it one of these days, lady. I can't wait to meet #4. I aspire to be a mom like you.
My mother-in-law, Cindy. I have learned so much from you. You are so kind and thoughtful, thinking of things I would never even think to think about. You dote on my kid, and I love it so much. He adores his Nana-time, so do I. I love our midnight talks, our early breakfasts and your incredibly helpful advice. I love laughing at the fact that the men in our lives are exactly the same, and you somehow understand what I'm dealing with. He is your boy - you know him better than I do :) I hope to be as great of a mom to my son as you have been to yours.
My grandmother-in-law, Maw Maw. I know you won't read this because you don't have internet, but it must be said that you have shaped my life in so many ways - I'm sure you don't even realize the impact you've had. You're the final word in Jason's life and I am blessed that you have let me into your family and shared so much with me. I am grateful for every second that Travis gets to spend with you - he belongs in your arms napping. I hope to raise a family like you've raised yours... you have inspired generations. You have inspired me.
There are so many women in my life that have shaped who I am - I am grateful for all of you, wether mentioned here or not. Mom's, non-mom's, and moms-to-be: thank you for making me the woman I am.
Here's to making memories every mother's day.
Last year on Mother's Day, Jason and I shared that we would be expecting a baby in December. Travis revealed himself (via sonagram) to the Mom's in our lives. My mom was puzzled and then shocked that she was going to be a grandma. Tammy laughed because she claimed "she knew it"! Cindy scared me half to death as she started pelting out tears of joy. Keri screamed and Maw Maw sat back and and soaked in the idea of grandbaby #16 (holy geez!).
This year, Travis, Cindy, Maw Maw, Keri and I made an "impression" on Mother's Day.
We made some keepsakes - little tiny feet, little tiny hands - they're in the oven now, baking for another 35 minutes. I pray they turn out as cute as they were when we started making them. It was to much fun. Look a those chubby little legs. Love them.
Happy Mother's Day everyone!
xoxo, Cyndy
