mothers day thoughts...

its an interesting thing being a mom...
finding myself doing things i swore i would never do... like driving a mini van,
and saying things i never ever in my wildest dreams thought i would ever have to say like..."we don't lick handrails! i don't care if they taste like bacon sprinkles! stop it!" and other such "gems" i know many a mom have said, with complete bewilderment as the words come flying out of our mouths. (feel free to share some of your favorite ..."did i really just say that?!" moments in the comments! :)

but as i look back on my 8 years of mother hood, i cant help but think of all the amazing women who i have witnessed and learned from. or who have touched my life. who's examples of love, selflessness, playfulness, ingenuity,  patience,  faith, happiness(even when it was hard to find), loyalty, fierceness(mamma bear instinct), fortitude, hope, dedication, leadership, kindness, forgiveness .. the list can go on and on..have shaped me into the gal i am today!

and i just want to take a moment and say, ladies..you are amazing!

i think the woman's heart is one of the most amazing things, its capacity to carry dreams, and hold love, to feel so deeply and to be as tender as it is, and yet still be strong enough to withstand the sorrows and trauma, and  disappointments that this life demands of it...is beyond my understanding...

but i understand this, that whether you are a new mom who wonders if she can handle this overwhelming responsibility.  or a grandma who misses the sounds of her once full house, or the married woman who despite all the latest technology's and treatments can't conceive.  or the friend who just miscarried...again. or the woman who wants to find that special someone to love her, or the mom who lost her child and wants nothing more in this whole wide world then to have that baby back in her arms...to that girl who just wants to believe she is good enough...our hearts are the same!

we are owners of one of gods most glorious creations. and he knows each of our hearts! every scar, every bursting seam or rough edge. and i think as women we have been given the divine ability to help lift the hearts of those around us, and to heal our own hearts in the process. and i am grateful for this sisterhood that we as women share regardless of the number of kids we have. that we can make a difference in this world. and in each other! that we get to celebrate the women in our lives, who have helped our hearts grow or heal. who have helped carry some of our pain or who helped fill it with joy!

i am grateful for my mom, i would not be who i am today without her. i am grateful for my sisters (including in-laws)...its been crazy fun having such stellar women to lean on, laugh with and love!
and for the friends who have seen me at my worst, and yet still choose to see the good in me and stick around for the crazy ride! ladies i thank you and i love you with all my heart! and i wish you all the best... on mothers day and everyday!