Mother's Day

Like so many out there- I have so much gratitude and love for my mother.  People say you "become" your mother.  Whether you like it or not.  I like it.  I've noticed ( and Chad has definitely noticed) that I have picked up quite a bit of "Shari-ness" over the past few years.  For example:

1. I make a shocking gasping noise ( the kind that makes people think you just cut your hand off) when I think of something I forgot
2. Last night- as our Mother's Day guests were coming in the door I noticed that my daffodils needed to be dead-headed and that was suddenly the most important thing for me to do right then. Truly I felt better after if was done.
3. I put an excessive amount of hairspray in Marian's hair
4. I listen to NPR in the car all the time
5. I tell people about "boundary issues"
6. I use the phrase "that's an idea" when I really mean "that's not going to happen"
7. I itch my ear in a weird way only my mom and her Anderson family do...it feels so good
8. I constantly think about ways to redecorate my home and fantasize about buying dishes
9. I use baked goods and cut flowers as a way to show my love to others.
10. I tell my kids to be kind to everyone- and if someone isn't kind to them, that just means that person  needs a friend.

 There are so many wonderful things about my mom (gardening, cooking, quilting, serving, fun loving, etc...I could go on forever).  But lately the thing I have been most grateful for is her ability to always make me feel like I am awesome.  Whatever is going on in my life- no matter how deserving...or undeserving  for that matter- she always compliments me and praises me in such a sincere way that  I always come away feeling so good about myself.  I love that. Especially as a young mom I realize you need that SO MUCH!  My favorite talk on motherhood from my church leaders does basically the same thing.  Every time I read it I feel so validated and much better about what I am doing.  For anyone with young or even young-ish children I highly recommend reading it.  Here is the link.  "Because she is a mother"

I am so grateful for all the mothers in my life.  My mom, my amazing mother-in-law (who I think of anytime I am about to walk out my kitchen when it is still messy-she would never do that), my grandmothers, my sisters and sisters-in-law, my friends, aunts, neighbors...the list goes on and on. I am so grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful women in my life.  Your good examples are so appreciated. Thank you and Happy Mother's Day!