Mothers and Others

 "Whee!"  (Andrew)

 "Higher, Daddy, higher"  (Everleigh)

 Campsite

 Auntie Ami and little Ben,,,er...Ethan

 Auntie & Godmother Jesse with Briggs (7 mos.)

 Greg fixed steaks and potatoes on the grill...yum!

 Andrew & Everleigh admire my flowers that

are already blooming!

 More swinging

 Briggs with his daddy

So, it was a lovely Mother's Day for me.  A beautiful weather

day that included picnic lunch for Scott's family and Jesse's family

(and yes, at least 2 outfit changes for Andrew),

lovely gifts and cards with thoughtful sentiments,
time on the phone with my Florida kids and

ended with supper with my own mom.

It got me thinking about all the "moms" that have influenced

my life.  Some of them were moms in their own right

but some of them weren't...still they all provided guidance,

care, support, love and were wonderful role models:

• both my grandmas were loving and giving in their own way
• my Aunts Phyllis, who always had a project to share
• my Aunts Pat and Mia who always welcomed me into their homes
• Auntie (never Aunt) Joyce who always made me feel special
• most of my grade school teachers who taught me to diagram a sentence and get along in the world
• when I was growing up some of the other moms at Sunday School who taught the lessons, planned the snacks and sang the songs
• some of my own friends who have taught me by example how to be accepting and learn to let go
•  and all the young mothers out there who may be sleep deprived or yearn for a quiet hot meal,who face their own challenges and fears...

Thanks for reminding me that being a mother

isn't just biological, it's a decision made every day.