Motherhood

My journey towards motherhood began many years ago growing up on the farm surrounded by my family.  It was there that I watched my mom, aunt and grandma, mother with confidence, humility, grace, and humor.  I learned what it meant to be a woman of God, a loving wife and a competent mother from these woman.  As I grew older I began to watch my cousins get married and have children of their own.  When you thought I wasn't watching I was.  I witness the journey of motherhood as Lori, Lisa and Beth raised their families and allowed me to be participate in their children's lives.  I then married into a family where I gained a mother in law, grandmother, and many aunts who all demonstrated the importance of tradition and bringing ones' unique style to this journey of motherhood.
As I take time to reflect on what Mother's day really means and as I was honored and pampered by my own boys, I realize that I don't tell these important women enough the impact they have had on making me the mother I am today.  Each of you...Mom, Aunt Kit, Grandma Katzenmeier, Lori, Lisa, Beth, Carole, Grandma Reitha, Aunt Darlene, Aunt Kristi, Aunt Michelle, and Aunt Becki, have all played a vital role in making me the mother that I am today and my boys have you to thank.
By opening your homes and families to me, you allowed me to gain knowledge and experience regarding this amazing job of being a mom.  I won't say that it is always easy or even enjoyable but there is no other way I could imagine my life.  Each day brings new challenges, joys and lessons to be learned.
Before I sign off I want to acknowledge the amazing young women that I get to go through this journey of motherhood with.  You have been the reassuring words I needed in time of crisis and the shoulders I could lean on when my strength has lessened.  I am so blessed to be discovering mother hood with such great support through amazing friends.
I am sure that as life gets busy and May soon leaves us for summer, I will once again forget to tell each of you as often as I should how important you are to me and how much I have learned from you.  So, please know that I thank and praise God for each of you in my life and that you have taught me more than you will ever know.