(happy mother's day)

last year i wrote this about the gift that is all the different sorts of moms in our lives. i read it again this morning and another year into being a mom it seemed even more true to me.

i am so thankful for the moms in my life. i am so thankful that i get to be a mom.

to honor my own amazing mom today,

a few of the things she's taught me along the way:

• live with integrity, even when it costs you
• it isn't called getting lost - it's called "we're going on an adventure"
• at the end of the day, it's more important to spend an extra few minutes with your children than it is to make sure your kitchen is spotless
• tell your kids how much you love being their mom, and how glad you are that they are in your family
• remember that your children are individuals - that means loving, disciplining, supporting, and interacting with each one according to who they are as unique human beings
• if you love deeply, you'll grieve deeply too.
• you don't have to follow a recipe exactly. (in fact, you don't need to follow a recipe at all to make some pretty delicious food.)
• the end of summer vacation is the worst time of the year, because that's when your kids have to go back to school.
• pray for your children & pray with your children
• stand by your convictions, even when it embarrasses your kids
• hug & snuggle your kids. comfort them. delight in them. laugh & cry with them.
• treat other people as if they are a part of your family-you'll end up with a whole lot of extra adopted children along the way
• silliness is an essential ingredient in being a good mom

happy mother's day!