To My Kids on Mother's Day

Being a mom to all of you is the best job in the whole world. I am so proud of all of you! You make me as your mom look good. I wish I could say that the reason you are all what you are today, is because of me. But, I know that with all the mistakes I made, it is only because of all the prayers that you all turned out so wonderful. Jessica, my poor firstborn, you had to be the one that I began my learning journey on. You have turned into a beautiful woman, with a beautiful family. I am so proud of everything you have accomplished. Going back to school while taking care of a family is something not everyone could have done and you made it look easy. Your boys are so lucky to have you for their mom. Betsy, you were so different from Jessica as a child, that I had no clue what I was doing most of the time. I am so sorry for the years where I didn't understand you. I can tell that you are a wonderful mother already, even though you've only had the job part time so far. You are the most giving person I know. I want to be just like you when I grow up! Carrie, you I understood the best. I at least knew that every child is different when you came along. You were way too much like me. Sometimes that was a good thing, but other times I knew (and still know) what you were thinking. Scary! Thank you for taking all the good mothering skills I had and using them and trying to learn from my mistakes. Bob, my first son, I never understood but always loved! I still don't understand how with 3 older sisters, you could pick up any object and turn it into a car or train. You made mothering the younger kids a whole lot easier with your example. I can never thank you enough for always saying, "coming" when I would call you. It was a wonderful example to the younger kids. Jeanne, I understood you the least, but again I always loved you. Looking back I would have done many things differently. Polly, oh Polly! You have always been such a joy. You are the most encouraging person I know. I have had people come to me and ask if you were my daughter, then tell me how you encouraged them in one way or another. I will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile when you leave home. Peggy, my creative one. You have such a delightful mixture of fun and thoughtfulness, with a lot of opinion thrown in. I can't wait to see where you go in your journey through life. You brighten up so many lives with your little gifts left just when somebody needs them. Jimmy, where do I even start? You have been such a bright spot in so many lives. You are so ready with your wonderful smile. You have never been afraid of learning anything new. You have the personality everyone admires. Billy You have always been so hard to stay ahead of. Your mind works overtime, I think. I love the times when you sit and chat with me. You do so much! Bible bowl, media at church, youth group, ...... it's really neat how several people at church count on you.

I just want you all to know how very much I love you and I am so glad God chose me to be your mom!

Carrie and the kids are coming Sunday, staying for 2 weeks and I'm so excited. I don't want to go back to living in Iowa, but I really miss seeing my kids and grandkids more often. I used to see Jessica and the boys once a week during piano lessons and Carrie and I would meet and shop, or just visit. I wish that we were all closer. I know this is the way that it is "supposed" to be. Kids leave their family and have their own family, but it still is hard for this mom. I have a friend who has had her daughter and kids move in with them. In my warped mind, I'm jealous. Even though, I know that's not the way God intended a family and I would never wish my kids to go through that heartache, I want them close. Maybe, I should have had more kids! HA HA

Clothes Shopping

I hate clothes shopping. First off, I don't like trying on clothes, I don't like the prices and don't like the limited styles. I have been looking for dresses for several different functions lately and haven't had any luck. Last weekend I was looking for a dress for a banquet and didn't find anything. I've also been looking for a dress for Peggy's graduation and one for Bob and Sarah's wedding. So far, I haven't found what I wanted. I do much better when someone comes along and encourages me to try different things on. Sarah and Peggy went along one day last week, but our time was limited. I think I'll wait and see if Carrie and Betsy will come along next week!
I love spending time with my kids. (You too Sarah!) I am so blessed!