Designs of My Life
My Moms
Happy Mother’s Day! Since I can’t be with either my mom or my mother-in-law today, I figured I would post something for both of them. =)
Growing up, I never really thought much about what my mother-in-law would be like. I guess most girls never do. They think more about the husband. Society has such a negative view of in-laws that it’s pretty discouraging to think about when you’re still unsure of what you’re gonna end up with. Now th at I am married and a lot of my friends are married, I have realized how amazingly blessed I am to have the in-laws that I have. I hear about friends whose in-laws have tried to talk their sons out of their engagements. I hear about girls who can hardly be in the same room w/their mother-in-law because they can’t get along. Of course, I joke that my relationship w/my in-laws is awesome b/c they live thousands of miles away. =) But in all truth, that really stinks. My mother-in-law is an amazing woman and I wish I could spend more time with her. She inspires me and makes me want to do so much more. I look up to her because she is doing what I will be doing one day, and she is so good at it.
Here are some quick memories of my mother-in-law and just a few things about her:
*She is an awesome person to go to for advice. She always has God’s will in mind, so you know what she tells you is based on His Word.
*She sometimes forgets what language she is speaking. There have been several occasions when we’ve been in Brazil that she has turned to me and said something in Portuguese and then walked away without realizing that I had no earthly idea what she said. It’s hilarious. Sometimes she does realize it and we just laugh about it.
*She is an awesome alto. And that is a challenge in Brazil b/c there is not 4-part harmony. =)
*She has always been very understanding when I’ve been to Brazil. She understands that it is all very different to me still and that it can be hard. Especially the first time I went.
*She is always looking out for her kids. Always.
Unfortunately I don’t have 3 years worth of memories with my mother-in-law. I have a month or so at a time, about once a year, year and a half. But I treasure the times that we do have together, and I look forward to many more. Love you Mom!
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My mom. What to say about my mom…She’s one of my best friends. And I hate living so far away and not getting to spend time with her more often. When we do see each other, everyone else in the family tends to get a little annoyed b/c we are talking non-stop for at least the first few hours, catching up on everything that has been going on. My mom is a nut. She’s absolutely crazy. In a good way. We have so much fun together. All of my friends love my mom, which I know not a whole lot of people can say. Recently, my two best friends here in TN both told me separately “I really miss your mom. We should go visit soon.” Growing up, I never realized how hard Mom worked to keep the house clean and get us where we all needed to go. The house is always clean, although it’s never as clean as she would like it. She’s a bit OCD about it actually. lol =) Now that I’ve got my own place, which by the way is probably one-third the size of hers, I realize how much time she puts into it. During the summers, my mom (and dad too) always made sure I was as involved as I could possibly be in youth group events. Even if it meant having to cart me all over town, or all over the state for that matter. They always supported me when I played sports…or rather when I rode the bench while I watched the rest of my team play. During volleyball season, they would be at every game. All 60+ of them. My mom would go out in the drive way and practice with me.
Here are some specific memories I have of my mom:
*Mom used to let me sleep in bed with her when Daddy was at work. At least until I would start kicking. =)
*Once, at my 14th birthday party, she tackled my best guy-friend, who I happened to have a massive crush on. No, let me clarify: she BODY SLAMMED him. We were playing football in the front yard and the guys wanted to play tackle, but my parents said no….unless they could play too. Drew will never forget that birthday party. lol.
*On the same note, shortly after Micah and I started dating, we went home to visit for the weekend. There were several of us who went. I think it was for Big Spring Jam. I was sitting in the living room, and suddenly I hear yelling coming from the kitchen. I’m not sure what instigated it, but Mom had Micah in a headlock in the floor. We had only been dating for like, 6 months. I’m so lucky he didn’t run away screaming after that. lol. =)
*Mom (and Dad) were always involved with the youth group. They would chaperone camp and retreats. They would host devos. And when I was in middle and high school, I didn’t always consider it a good thing. Especially when I would go off to camp for a week and my 6-year-old sister would be there, still annoying the fire out of me. lol. But now I realized that it was a blessing. There are a lot of kids out there whose parents don’t even go to church, much less get involved.
*On these youth trips, my mom was often among the conspirators when pranks got pulled.
*When I was in college, Mom didn’t mind me bringing friends home for the weekend. Even when I brought them by the carload…3 carloads even. lol. She was fine w/me bringing one or two or three….and once I brought home 16. Mom cooked for everyone. Sat in the living room and played Mafia with us. Took us to Wings and a hockey game. I think there were 19 of us in the house total getting ready for church that Sunday morning. It was one of my favorite weekends ever. And if my mom wasn’t so cool, it wouldn’t have even happened. =)
I’d like to add some more, but this post is already getting pretty long, so I’ll wrap it up. So to both of my moms: I am so thankful for you. I wish we got to spend more time together b/c you’re an awesome example of a Christian woman for me to look up to. I love you so much!
