All I need to know I learned from the Mothers in my life...

I have been thinking about Mother's Day this week and have been grateful for all the mothers in my life. Each of them has taught me amazing lessons through their examples. So here's to you....

Mom, Grandma Mook, Grandma Barbara, Dana and Anita!

"How to use your Creative Genius"

Anyone that knows my mom will understand how I picked up on this one. I have watched her hundreds of times take a bucket of flowers and turn it into the most breathtaking arrangement, bouquet or centerpiece you have ever seen in your life! I appreciate this lesson  because it has given me the confidence to create beautiful things and to trust my own ideas. I have learned that the power to CREATE is a God-like attribute that we have all been blessed with... and my mom showed me (through her example) how to tap into that.

"What's Mine is Yours"

My Grandma Mook is so wonderful. I used to clean her house for her and I always loved our visits when I was there. It seems that everytime I stopped by she was giving me a gift. A little momento. Like the beautiful turquoise bracelet and ring that I vividly remember her wearing when I was a little girl, or the crocodile high heels she bought in the 40's (that actually fit me). But my all time favorite treasure I have from Grandma is the sterling silver Butterfly pins (see below).  When Grandpa Les was being released from the Navy after World War 2 Grandma went to Florida to see him...he bought these for her. 

Grandma Mook has truly taught me the beauty of sharing and not being too attached to things. The most valuable posessions in her life are the relationships she has with her family.

"Love thy Neighbor"

My Grandma Barbara has undoubtedly set the standard for what it means to love thy neighbor (just ask any of her neighbors). She truly loves her neighbors as herself and is always offering a helping hand. I noticed this about my Grandma at a young age, we would go for walks around the neighborhood and she would smile and wave at everyone she passed. Often times we would stop and talk to people just to check in on them and see how they were doing. If everyone could learn to love their neighbors like Grandma Barbara the world would be a peaceful, loving place.

 "Surround Yourself with Beautiful Things"

Dana has this magical touch of making everything beautiful around her. Whether it is her herb garden, paintings on the wall, the calming color of a room, or a beautiful piece of antique glass. I just want to lay by her fireplace on the big sheep rug and read a book all day! 

It is no wonder people pay her the big bucks to decorate their homes.

"By the Sweat of your Brow" 

Anita has taught me the value of hard work. If there was any stereotype I had about "A man's role" vs. "A women's role" she has broken it, and I love that. Leak in the roof...no problem she will get the ladder and do it herself. Need to fix a broken pipe or drain??? NO fear Anita is here! I love when it's her birthday and she unwraps a chainsaw or some other power tool. I have truly learned that I need to quit making excuses and LEARN some new skills.

"Patience"

 And if there is anything I have learned from being a mother myself it is PATIENCE! I never knew how hard it would be to stay up all night with a sick child or listen to whining on a daily basis, constantly break up fights, clean the dishes and sweep the floor 10 times a day (I never knew kids could make such a mess).  Usually by the end of the day my patience is wearing thin...but it is all worth it when my kids tell me they love me and want a big hug and kiss before bed.

It is true that you cannot know a mother's love until you become one yourself. 

I am finally figuring that one out (which is why I AM SO GRATEFUL). 

    I love you all.

Happy Mother's Day!