Happy Mother's Day Mom!

Now that I have 6 of my own kids I'm starting to wonder how you did it. It seemed so normal to me to be a part of a big family... I didn't understand why outsiders made such a big deal about having 17 children. I guess that is because I was on the recieving end. It is amazing how you had the ability and energy to love and serve us individually.

One of my fondest memories with you was a quiet and rainy Saturday afternoon when I was just 8. For some reason we were the only two home and the house was already clean! You could have taken a nap and left me alone to play with my Barbies but instead you asked me what I wanted to do or if there was anything I wanted to learn. I said I wanted to learn how to sew so you got out your old Bernina and some white jersey knit fabric with printed hot pink hearts. We didn't have any patterns so I grabbed my Cabbage Patch doll and you laid out some newspaper and we traced it with a marker. You showed me how to add seam allowance and then let me cut it out and operate the sewing machine all by myself. It was a little sleeper that turned out rather sloppy but I couldn't have been happier. We never did have another quiet day to sew together but you let me use your sewing machine whenever I wanted and then even gave me my own for Christmas when I was just 13. I never had any formal sewing lessons and would make several mistakes as I just winged most of my projects, but you were very kind in your corrections. I remember getting stuck on certain projects so I'd have to wonder around the house until I found you, sometimes you would be asleep on the floor. I'd wake you up and you were always willing to give me direction before you put your head back down to sleep.

In addition you would stay up late helping us with a paper or poster for school, you were a "room mother" for at least two classrooms every year, you were up early every morning scraping ice off the car then chasing us out the door with a plate of breakfast, and always quick to love and hug us even when it was unwanted and undeserving.

Even as adults you continue to extend your love and service to each of us. I remember while you were in Germany you would periodically call to check up on me and offer all sorts of counsel, advice, and support. Now we live much closer and we have been most recently blessed by your service in caring for the kids, folding laundry, and sweeping out my garage.

I don't think you ever stop doing. And although your doings may not always be perfect, your intentions certainly are.

There really is no gift we could give to show our full appreciation for the work you have accomplished as a mother. It frustrated me when I was younger and wanted to know what to "buy" you, you would always say "just be nice to each other", or "just be good". So despite my overtiredness, that is what I wish to give you this year. Towards others, I will try to emulate the same patience, love and service you have shown to me.

Thank you for your example, and thank you also for having so many so many children so my life would always be full with someone to play with, hang out with, or talk to.

Also, I hope you start writing your book soon because many of us young moms could use your practical tips, and advice in addition to a good laugh.

Thanks again Mom! We love you!