(I designed this print for KSL Motherhood Matters, this print is available to download for free here, along with lots of other goodies)

I wanted to post this yesterday in honor of Mother’s Day, but I spent the whole weekend helping out my little daughter Maggie, who was sick with the flu. That meant that Sunday I had the flu myself… it was a day that I was a little out of it. Thankfully my husband took care of me and let me sleep- so it was still a nice Mother’s day. But I didn’t really get the chance to honor the Mother’s in my life.

My mother has been such a great example to me in my life. From my earliest memory she was always sacrificing her time, sleep, and energy for us. She taught us how to work, pray, get along, read, and have fun. She was really good about helping us have fun.. I remember so many special days- she let us imagine and build forts, paint our rooms, and create just about anything we wanted. I truly would never have become an artist without her guidance and love.  Another distinct memory I have of my mother is from my teenage years. At that time I had suffered from some major health problems, and had 6 surgerires on my knee. My mother was so supportive and there for me during all of those surgeries- she helped me bathe, get dressed, eat, and basically took care of me in all of these “basic” needs that I couldn’t do for myself. It was a very difficult time for me, but I remember it with fondness because it was a time that her and I especially became very close.  Now, as I have become a mother like her we have became good friends. I look on her not only as a mother, but as a best friend, and I call her almost every day… I am so grateful for her.

I am also very grateful for my mother in law; she is another great women. She raised 6 kids with love and determination, taught them all how to work hard, and raised them with great love and faith.  She has one of the greatest laughs, and she laughs easily at all that happens around her.  She is kind and thoughtful, and is always reaching out to those around her. I know that my husband and his goodness is just a reflection of my mother in law, and the person she is. I love visiting with her, and she has taught me so much.

How wonderful it is to be a mother, and how wonderful it is to have such great women around us- not only in our mothers, but from all the women around us who nurture and teach us. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you great women!