Being a Joyful Mother of Children!

Today, on this day of days for mothers everywhere, I want to honor the mothers in my life. First of all, my special mother who has been a solid rock for me all of my life and a great example of what motherhood means through all the stages of life. I drew on many of the ways that you raised us, Mom, as I was raising my own children. There's a few things I stayed away from, but I think that is what life is about also, taking the best from your own experience and building on it so that each generation gets better and better. So it is a true saying that "Home is where your story begins." Thanks for a wonderful beginning, Mom. I love you.

And then I want to thank Carl for being the father of our children and supporting me in trying to be the best mother that I can be. Motherhood only got better with each new baby added to our family. And, although there are many trials involved in raising children, there is so much more joy. Each stage of motherhood is so fulfilling. I think I am going through each one at the same time now...mothering, nurturing and caring for Scott; observing, supporting, and encouraging my grown daughters who are now mothers; playing, loving, and adoring my grandchildren. Motherhood is the greatest joy I can think of.

Watching my own daughters and sons-in-law love, care for and raise my grandchildren is yet another joy of motherhood. What great mothers they are!! Their children are very, very lucky! What I want to say to them is take the best of how you were raised and then build on it and become the best mothers that you can be. Just think down a few generations and we can build exemplary mothers of our great-great-grandchildren! Most of all, sweet daughters, be "joyful mothers of children!" I love you!