Happy Mother's Day!

I know lots of wonderful momma's IRL (in real life) and wanted to take a moment to shout out to all of them!

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks." (Proverbs 31.17)

Angela is probably the momma on this list I talk to the most. It doesn't hurt that we teach at the same school (she helped me get my job) and that her daughter, Stephanie, loves Charlotte. Angela is someone I can have fun with and that understands what life is like outside of Frostproof. Since Charlotte was born we don't spend as much time together, but it isn't something that I feel like we have to apologize for. She understands that things are different with a baby and I know that as Charlotte gets older, she'll still be there. Angela is also the woman who explained baby brain to me and for that I will be eternally grateful I think Angela is beautiful on the inside and out.

"She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night." (Proverbs 31.18)

My friend Rhonda is amazing. She has two beautiful children, Ashley and Andrew. Rhonda's husband serves in Iraq as a private contractor training their police officers. When he isn't in Iraq, he runs a successful shooting range. Of course, that means Rhonda has to take care of things while he is gone. On top of all that, Rhonda recently finished overseeing the building of their new house, raising their two children, keeping the extended family happy with lots of visits, and working her own job as a friendly mail carrier. I think Rhonda is beautiful on the inside and out!

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." (Proverbs 31.25)

Then there is my friend Kathy. Kathy is amazing. Her and her husband Freddie have raised two children that love God and love his church. While Kathy has not been able to be in church for several months due to excruciating pain, her daughter, Alesha, and son, Chris, serve the church in many ways. I'm not sure if Kathy thinks of it this way, but she is sending them out to be missionaries on her behalf, because I KNOW she has bathed them in prayer. I think Kathy is beautiful on the inside and out.

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." (Proverbs 31.26)

I don't have a picture of the next momma... maybe she will e-mail me one. Her name is Tess. Tess is a home-schooling mom of three - Carly, Lindsay, and Taylor (did I spell those names right?). For me, Tess is a great encourager. She was my go-to person for pregnancy questions and is my go-to person for baby questions now. Tess is extra special because she was the first non-family member to watch Charlotte for us (except the wonderful ladies in church on Sunday mornings). Even though Tess isn't my Avon lady anymore, I think she is beautiful on the inside and out.

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her..." (Proverbs 31.28)

My friend Latrelle is a super-momma too. This is a picture of her with her daughter Madison. Latrelle has three children, including two boys whose names escape me right now. (Sorry Latrelle.) She has been a special encouragement to me with the love she has shown Charlotte. When I first had to go back to work, Latrelle prayed for me and let me know she knew how hard it was for me. I appreciated that. I know Latrelle might not like the picture, but that doesn't matter, because I think she is beautiful on the inside and out.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her..." (Proverbs 31.28)

Then, there's my own mother. Resisting the urge to get too sappy, I love being able to experience motherhood with her. I know she was shocked when I asked her to stay a 2nd week after Charlotte's birth. But I guess it's true that we always need parents. I was just telling my husband today that I really like hanging out with my mom and dad. We had a great time with them yesterday even though all we did was eat and shop. I'm pretty certain I don't tell her often enough, but I think she is beautiful on the inside and the outside.

There are lots of other women in my off-line life that deserve paragraphs of their own, but time keeps me from it. I would write about these women if I could though:

• Ms. Carolyn who watches Charlotte on Sunday mornings so I can join my husband in Bible study,
• Julie who had to watch her little Jordan (born a week before Charlotte) endure surgery to repair her CDH,
• Sandy who is discovering the wonderful challenges of parenting a very strong-willed teenager, and
• Alice, who has one baby in heaven, and will be a great mother if given the opportunity.

If I've forgotten someone that I should have remembered, please accept my sincerest apologies. My Mother's Day started at 11:30 last night when Charlotte woke up.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

(Oh, and mom, Charlotte is not trying to kiss you in that picture... she just wants to taste your nose.)