I’ve stopped and started this post about ten times. It’s hard to put into words all the things my mom has done for me throughout my life— all the sacrifices she’s made, the lessons she’s taught, all she’s done for my girls. It’s even harder to acknowledge I don’t show her nearly the appreciation she deserves.
Let’s start with some tactical stuff, because Grammy’s help and support is probably one of the main reasons we will never leave New York.
My mom babysits whenever she is available and always asks us to call her first, even though I feel guilty every time my call reveals itself to be a babysitter request.
My mom takes Mazzy to gymnastics every Thursday, picking her up from school, taking her to class and then buying her pizza on the way home.
My mom watched Harlow for five days while Mike and I took Mazzy on a ski trip to Utah.
My mom volunteered to watch both kids so Mike could take me on a spontaneous weekend trip to Miami.
My mom accompanied me and newborn Mazzy on a ten day business trip to Vancouver, shortly after I returned to work post maternity leave, when I wanted to prove to my boss I was every bit the career woman I was before I had a child, but also didn’t want to leave my baby at home.
When our first nanny flaked out and left us with no warning, my mom dropped everything to stay with Mazzy until we found someone new.
But tactical stuff is such a small part of what makes my mom an amazing grandmother. Mazzy and Harlow don’t just love her, they think she is the MOST FUN PERSON ON EARTH. And it’s not just all the toys she gives them (which is too much!!!!), it’s every time she is with them, she gives them 100%. She engages with them in a way I rarely have the patience for. She takes their lead and builds on things they are interested in. She makes up games, stories, and songs, all with their rapt attention and participation. And with a level of energy I couldn’t muster even on my best day.
Recently, I was talking to my mom about how she does it. I admitted that playing with the girls makes me sleepy. I want to love my free time with them but I always seem to get so tired the second I give them my full attention. Or my brain gets overwhelmed with all the other things I have to do. Then my mom brought something up I hadn’t thought about in years.
“Remember how I used to doze off everywhere?”
Of course I did. That was a major factor in my childhood. My mom fell asleep in the middle of the day all the time. It wasn’t like she walked off to take a nap in her bedroom. She’d just suddenly be sleeping on the couch. She’d doze off at gatherings with family members. She’d pull over for a quick snooze in the car on the side of the road. At some point, after going to many doctors, my mother determined her exhaustion was due to a wheat allergy and stopped eating bread products. We’d have a holiday dinner at my aunt’s house and there was my mom refusing challah because she had to drive home later.
“Yes, I remember. You have a wheat allergy.”
“No, I don’t think so. I think having children is just exhausting.”
Huh. It dawned on me that my mom eats bread all the time now, but I never thought about when or why it was reintroduced. Could my perfect mother not be quite as perfect as I always thought?
My mom admitted something else recently. When I was talking about the hassle of getting two young kids out the door, she said, “That’s why I waited six years before I had my second.”
My sister and I have a pretty big age gap but I never thought about why. But now I understand it is because my mom found parenting challenging and knew her limits. She waited until I was more independent before having my sister. That makes sense.
Hearing these admissions were huge for me, because I always feel totally inferior to my mom when it comes to motherhood. Even more importantly, I realized my mom was willing to knock my image of her as “the perfect mom” down a notch, so I would feel better about my own ability to parent.
I’ve also noticed that every time I talk about my parenting struggles on my blog, somewhere in the comments, there is “Grammy” talking me up and telling me I’m amazing. I confess, I don’t always believe her. I just think, oh that’s something an amazing mom would say.
So I guess what I want to tell my mother this Mother’s Day is… I don’t just love what a great mom you were to me growing up or what an amazing grandma you are to my girls, I love that you’ve made an effort to let me know that none of us are perfect parents, even you. And that you continually try to reinforce that I’m a good mom, especially during my most imperfect mom moments.
Mom,
I know you think I don’t care nearly as much as you do. But that’s not true. I have two girls now, so I know the unconditional love that comes with being a mom, and I can tell you I love you just as unconditionally.
I can only hope that one day in the future, my kids feel as close to me as I do to you. And that I do them the great service of admitting that being a mom is hard and none of us parent perfectly and that’s okay.
Happy Mother’s Day.
I love you,
Ilana
Thank you to Minute Maid for asking me to be part of their “Doin’ Good” campaign which encourages people to recognize great parents (especially the ones who might not realize how great they are) and give them the appreciation they deserve.
I defy you to watch this video without crying.
If you leave a comment below describing a mom in your life (your mom, your aunt, a sister, a friend, etc.) who you want to recognize for #doingood, you could win a Minute Maid prize pack including a $250 Visa gift card to keep for yourself or gift to the person you spoke about in your comment. For a second entry, you can also leave a comment on the Mommy Shorts Facebook page.
Winner will be selected at random on Friday, May 22nd.
Good luck and Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!
————————————-
__________________________
WINNER UPDATE:
And the winner is… Christi, who said:
“My mom, well, she isn’t my mother. My mom chose me. She married my dad. She chose to love me. She never distinguished which kids were his or hers. She never loved me less. She just was. She was there. She was strong. She let me love her, hate her, hug her, yell at her, and simply feel unconditional love.”
Congrats! Please contact abby@mommyshorts.com to claim your prize.
——————————
This post was sponsored by Minute Maid but my love for my mom is my own.
Although my mother and my grandmother are amazing women, the women I want to highlight this year are the mothers in a small town where I am currently living in the Dominican Republic. Against all adversity, these mothers are still striving to do the best for their children all year long.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rBZxB4yMDU
Happy Mother’s Day!
I was diagnosed almost exactly one year ago with stage 4c ovarian cancer. For Mother’s Day last year I had major surgery and started chemo. My mom basically did everything for my family during my treatment and fight. She helped with the kids, had dinners ready to help my husband and became my chemo buddy for every treatment. But mostly she reminded me to fight. Even when I wanted to give up. Especially then. She told me she hadn’t raised a quitter and she wasn’t starting now. When I was low or sad she would help me focus on what I was really fighting for- not just my life, but the life of my babies and my husband. I was fighting for my family. And we did it! Not me but WE. My mom even pushed off retirement and worked during this time to ensure that there would be no financial issues for us as I took the time off work to fight and heal. I cannot imagine the strain and exhaustion she endured for me and my family. But I’ll never truly know because she will never admit to it. She knew I needed to know that she was running the show so that I could focus on my part. I love you mom- forever!
This post is so beautifully written! It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing.
My mom had a rough time being a mom, she was a single mom working long hours but now that she is retired, she is an excellent grandma! I think she’s actually able to do the things she would have liked to do with us but was unable due to our circumstances.
Oh my. Bawling. Bawling. Bawling.
This post made me cry so much. I currently expecting my first baby in October, and this post made me so excited to see my mother as a grandmother. She is the most incredible mother in the world- attentive, energetic, capable and a role model for me my whole life as well as my best friend. I just sent this post to her. Thank you.
My friend Donna is an ICU nurse and mom to toddler twins. She’s doing an incredible job.
I commented on your Facebook wall as Mary Happymommy.
can I borrow your mom?
That’s my moms birthday. 🙂 she let me and my infant son move back in with her the same day me and my ex split. It was a huge relief to not worry about having no where to go.
My mother-in-law is a truly amazing woman. She loves everyone unconditionally, despite their faults and flaws. She recently lost her second husband to illness, and she basically took a year off from the rest of her life to be with him his last months. She cared for him day and night, wanting him to be comfortable at home. Now that he has passed, she has a renewed sense of love for the world and those in it. She is a wonderful mother and grandmother. I am so very blessed to have her in my life.
For the record, my mom is pretty awesome too. 😉
My mother could very much use that gift card. She spent my childhood as a SAHM for my sister and I and didn’t go back to work until we were in high school. Shortly after that time my parents divorced. She lives on disability now and I think this would really make her Mother’s Day special this year.
My mom is not only a wonderful mom, but she is an amazing grandma to my daughter. She loves spending time with her, playing with her in ways that exhaust me and celebrating the tiny milestones of daily life.
I love how you love your mom.
My mom is moving to Savannah, Georgia soon. I am devastated..not just because my own built in babysitter is leaving but my cheerleader and northern star is.
Lately, I have felt like my mom must have felt at 45…and I try so hard to hold onto my children the way she held onto me. I force myself to remember the kind of woman she is and how much she taught me about being a mom.
I’m not ready to lose her…but it helps to know that love travels.
I can rarely find the words to describe how I feel about my mom as a mother, grandmother, woman and friend. She is amazing…and i am never sure if it is in spite of or because of her circumstances. When I was 3 and my brother was 4, my mother left my physically and emotionally abusive father after being with him for a decade. She had quit college to pay for him to finish. She had no formal education or work experience. This was NOT a popular choice in the early 70s but she did it to save all of us. She struggled and it wasn’t until I was much older than I knew how much she struggled. As a parent of a 3 year old, I can hardly imagine she raised 2 of us alone as a full time working parent with no extended family to help us. And yet, my brother and I felt so loved and cared for. We were all she had and she made sure we knew how important we were. We didn’t have money for “things” but my mom could turn any situation into a fun adventure for us. She taught us to be kind and honest by being those things herself. She taught us to work hard because she knew first hand there was no other way to get through life. She taught us humility and humor. She taught both of us to cook and do laundry and to properly clean the house and to feel pride in being self sufficient. She showed us value in being creative and following our passions. She supported us unconditionally. She listened more than she lectured. She still does. Just this week I found myself having a conversation with my 3 year old about her feelings. I felt like I could hear my mom’s voice coming through my words. I wanted my girl to know her feelings have value and that it is important to say how you feel and tell someone when they have hurt you. It helps you grow as a person…even as a 3 year old person. I realize my lessons from my mom are rules that I live by every day. I see her teaching them to my daughter as I am doing the same. She has given me an amazing road map to follow not only for my life but for being the parent I want to be. She knows how much I love her because I tell her every day. And her sacrifices and struggles for us still continue. She is 72 and still working with no retirement in sight. It breaks my heart. She deserves the world and I wish I were in a position to give it to her.
My mother was a fabulous mother and grandmother who was always #doingood. She had many talents and was known as a fabulous home style cook and gardener. When our children visited with my parents out in the country, they learned to love to garden. Our son is now passing on that love of gardening to our toddler granddaughter. We remember Grandmother with great love this Mother’s Day.
My Aunt Gayle is probably the most amazing woman I know. When I was younger (mid you she’s only 15 years older than me), she and my grandmother fought to take me in from my parents – she stepped in an filled a void that my biological parents could not – while juggling a job that kept her out of town most weeks and taking care of my grandmother as well. Talk about the ultimate sandwich generation! Now that I have kids of my own, she has stepped in to be an awesome grandmother to them and has loved and encouraged them and me – and I think I am a much better person because of her.
I’d like to write about my grandma – who is the most badass woman in my lfie. She lost everything and nearly all her family in the Holocaust but somehow survived – after the war she was engaged to be married but her husband to me wanted to live in a Kibutz in Israel. After all she had been through she wasn’t going to let some man tell her what to do and how she was going to live. She ended the engagement and she came to America with nothing. She got married, had two children, learned English, got a job. After I was born she gave up her retirement to babysit me while my parents worked. She took care of my dying grandfather until he took his last breath because she wouldn’t put him in a nursing home. Then she fought colon cancer and never complained (except maybe about the hospital food). And today at 93 she gives my own mother a break to watch my toddler every few hours so my husband and I can go to work and provide for our little family. She’s truly an inspiration.
When I was a kid I was terrified of the car wash. It was loud, we were closed in and of course those giant brushes! I threw a fit any time we got near one. Now that I have two kids I realize how ridiculous and annoying this must have seemed to my mom. But she never complained and never made me sit through it. She would lovingly get me out of the car where we could wait safely on the other side until my dad and brother took the car through.
What a wonderful post! My mom has always been great to me and this also extends to my daughter. My mom picks my daughter up everyday and watches her until I get home and anytime I ever need her to on the weekends she always frees up her schedule. She would do anything for my daughter and for that I am grateful!
I love my Mom for so many reasons, but I want to brag on her for one thing in particular right now. It was her willingness to let me go and not be a helicopter parent. I benefited from it as a child, but now looking back, I appreciate it so much more because I know how hard it was for her! I was a VERY independent child, but instead of hovering over me, she gave me so many opportunities to be myself. While taking an older friend to summer camp so I could see the place for the next year, I found an open bunk bed and begged the camp director to let me stay. By the time I told my Mom about my plan to stay for the 2 week overnight camp session, I’d already signed up for water ballet and refused to get in the car. She also let me make the decision to go to boarding school across the country because I wanted the challenge of more unique classes. While I know my early independence was tough for her, she didn’t let that impact her decisions to let me go. Now when I think about my baby wanting to leave me so early, I cry. And when talking to my Mom about this, she admits that she did cry and I will too, but that we have to let our children grow-up and we can’t deny them opportunities because we’re afraid we’ll miss them. Mom, thank you for giving me the opportunity to miss you! I love you!
Although I have an amazing mother the two people I would like to recognize are my best friend and her mother. When I found myself with a small baby and no family around due to me moving to a different state. They became my support system. They are the ones I relied on when I had babysitting issues or when I simply needed a break. I really don’t know what I would ever do without these two women.
The mom in my life that amazes me everyday is my very own mother. If you’d meet her, you would never guess that such a quiet, petite, sweet, and kind woman has the strength, wisdom, and endurance that she posses and that I covet to be my own.
We are Colombian born, and my dad and her worked tirelessly from the moment I was born to build a secure future for us here in U.S.
She taught me that a woman could be every bit as smart and every bit of a go-getter as a man, no matter her circumstance. When my parents divorced when I was a teen, she single handedly moved my brothers and I from Houston to Miami, driving a u haul truck with all of our belongings to find us a new beginning.
Since then, I’ve had my own children, and as a grandma she’s nothing but the best. She always makes sure they have everything they need, from diapers to wipes to snacks, and will look up all the latest info on child development to make sure the toys and activities she’s providing for the kids are appropriate. She babysits whenever and will drop everything when I need her help, like the time my son was 3mos old and ran a high fever at 2am and I freaked out because my husband was out of town and that was the first time as a mom that my son was sick.
She’s just simply the best! I don’t know what I would do without her in our lives. My children and I are better because of her.
Before my son was born (now 9.5 months old) my mom offered to stay with us for a few days. They only live 30 minutes away and I had this crazy idea in my head that my husband, son and myself would spend those first few days home from the hospital bonding peacefully while binge watching Netflix. My mom managed to not laugh in my face when I called her the morning after our first night home and asked her to come over as soon as possible. She was there every day for the next week doing whatever we needed whenever we needed it. I hope that when my kids are older and naive enough to think the same way I did I can have the restraint my mom did to let them figure out on their own how much they will need the help, and be there for them in a heartbeat just like my mom was for me.
Posted this on FB, reposting here:
My mom has always been there for me even in my self centered youth when I didn’t think I wanted her to be, particularly since my dad died 15 years ago. I am the oldest of her kids and step kids by many years (the gap between me and my youngest sister is 20 yrs) and was living my own adult life when I unexpectedly became pregnant a few years ago. My son’s father and I did not intend on living together or being a romantic couple. My mom (and stepdad) welcomed me and my newborn son back into my childhood home with arms wide open even though she was really busy with her own stuff which included guiding my youngest sister through her last two years of high school and through the college application process. My son just turned two and we are still living with my mom. I am unemployed and looking for work and have not been able to move out on my own again yet. I know it must not always be easy for my mom having us here but she has been unfailingly generous and kind and loving and supportive on a daily basis. (As has my stepdad). She is a wonderful Grammy and takes my son to storytime at the local library even when she is really busy, giving me an hour of “me” time. For almost 40 years she has gone above and beyond as a mom in numerous ways. #doingood
It’ wonderful how much you appreciate your mom. It sounds like she is amazing!
I love my mom so much. I wrote a blog post about her today too. 🙂
http://cupofjackie.blogspot.com
My bff is such a great mom to her two girls. She wants nothing more than for them to be great little people and they are becoming just that.
My mom is amazing. She takes time to make sure everyone is happy and healthy. A totally selfless amazing woman.
My mother is the most fearless, strong, wise woman I have ever met. She is not afraid to give tough advise. She listens patiently to all of us and lets us make our own decisions and has never judged or diminished us when she knew we were making wrong choices. She picks us up and puts us back together when we fall. She is an amazing mother in-law to my husband. My husband respects her and seeks her advise when we simply don’t know what to do whether that is with business or parenting. She is the best grandmother in the world. My children adore my mother, they trust her implicitly, her house is their favorite place to go. I am amazed to watch her and her confidence. When I became a mother I had no idea all those years of raising us she ever had doubts or worries. She has shown me how to be a mother, wife, employee, friend, and how be a good person with values and beliefs regardless of what life throws at me. There aren’t enough words or time to explain how she has been there for me no matter what. Uncompromising in her love. She doesn’t just do good she is so much more. My mother is the picture of what a good mother is. I can’t give enough to her to thank her. I am simply trying to be to my children what she was to me so her legacy and love live on for generations.
I firmly believe that I have the best mother in the entire world and that statement continues to stand the test of time. I have four siblings, all of us are fairly close in age except my youngest sister who has the largest gap of 8 years. I have always thought her to be perfect in all ways but she has made sure we know that it wasn’t easy, and she didn’t always feel like the best mom. My siblings and I are healthy, happy, and loved in so many ways. I know that if it weren’t for my mother I would not be the person I am today. I am so beyond thankful and I make sure I tell her how blessed I am to have her every single day. She makes this world a better place.
Teo amazing women are my mom and sister. My mom for the obvious reasons but also that she just loves my boys and has all the patients in the world for them. She makes me so happy that she is my mother and their grandma! My sister is soecial bc she is my boys godmother. I could not imagine asking anyone else to be their godmother or aunt. She loves these boys and givea so much of her free time (she is single and working a full time job) to spend with me and the boys. My boys love her and i am so happy i have a forever best friend and sister
I am at the airport right now going to see my mom and I am crying as crazy – and I didn’t even watch the video. You writing is amazing Ilana! Happy Mother’s day to you and to your very deserving mom… and to my mom too, who is every bit as amazing and I love her to pieces!
My mother-in-law is the kindest, most caring, considerate person I’m lucky to have in my life. Not only did she raise an amazing, sensitive man (my husband <3 ) but she is also an amazing grandmother–always willing and trying to help us out and our two crazy little boys. She is super deserving of all great things in this world !
#doingood
My mom dropped EVERYTHING and flew all the way from Chicago to Tasmania (she doesn’t like to fly) to stay with my family with no discernible return date after my second son died. She took care of my husband and then 17mo son while I was in hospital recovering from a c-section. She brought me comfort, and love, and understanding (and comfy PJs). She took care of us all when I came home, cooked us meals, cleaned the house, played with and cared for my toddler (who is EXHAUSTING) when we could barely function ourselves in our grief, even while she was grieving herself. She simply sat with me, offering no platitudes or trying to “fix” things, and let me cry.
6 months later, she’s still sending cards every few weeks, to make sure we know we’re loved, and prayed for, and that our little boy who died STILL matters.
I’m going through cancer treatment right now and over Easter my parents were visiting. I got very sick on their trip and couldn’t do anything but lay on the couch and take pain mess. My mom dropped everything and stayed with us for 8 extra days to take care of me, my three year old, and our house. She is amazing!
My mom is simply the greatest mother and grandmother. She has always been my #1 cheerleader. We live about 300 miles apart but speak everyday! Her encouragement keeps me going as I survive the daily life with 3 little ones. My mother plays tirelessly with my boys from the crack of dawn until sunset everyday of her visits. I’m so thankful for this amazing woman I have the privilege to call mom. I’m also thankful for FaceTime to keep my kids connected! Happy Mother’s Day to all the hardworking Mamas!!
My mom was always working. Trying to find a way to keep us kids with food in our bellies. My dad was an over the road truck driver so she was the one who would be there when we were little, when we got off the bus from school
My mom passed away, very unexpectedly and at her own hand, in 2010 when I was just about to graduate high school. Afterwards, my step-dad and I had a falling out causing him to ask me to move out. I had no where to go that would keep me near the community college I was going to and my friends. My boyfriend’s mom, now who I call my mother-in-love, stepped up big time. She and his dad took me in and I lived across the hall from my now husband. She became the mom I always dreamed I’d have. I could tell her all my secrets, she helped me through every problem and talked me through all the dramas of college friendships. On September 26th 2011 we embarked on an adventure together that was her son leaving for Marine Corps Bootcamp, heartbroken to be separated for so long she walked me through 13 weeks filling my days with wedding planning and love through baking, jam making and quilting. On December 21st she stood back while her son ran to me first and hugged me after graduating Bootcamp. She never once said anything, just waited until her hug (which of course was next). On December 30th, she helped me zip up my wedding dress (which she helped me pick out, and even paid for!) she watched as I walked down the isle and married her baby. The following August, she and his dad helped us move across country from California to North Carolina where we have been for the last 3 years. She helped us with numerous trips back home for visits, including a few where she only got me due to training missions for my husband and even a deployment. On May 24th of this year she is going to come out here and wait (not so patiently) with us until her first grandson arrives. She has been there for every moment a girl’s mother should be, and she has given me all the love I’ve needed. I couldn’t have done any of this without her help and support. I thank her all the time for everything, but nothing seems to match how she makes us feel. She’s the first person I want to call with good news, and the first person I call with my heartaches. I can’t wait until my husband is out of the military and we can move back home close to her. I can only imagine the love our son will feel coming from her and I can’t wait!
My mom lost her mother when she was 14. I truly believe she spent our entire childhood creating memories with us that would last forever, in the event that she wasn’t around to see us become adults either. Everything was homemade, handcrafted- she is the OG of Pinterest! She made our childhood a beautiful thing, while also building amazing friendships with each daughter, as unique as the daughter herself. I’m the mom I am today because of my beautiful, amazing mother!!
My mom has been wonderful with my son, my niece, and nephews. We are so lucky to have her as our Grammy!
I would recognize my mom for everything she has done this year. She’s been a rock to my father who is recovering from several surgeries due to colon cancer and for always dropping everything to help me and my two girls. Thanks Momma!
The mom who I believe is a great mom is my best friend. She’s a mom of 4, that’s right 4 children. Two of those children are in diapers, and one of them is a preteen girl, and we all know what that’s like. She is an amazing mom to those kids. She works full time as a nurse, so she’s often tired, but she doesn’t let her exhaustion keep her kids from doing the things they want to do. She chauffeurs them around to their various ball games and activities, and never complains. She makes do with just her income, because the kids’ dad isn’t in the picture anymore. She manages to keep them all looking so adorable, and she always puts herself last. I so admire her strenghth, patience, and determination. I couldn’t do all that she does and keep my sanity. She’s one heck of a mother.
My husband, 18m old and I just got back from a week long road trip to Long Island to visit family and my parents came with us. I was telling a friend afterwards how great it was to vacation with us, not only because they were a major help with my daughter, but just because I enjoy being with them. My friend said something along the lines that after a day they would have gone crazy being with her mom. Not once did my husband and I get tired of hanging out with them- I don’t think I want to take a vacation without them again. I told my parents this and they said it was the best complement I could have given them.
My mom has always been there for the 4 of us. She’s always encouraged us to follow our dreams. Now that 2 of us have made her a grandmother she is over the moon in love with our little ones!
My mom has been incredible. When I got divorced 5 years ago, she and my dad opened up their home to my son and I. They paid for an astronomically expensive divorce and became the most hands on grandparents in the world in the most loving way possible. My mom insisted on paying full tuition for exclusive private schools for my son, all the same extracurriculars we were privileged to have, babysitting at the drop of a hat, putting me through college again, waking up early on weekends so I can rest even though she works full time all week, spending time teaching him all the joys and wonders of the world and never letting him think he is missing anything just because his dad chose to drop out of his life. She is there to help me so I don’t burn out. She is there to make sure he has all the privileges of a upper class 2 parent home. He is the luckiest grandchild and I am the luckiest daughter! God Bless Her!!
My mom is amazing. She’s given up so much for us and worked her butt off to make sure all her kids were healthy and happy. I love her so much and even more appreciate her after I’ve had kids of my own. I named my first daughter after her!
I am so touched by your loving words. But it is I who is in awe of both you and your sister. I am so proud of both of your accomplishments and amazed how you manage to successfully balance family and work. It is a joy to spend time with your wonderful, loving families. I am the luckiest mom on earth having such caring, kind, and incredible daughters. You enrich my life in ways that no words can fully express. I love you both with all my heart.
Love and kisses, hugs and misses, Mom
I also want to recognize my mom. I had my first child in February and I don’t think that we would be surviving and actually thriving without her! Thank you for helping stop and think about how I’d like to thank my mom today in the early morning calm before our daily “storm”.
We call my mom Grammy too and she is an amazing one. She is silly and fun, always there when I need her or just want to talk about something. Tells me she’s proud of me and is my biggest cheerleader. I hit the jackpot!
I want to recognize my good friend from college for #doingood. She works a difficult schedule at work, but always spends quality time with her daughter. They do crafts, bake or just spend quiet time, and she is teaching her daughter good values.
I commented on your FB page (Kelly D Saver)
My friend and coworker Ellie is amazing! She has 3 girls and does so much for them including running multiply Girl Scout troops and coaching soccer! She’s #doinggood and never seems stressed.
My mother in law is an amazing woman of faith who has raised 5 wonderful children. We are so blessed to have her in our lives, she is so patient and kind, always encouraging us to do the right thing, she’s there to catch us when we fall and to help us in every situation. I thank GOD for her everyday
For my second entry I commented on your facebook page as Leidy Ruiz. here is the link to my comment http://www.facebook.com/mommyshorts/posts/1088009707879504
Beautiful words and such a lovely video! Thank you for sharing!
http://en.emoi-emoi.com/
I am sharing this post with my mom! She has always been such a great source of strength for me. Growing up, I never heard her criticize her own body or looks and I realize now, as a mom myself, how much of a positive impact that had on me and my own body image. I have said many times to my husband that I want to try to do the same for our 2 young daughters!
I wish my mom was around for me to tell her that she did a good job with me.
I recently went back to work after being a SAHM for 4 years. My sister quit her full-time job so she could be a nanny to my 3 kids (ages 6 and younger) while she earns her master’s degree. She is a second mom to them and she loves them like they are her own. We are so lucky to have her!
In this day in age we are very lucky to be able to have our “village” of mom’s online. Before we moved last summer I was apart of a group of amazing women who definitely help shape me as a mother. They were always willing to give advice, encouragement or tell you they have been there too. They were also so willing to lend a hand and we’re always organizing help, meals, or care for some family in need in our group. Such an amazing group of women that I miss!
My mom is amazing because she takes care of her mom and always offers to babysit my kids as well!
My mom is our go-to “free babysitter”. She and my dad (although we all know that means just my mom) have watched our kids for more weekends away than I can think of (weddings, birthdays, “just because” trips). It’s such a luxury to be able to go away with your husband and know your kids are being spoiled with love and attention and crafts I’d never do with them in a million years. Last year, my mom made a gingerbread house, from scratch, with my then 3 and 5 year old. Can you imagine that kind of patience? Neither can I.
Your mom sounds awesome and I totally agree that I hope my children find me as awesome one day as I find my mom now. I’d love to recognize my mom for #doingood because she came to the US not knowing English or a single soul. She wanted a brighter future for me (and my sister, who was born later). She has polio in one leg so isn’t very mobile. I have no idea how she chased my sister and me around, or how she managed to get us both on public buses to go grocery shopping. She’s amazing. She’s also super patient, which I could use more of.
I’d like to nominate my mom. She had 7 kids and was amazing. She would and still does do everything she can for us. She made a homemade breakfast, lunch and dinner for us every single day (even in high school when we had to be out of the house at 5:30 am) without fail. She scraped the thick ice off our windshields in the morning so we wouldn’t have to. She never bought anything for herself and always spent what limited money we had on the kids. She was at our sporting/music/etc. events as often as possible, even if it meant going to several every single Saturday. She taught us so much and even had her own preschool she would give us. All 7 of us have or will be graduating from college soon (so far 2 PhD’s and one Master’s as well). We owe everything to my mom!
My mom is a constant support of guidance and unconditional love. I have had a difficult ride through motherhood and am now embarking on single motherhood. She has supported me 100% and has stood in the wings, waiting on me to call out for help. She struggles with her health and finances but you would never know it because she is always upbeat, happy and full of life. She has taught me that our attitude shapes our experience and to always get up and try again.
Today I would love recognize my best friend she is raising a daughter without having a mom to look to because her mom passed away from lung cancer. She is also fighting with her own battles of bipolar disorder. She has raised a wonderful little girl.
Although I love my mother dearly and couldn’t speak highly enough of her, I want to acknowledge my sister. The day my ex walked out, my sister stepped in without hesitation and hasn’t taken a step back since. It’s been 3 years since, and my sister’s unconditional love for my daughter is remarkable. The guidance, the help, the extra parental role she gives my daughter is incomparable. My sisters help, has given me emotional stability and strength, along with opportunity to excel in my career while also being the best mother I can be for my daughter. So, I want to recognize my sister, who isn’t a birth mother, but is definitely a very motherly figure to my 4 year old as if she’s her own daughter.
A big shout out to my mom for doing most of the care taking of my little niece. She is doing a great job.
I want to nominate my own mom. She is the first person I call in the morning and generally the last. I’ve learned so much from her over the years as she raised 5 kids and now that I am an adult I’m learning so much more about her struggles with life, love, spirituality and relationships. She is the strongest woman I know but only because she is willing to share her weaknesses so that I can grow and learn in my own life. I can not begin to describe everything she has been through, I’d have to write a blog entry of my own. She’s had a child involved with drugs, gangs,
I want to nominate my own mom. She is the first person I call in the morning and generally the last. I’ve learned so much from her over the years as she raised 5 kids and now that I am an adult I’m learning so much more about her struggles with life, love, spirituality and relationships. She is the strongest woman I know but only because she is willing to share her weaknesses so that I can grow and learn in my own life. I can not begin to describe everything she has been through, I’d have to write a blog entry of my own. She’s had a child or two involved with drugs, gangs, mental health admittance, financial troubles, war (military), the list goes on. But she steps up and steps in. I love her so much.
I nominate my mom, who not only raised my brother and myself, but then stepped up alongside my father & raised my niece when my brother couldn’t. Because of her, my niece got the love and attention she needed to grow and thrive and my brother was able to finish high school & get his life together so that he could be the great father that he is today. There are many more amazing & wonderful things I could say about her, but I will refrain as this is a comment, not a novel. We lost my mom to cancer two years ago at the age of 54. She is my #1 role model & it gives me such joy to hear from friends and family that I remind them of her.
My daughter has been worried about being a good mom because she had to go back to work but she is awesome. She is loving, organized, nurturing and protective but she amazes me most with how much patience she has.
My sister is an amazing Mom to her 2 kids, and a huge role model to me with my 1st. (4 weeks today!) Grateful for all her support and advice.
Brought me to tears! I want to nominate one of my close friends who is an amazing mom she strives to be the best she can despite her up bringing and often second guesses herself….i often find myself reassuring her that she’s doing an amazing job! I think a lot of us mom need to be reminded that there’s no such thing as being a perfect parent and even more so during those rough moments!
I would like to recognize my Aunt Maureen, the woman who most taught me through her actions and outlook the value of being a mother. She raised ten children and still had time for #doingood in her community and creating cohesion in the extended family.
My mother is everything i strive to be! As a teenager I would look around at my friends mothers and they either seemed to not care or would try to be ‘the cool mom’. My mom would discipline me, but was also ‘the cool mom’! All my friends loved my mom and would always want to be at my house. She is an amazing, PATIENT, strong, caring woman that put up with me through my horrible rebellious years and stood right by my side until I got over that ridiculous phase. I thank God for her every single day!!! She is honestly my best friend, apart from my husband, anytime something happens, I immediately want to tell her! We talk everyday and see each other probably every other day. Now that i’m expecting a baby in August we spend even more time together. I don’t know where i’d be without her!!!
My mom taught me so much more than I’ll ever know. Being a mom has shown me all the ways she influenced me and ways I wish I could be more like her. We started calling her the baby whisperer. Children, especially my own, love her and it’s obvious the feeling is mutual. Her patience and attention span with children is enviable. She deserves a gift card to spend on herslef, guilt free!
I want to recognize my husband for the awesome job he is doing despite school and work.
My mom was always the best mom who was always there for my brothers and myself. But when my dad died suddenly, she became Supermom to my then 8 year old brother. She became my best friend on earth, and has saved my life during my own single parent journey. She takes care of everyone in my family, near and far. She truly is the glue that holds my large, wild family together!
They say that imitation is the best form of flattery, and I want to be just like my mom. She is patient, fun, loving and a woman of great faith. She is teaching my kids how to imagine and empathize and pray in ways I never could comprehend as a mom. She is truly one of my best friends.
My sister is such a great Mom. She has two kids and works full time helping veterans find housing. She is an inspiration to me. I only have one child, who I stay home with. I can’t imagine how she keeps it all together!
The mom I would like to nominate is a co-worker and dear friend. Jen is an awesome mom to twin 5 year-olds and a 10 month old. In November of this past year, one of her twins, Bradley was diagnosed with leukemia. Further tests discovered a more intense treatment was needed so in addition to chemotherapy, Bradley received a stem cell transplant…from his twin sister Charlotte.
Throughout all of this, I never saw Jen waiver. She managed to still pump and nurse her very young baby (and still is!) while caring for her son through the treatment and supporting her daughter through the stem cell process. I watched her work on days that were so, so rough and saw her FaceTime with her son in the hospital on days that she needed to be at home to care for the rest of the family.
Moms are the truest fighters for their kids. Jen has fought for her kids, her marriage, her job and her sanity these past few months…she deserves something for just her.
(Ellen Degeneres posted a video on her facebook page yesterday about people dancing for cancer. The adorable boy at the end in the ninja turtle pajamas, rocking it out hooked up to an IV, is her son Bradley.)
My mom is always there to listen to me and give advice when needed. She makes me feel so very loved.
I nominate
An amazing mother…the first person who comes to mind is my aunt, Sonia. My cousin, Kristie, passed away in September at the age of 25. She left behind a 3 year old and a then 5 year old. Kristie is Sonia’s first born and her best friend. They had a bond like I’ve never seen before. Kristie even lived with her Mom up until about 6 months before her passing. When Kristie passed, Sonia immediately moved the kids and their Daddy, Kristie’s husband, back into her house. She works full time as a Child Protective Service worker and then comes home and takes care of a family of 5, all while still trying to grieve the loss of her child. You can tell her heart hurts, but she consistently talks about their Momma to the girls to keep her memory alive. We had a birthday party for Kristie on Tuesday and Sonia bought the girls necklaces with a K on it to wear to remember their Mommy. So, not only did she do a damn good job raising her 3 kids, she’s now helping raise her grandkids.
I nominate my mom because she is amazing!! I am a twin and now that I am a mom I have so much respect for her! I don’t know how she did it with three little ones under three but she did! She was always there when we needed her.
I nominate my Aunt Sandy. She’s always been a second mom to me. But since I’ve lost my mom and became a motherless mother, she’s been phenomenal. She always picks up the phone when I called about first time mom fears or concerns. She gets offended if we don’t ask her to babysit enough. She treats my daughter as if she were her own granddaughter and we are so lucky to have her help fill the void and tell stories about my mom to keep her memory alive.
My mom is amazing! She raised 5 kids pretty much on her own and she helps me with my three little ones after she gets off work. I don’t know where she finds the energy.
I love your disclaimer regarding Minute Maid and your opinions. Too funny!
My Mom is the most giving person. Even though she’s busy with her own life (and taking care of her own parents, as well as helping with her other grandchildren), and she lives in another state, she will drop everything if we need her. My husband fell off a ladder and needed surgery when my kids were 2, and 9 months. My Mom was on a plane that same day and dropped everything to stay with my kids while I was back and forth to the hospital for almost a week with my husband. And when my husband came home, she took my 2 year old back to her house for a while too, so I just had to worry about the baby and my poor husband. She also came to town to help for 2 months after each of my kids were born. She comes for all the little graduations, and Christmas shows the kids put on, and anything else that’s important to them. I never appreciated her as a Mom as much as I do now that I have kids. We are so very lucky to have her.
My mother is the most amazing woman I know! She has always worked full time, raised three great kids (taking us to all kinds of sporting events and practices & always providing home cooked breakfast and dinner!!). She is the greatest grandmother her grandkids could ever ask for. I don’t know where I’d be without her.
My mom, well, she isnt my mother. My mom chose me. She married my dad. She chose to love me. She never distinguished which kids were his or hers. She never loved me less. She just was. She was there. She was strong. She let me love her, hate her, hug her, yell at her, and simply feel unconditional love.
I love my mom as she never says no to me and unconditionally loves my kids. She doesn’t have money to lavish them with toys, but she preps food and soup for them.
My fear friend Deborah is a great mom despite all the obstacles life has thrown at her! She went through hell and highwater(11 years of infertility) to complete her family. Finally with the help of a surrogate(me) and her two embryos her much longed for children were on the way. Except, surprise through the miracle of splitting there were now four! She kept her faith through a harrowing pregnancy with a grim diagnosis of Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome and simultaneously dealt with a tornado ransacking her home. Then she navigated life with 4 preemies in NICU on the other side of the country. And then a busy life at home with four babies, can you even imagine? If that was not enough she suffered a debilitating stroke but she never gave up. She struggled through physical therapy with determination to be the best mom she could be. This last year she faced every mom’s worst fears, losing one of her children in a tragic accident. But even then she pressed on for her living children. She is my hero! Even in the face of the unimaginable she shows such grace and perseverance!
I’m bless to have the best mom in the world. I was abandoned by my biological mother at a hospital and she adopted me when she was 48. Being the oldest of 12 brothers and sisters never got and education and was dedicated to taking care of her parents until they lost their battle to cancer. When they died she was alone and decided to adopt and when she did her siblings turn their backs on her and fought over two houses. She left everything behind and started a new life with my godparents’ family as our family. Now that I am a mother I can truly appreciate everything she did for me. She became disabled and had to survive on $100 a month yet had a warrior spirit she use to sell Avon and grow vegetables in a small garden to sell. Now I aspire to be a mom like her!
My son’s adoptive mother. She is an amazing women, beautiful inside and out. She took care of him when I was on able to do so but she didn’t stop there. She has made me apart of her family so I can be apart of his life. I don’t know where me or my son would be without her. Words can’t describe the love I have for this women.
My mom needs to be told how much of a good mom she’s been to me and my sister. She lost her parents when she was 19, and now that I’m 30 I cannot imagine having to live the past 11 years without my mom. I don’t know how she did it. She’s always been supportive, loving, and made sacrifices for us that we didn’t even always know about. I love her so much.
My mom is my best friend, confidant, and the only one who really understands my life. She really gets me. She’s survived a broken marriage, cancer, and the loss of her own mother.
Nice post. I learn one thing more challenging on totally different blogs everyday. It’ll all the time be stimulating to read content material from different writers and observe a bit something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my weblog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a hyperlink on your net blog. Thanks for sharing. http://pcslotsonline.ru