One day out of the year we have this beautiful opportunity to give back to the people who have given us so much: our moms. We love them (at times, maybe not so much) and as we get older, sometimes, we become them. Whether she carried you inside of her for nine months, or is a non-blood related women who has loved you like her own, most people can identify a person who they can be thankful for on this holiday!
In honor of Mother's Day I wanted to recognize and show my appreciation to some of these beautiful women in my life. Each one of these women play a very important part in my life for many reasons. I have met each one of them at different times and in different places, but always at the most perfect time. Sometimes in the middle of life when things aren't working out and I feel like I've just been making a series of wrong turns in every direction, doors are closing and time seems to be running out, have had a really down day, or just need some crazy advice or a laugh... I can always count on them to cheer me up. They truly inspire me everyday! We share the same stories and experiences, some different then the next, but most of all these women are beautiful from the inside out.
" There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a millions ways to be a good one"
Kendall:: and I met through our son's therapy facility. One day I was waiting with Dylan in the lobby and Kendall walked in with her son Cole. I actually was staring at Cole and how stinking cute he was (sorry Kendall) but he really is the cutest little boy in the world! A few weeks later, we saw each other again and started talking then and every week there after. We finally exchanged numbers and met for dinner and have been the greatest of friends since! She is such a heartfelt women and really loves everything about life. I love her beautiful smile, I love her funny jokes and her love for down syndrome. I am so excited to share this journey with her and can't wait to work on our visions and aspirations together for our beautiful baby boys!
"I am a part-time florist (www.petalandjoy.com) with a background in event coordinating and have a dream of one day becoming an elementary school teacher - 'I have the credential, just not the job'. I love vanilla lattes, getting creative, gabbing with friends, and curling up on the couch to watch a juicy show while scarfing-chocolate-chip cookies. I spend most (if not all) of my time mothering two spirited little boys, Cole (4) and Caleb (18-months). These two have my whole heart, but the love of my life is my husband Jeff. Jeff is my best friend and makes me laugh harder than anyone else, and he always keeps things fun when life can be a bit on the serious side. He is my partner and better half in messy, challenging, fantastic circus they call life!"
Kendall
Mercedes:: and I met almost 2 years ago through a mutual friend. We instantly connected and about 2 days after we met I was already asking her for play dates. Dylan and Sunny are in the same school class together one day a week, and I love seeing these two grow up together. Mercedes truly is one amazing mama and the love she has for the lord is truly inspiring. I love her beautiful smile and witty personality, and how much passion for life she has. She has some amazing things in store and I am so proud of her for all of her hard work, and the dreams and aspirations she has for helping other families to adopt. She loves water, but as she says-"she never drinks enough" her favorite book is Little Women, and she loves everything about travel.
"I am a follower of Jesus, in love with my husband Andy, and a mommy to two beautiful babies. Oh and I have a rad dog named Juno. I stay home with my kiddos and spend most of my day feeding people, wiping bottoms and running around to different therapy sessions for my daughter Sunflower. Sunflower is my almost 2 year old daughter with Down Syndrome. My husband I adopted Sunflower when she was 2 years old. She is the apple of my eye. Rhodes my 5 month old little stud... well he is awesome and happily goes wherever Sunflower and I drag him. Andy is a creative director at a big church in Fullerton, and Juno she's the couch potato of the family. LOL!"
"I have a little business where a friend and I sell unique and lovely baby blankets https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleMessengers. I love being a "Maker" and a small business owner. It's my creative outlet and a breath of fresh air from my day to day routine. My husband and I love our life by the beach in Southern Orange County. I am a Down Syndrome and adoption advocate. I love to eat, I absolutely love dessert before dinner, and I strive after the lord each and everyday!"
Mercedes
Andrea:: and I met on this amazing thing we call Instagram. I started following her through another follower and I fell in love with her at first sight. I loved her posts and most of all that handsome and crazy funny little boy of hers, Deacon. One day I made a comment on one of her post and had some questions for her. The next thing we exchanged emails/phone numbers and were talking on the phone about a week later. We both never start our day without a cup of coffee. The craziest thing about our friendship is that we have never met, but I feel like I have known her for my whole life. She is beautiful, smart, loves the lord and her passion for her children is truly heartfelt. She has a heart of gold and she inspires me everyday. I cannot wait to meet her in person, and I promised myself that one day we will meet.... maybe somewhere in between. But for now we will phone, text and face time.
"Jesus is the biggest love of my life. Next comes my husband of eleven year, Dustin, and my three kids, Noah, Anna Grace, and Deacon. Deacon changed our lives when he was born with an extra special chromosome. It is because of him that we developed a heart for orphans and are currently in the process of adopting a little girl with special needs from China. We hope to bring her home within the next year. Coffee is my saving grace. Not sure I could get through a day without it, and I don't really want to find out. Travel and photography are some of my biggest passions. I live for a new experience and sharing them with my family. Deacon has taught us how to slow down and truly enjoy the simple things in life."
Andrea
* Andrea and her family have started a fundraiser @Bethelightproject.com to help bring home their beautiful daughter. Once the adoption is fully funded she plans on continuing this awesome foundation to help others in need.
Sarah:: and I met through a mutual friend, who happens to be one of my best friends since high school. I believe Sarah and I have known each other longer then we think we have, and it definitely feels like it when we get together. We love to talk babies, travel, special needs, and most of all life. She is my go-to mama for this whole crazy blogging thing. She is smart, talented and literally always comes up with the most amazing ideas ever when it comes to blogging and business. She is absolutely beautiful from the inside out, I love her smile, her love for life and everything green. She truly shines through everything that she does. Sarah and I recently did a collaboration on her blog http://www.greenmomco.com/ and I felt so honored to be apart of it. I have learned so much from her already and I can't wait to continue on this journey of life and friendship.
"I've always loved children. I feel a natural connection when working with them, and a strong sense of duty to ensure the wellbeing of children on both individual and global levels. My educational background is in Human Services and Child Development, and I've worked at non-profits in the fields of childcare, camps/recreation, and children's mental health my whole career. The individuals I've encountered along the way have taught me patience and a deep appreciation for allowing children to be who they are, no matter what. When I became a mom my little boy sparked not only my desire to keep him safe, healthy, and nurtured, but also a passion for doing my best to preserve the world around him. Starting The Green Mom Company with my friend/partner, we have collaborated to make an impact on the world around our children, one simple change at a time."
"Life is fun right now! My husband is my best friend and we are about to celebrate 9 years of marriage. We feel so lucky to be our little family of 3, though our son Sutton would correct this number to 5 and add in the dog and the fish... As a Stay-at-Home/Work-at-Home Mama I love being in the moment with my funny and sweet 4-year-old! I enjoy this age so much - I learn as much from him as he does from me; it's always something new and I am so happy to have this time with him. Throughout the - fun, easy, tough, tedious, breezy,exhausting, amazing - days, I am grateful everyday in my role as 'Mama'!"
Sarah
And...mom this one is for you,
Life has been difficult and there have been times when I've felt like giving up when things were not going my way. Each time you were there to remind me of my worth as a human being. You encouraged me to keep reaching for the unreachable and to never settle for anything less than I deserved. No matter how bizarre my dreams were, from becoming president or wanting to be a dog walker or a teacher or a marine biologist, you always told me to go after what would make me happy. As I get older, I realize more and more how much you have done for me and continue every day. I love you so much!
And to my sister...you are my best friend, my everything and my night and shining star. I love you so much and I don't know what I would do with out you. I use to make fun of you with all the craziness of your tight schedules with your kids, but now having my own I truly understand. Thank you for always being here for me. I love you so much!
This Mother's Day, thank whomever you call "Mom" for being the best on the planet at her job.
Happy Mother's Day to all you amazing, talented and beautiful moms and moms to-be out there!
Michelle, xo
