I love my mom.

It wouldn't be Mother's Day without a blog about my wonderful Mom. I am so lucky to have such an amazing mother. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her since we moved to Ohio. I think I took for granted living so close to her all those years. I miss so many things about her. I guess being far away from people really does make you think about all the reasons why you love them so much. Anyway.... this isn't about how I miss my mom so much... it's about telling you all how amazing she really is! When I think of my mom, I think of her giving heart. She is always finding someone to serve. She is constantly going out of her way to call someone "just because", or bringing someone a meal that they can freeze for a rough day, or sending a note of encouragement to help someone through a hard time. I am so grateful that I have someone so thoughtful to look up to. We were the recipients of some of her selfless love when she came out to help us when Graham was born. Our dryer broke one of the first days that she was here. She immediately set up a "Latvian" drying system on our back porch. She kept our clothes dry for two weeks straight until we were able to get a new dryer. I will always think of her and what a nice thing she did for us while she was here.

If you have ever seen our family picture, you know that my mom is an amazing person. Most of my siblings have been blessed to be adopted into our family. It takes an incredible person to be able to love so many kids! People ask me all the time if my adopted siblings were treated the same... or if it was weird having different races in our family. I think it's a silly question... but the people are generally sincere in their asking. My parents love every one of their 12 kids so much. My mom has always been so good at giving each of us individual attention and recognizing our strong points. She was so good at helping us find our talents and making the path available for us to pursue them. I admire her strength, courage and patience in raising all of us kids. I know it isn't an easy task! She is such a strong person.Since I've become a mother myself, I've been able to see my mom in a different role... the role of Grandma. I have enjoyed seeing her interact with my kids so much. She cares for them and treats them like they are the only kids on the planet. She is always so sweet and thoughtful when it comes to their birthdays or holidays. Whenever their is a package in the mail, Lincoln thinks it's from Grandma because he's so used to her little surprises throughout the years! I am so grateful that my kids have such an awesome woman that they get to call Grandma! ----------------------------------- So, on this Mother's Day... I wish to thank you, Mom. Thank you for giving me life. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better person. Thank you for your example of doing that which is right. I will forever be grateful for all that you have taught me in my lifetime. Thank you for being mindful of me. I have always felt loved by you. I am so grateful that I get to call you Mom. I love you, Mom!