Moms and Floors

It's been a while, so I have some catching up to do. But, first...

Today is Mother's Day. I am thankful for this special day to honor mothers, and all women.

I have been blessed with a great mother of my own. In some ways we are so similar, and in some ways so different. I am glad for both. My mom has always been, and continues to be, an example and teacher to me. I am thankful for her.

Here's my mom, doing the grandma thing with my nephew, Reed, last summer.

My mother-in-law, Barb. She is like a super woman! I really wish I could have seen her in her prime-all 10 kids at home. I think I might get a taste of it when everyone's over for Sunday dinner. She really is an inspiration to me, I think she is wonderful. Having so much of her own mothering experience, I could feel really intimidated, but I don't. She is so non-judgemental and very supportive...what great mother-in-law traits! Also, I appreciate all the hard work she put into raising her son, my husband. I am really reaping the benefits-thank you!

Grandma Walsh and kids, just after Ellie was born.

My own grandmothers. Wow, grandmas really do have a special relationship with their grandchildren. I am so thankful for the time I spent with my grandmothers, it was always so much fun. As an adult, I am thankful for the examples of faith, devotion, and love my grandmothers lives' have shown me. Both my grandmothers are gone now, but I look forward to seeing them again someday and learning even more from them. I am so thankful for eternal families.

Grandma Jo with kiddos last summer. The past few years she had been battling Alzheimer's, she died last summer. I'm glad we were in Utah last year, and got to spend a little more time with her before she died. Grandma Helen died when I was in high school.

My sister, Whitney. Sisters are the best. Talk about love-hate relationships. I'm glad that with age and maturity things swing heavily toward the love side. My sister and I have shared so much over our lives, and I wouldn't want to share it with anyone else. Thanks for the fun memories, and for being a fun friend.

Whitney has really been working hard the past several years...she wants to be known as 'the fun aunt'.

Girlfriends, old and new. Where would I be without my friends? Friends teach me, support me, laugh with me, share with me, cry with me (well, I hate to cry, but if I do, I know they would cry with me). Friends are essential. I am so thankful for the great women who have stuck it out with me for so long as well as the newer friendships I've formed-I hope they will last just as long. You guys are so awesome!!!!!

High school friends-I'm so glad we remain close. Isn't it so cool how we can get together after so long, and have it feel like we've never been apart. I depended on you guys so much in the school days, now you just amaze me with how wonderful you are. I am so thankful for our friendships.

New friends. One of the great things about moving around is meeting amazing new women to become friends with. Whenever I move somewhere, I am so excited when I meet someone and think, 'yeah, she could be my next bosom friend'. This is a picture of Carina (and her daughter), one of my MN friends. I love all these friends that I've met over the past 10 years, or so. It is so fun getting to know you and sharing with you. Living away from my family, I've really come to rely on friends. Thank you!

Me. What a blessing motherhood is. I am so thankful for my beautiful, talented, funny, sensitive, silly, happy, wonderful children. I am so blessed!!!! I'm doing my best...it's hard work, but I love it. Thank you kiddos for being wonderful. (And, thanks to the school teachers who do projects with them, so they can give me their own special gifts on Mother's Day....it is so fun to see how proud and excited they are to give me the things they make.)

Here I am with my brood, in Southern Utah last fall. I love those guys!!!

Okay, let me finish up this post by sharing some belated pictures of our recent projects-painting and wood floor installation. Tom worked hard, and the floors look awesome! Thanks Tom for being so dedicated.

Dining Room - before

Dining Room-after

Living room-before (pic taken before moving to UT, thus my bald little Ellie)

Living room-after (don't know why this is underlining...)

Tom also installed the kitchen floor, but the kitchen is always cluttered...as soon as I get that cleared off I'll post the kitchen pics. It is awesome. Tom's hard labor is done...well except for replacing some lights. Now, I've got to decorate-yikes, I just don't have that natural ability. Wish me luck - send any decorating tips. Next projects: tile in the downstairs bath/garage entry, and new toilet, mirror and paint in the downstairs bath. Painting upstairs hallway and boys' rooms this summer. Ah, home ownership.