Happy Mother's Day to all women!

Mom - You're the best! I couldn't ask for a better mom. I'm the woman I am today because of you. I love you with all my heart, forever and ever.

Brenda - Happy Mother's Day! I am so thankful for you - you helped shape Matt into the wonderful man and husband he is. You're an awesome Grandma to Claire. I appreciate that you're always there to help when we need you. We love you very much!

Claire's latest and greatest:

"I surprised Mommy today! When she came out of the bathroom, there I was, standing up at the step to my room. I got her good! She thought I'd just be staying in the family room."

"Then, later this morning I was suppose to be napping. I got her again! I was standing in my crib...haha - it's so fun to stand! I got out of my nap...yesssss! Mommy took me with to ask the neighbor to lower my mattress, because Daddy is at Grandma and Grandpa's. She could have done it herself, but I was tired and wanted to be held and she didn't have enough time to try to figure it out! Plus, then I got to play with my friends Jeff and Cory. They're so fun! Jeff says he loves me. I can't wait until I can keep up with the older boys!"

Lauren's latest and greatest:

My goal this week is to sew wipes for Claire. I figure, I'm already washing cloth diapers, why not just throw cloth wipes in the mix. Apparently they're really easy to sew, we'll see about that! We've already made the solution before. We got the recipe from Jen and it's way easy! One thing that I got from my mom is the desire to use less. She was 'green' way before it was popular! Way to go mom! (That's one trend you set!)

At church today, all women were honored with a carnation (until they ran out - they'd ordered 4,000). Pastor Mike talked about the tradition of Mother's Day honoring all women, not just moms. Even if a women is not a mother, she sets a maternal example for the children around her. You can hear the sermon on podcast at http://www.hopewdm.org/. How true is it that all women are models to those younger! My life has been influenced by many amazing women besides my mom, especially my Aunt Chris! Happy Mother's Day to the best aunt EVER!