Living -- Laughing -- Loving

Isn't that what it's all about? Living....really living this life we've been given -- with all its many adventures. Laughing out loud in the midst of the good living and the tough-living-times. AND, most of all LOVING God, others AND ourselves. Sure, there's plenty to complain and worry about but, seriously, why waste time, energy and breath on complaining, when there is so much to celebrate and be grateful for?

Here's what I know: Gratitude begets even more reasons to be grateful; living, really living, begets more out loud living; laughing begets laughter and a life intent on loving and serving God will produce the desire to love and serve Him even more.

So, I MUST give gratitude for the last few days in Austin so that I'll continue to have even more reasons to be grateful. I like that. It's God's laws of reciprocity. "Give and it shall be given." Since I’m with my Frisco family most because that’s where I live, this Mother’s Day was celebrated with my Austin Family. What a sweet time of laughter, reminiscing, Shawntel and I getting the “special plates” at the breakfast table, getting sweet gifts (mine included the lovely 70-reasons I love Nana from the notes at my 70th BD), going to church together to express our praise and thanksgiving for life and being able to give life to our children and those God has called us to – to “mother” and encourage. Going out for Sunday dinner with dear friends – having sweet and almost holy communion as we had a “gratitude” feast when we thanked God for His tender mercies. Life really is about giving life – the abundant life of Christ to others in word and deed. And, what a life it is!

I believe gratitude is taught from those around us. We can teach our children to be grateful for what they have. This family of mine -- we talk daily about gratitude and our blessings. My children understand they are beyond blessed. As we stood in a little circle of eight on Saturday night, waiting nearly an hour for our table at a restaurant, I saw us. I REALLY saw us -- we were a village like no other. At least it seemed that way when we looked at most around us waiting, who were deep diving into their cell phones, unconscious of those around them. We were living, laughing and loving as we talked – sometimes silly talk. We were embracing and holding each other close to our hearts – so much so, that I didn’t even take my phone out to take a photo of this little village of love. The attention to each other mattered.

I felt my husband’s love – living, breathing and laughing with us. After all, if it weren’t for him – this little village wouldn’t be here. We have family, we have a roof over our heads, laughter in our hearts, and lots of love surrounding our every moment. We have memories before his death and memories beyond. Each memory serves as a blessing, for that means we had one more precious day together. We are valuing moments, not material things, and to look for the love and light in each situation.

We can all find fault in this life. We can all wish and want for more, but the real blessings are the smallest moments and memories we cherish. I’m grateful I taught my children to be grateful and, now, they are teaching their children to be grateful for the little things. We are teaching them to be happy at the deepest level in life – love – laughter.

That is a gift every child deserves and every mother cherishes!

"They Opened Their Mouths With Wisdom!" Hey Girls! That's You and Me

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms! That includes all women who have been gifted with the "maternal instinct" of nurturing and caring for others. One of the greatest joys in life is to be a mother to my own children and to those God put into my life "to mother". There is something unique and special about how God designed a woman’s heart to love tenderly, teach wisely, and nurture selflessly -- and it's so much more than just my own little brood -- though I'm ever so grateful for each and every one I get to call mine.

I believe that all of us are called to mother another. In that sense, "mother" is a verb, an action, a gift we give to others. We mother whether we’re married or not or whether we’ve ever experienced giving birth or not. We mother those who cross the threshold of our homes and lives. We mother those who reach out to us on social media. We mother because we’re called to it -- throwing out a lifeline to a drowning friend, child, teenager, young mother, a grandmother, or that stranger who we notice is holding on to life for dear life. We mother because we can’t help ourselves. We were born to mother.

We mother because there are people who trust us and our keen awareness that "my life is far greater than us four and no more". We mother those we work, go to school or church with, live next door to or who meet us at the grocery store and need a soft, safe place to land and come undone. We mother because we’ve watched our moms and grandmas take food to someone's home or opened her door to a hurting soul. We mother when someone needs a shoulder to cry on when the negative diagnosis comes or the loved one passes away. We mother when a friend's child runs away from home, and she wants to run away from home, too!

This is what we do. We love with all the genuine affection in our hearts, and we delight in honoring each other. We give ourselves away — little bits and pieces of who we are, of our courage, of our deep faith. We bear down and we find ways to breathe life into people desperate for air. Every single woman who loves, sacrifices, encourages, tends, teaches, cares, raises, praises, shapes, forms, and nurtures, no matter how we come to be connected with them, is doing an amazing, mothering work. And today, Mother's Day, while I celebrate the most amazing mom and mother-in-law and my two amazing daughters of my seven grands, I celebrate you, too! I believe in you and champion you. Thank you for all that you are and all that you do. Happy Mother’s Day!

Proverbs 31:26 "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

Moms! Let it Go and Let it Grow!

I'm sitting at my desk in Radiology at Children's Hospital and hear playing "Let it Go" on the tv monitors in the waiting room. How many times have I heard that song from "Frozen" and from messages I've heard about letting unnecessary stuff go?

But, this day, I'm thinking about Mother's Day and from what I've learned, "What would I tell my 18-year-old self when I first became a young mom?" I would tell her: "You may be new at this but practice makes perfect so LET IT GROW!"

I wasn't athletically inclined. No sports for me. Though I wanted to be "that" girl who stood out and won awards for her team, I didn't even try to go there. But, athleticism kicked in for me many years later when I started running. I learned that God made our bodies in a way that we can't expect to be an athlete with only an "I wish I could" mentality. Years ago, a group of us walked the 5K in honor of my husband who couldn't walk at all. After that, my son's marathon trainer said: "Your son's long, athletic legs came from you! It's time for you to start running!" At first, I thought she was kidding or crazy, but before long I started training. It started with building endurance. Then I was ready to run a mile. The first day I walked and ran, the next day I walked a little faster, and eventually, I could run a mile. Before long, I was ready to run my first 13.5-mile half-marathon.

I wish someone would have told me about endurance in motherhood! It takes endurance, practice, work, consistency, and exhaustion to grow into mothering with wisdom and maturity and grace and gentleness. I found the more I practiced, the stronger I became, step by step, slow and steady, learning, doing, listening to older moms, staying closely knit with the Lord and relying on His Holy Spirit, the better I got.

There is a reason Scripture talks about older women teaching younger women (Titus 2:4-5) to keep on and that's what this older woman is saying to you today, precious moms! You are NOT failing! It takes time and work and sweat and tears. When I say, it gets better, I don’t just mean it gets easier because your kids sleep and are more self-sufficient (although sleep is awesome). It gets better because you get better. You mature. You grow in grace. You are acting out of what you have been given by God. You have been molded and tested, and if you keep on, you will make it. So get your running shoes, pace yourself (oh my goodness, pace yourself), and keep on. You are NOT failing! I'm not saying "Let it go". I am saying "Let it grow!" You're not alone. God is cheering you on and so am I!

James 1:2-4 confirms what God is telling us: "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So LET IT GROW for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

#TBT – Grateful for Praying Matriarchs

I don’t see as many Throwback Thursday photos as I once did, so I’m reviving it today. Just a few days before celebrating Mother’s Day, I wanted to pay tribute to my praying matriarchs: on the left, my mother-in-law, Lydia Wuerch (still with us and doing so well at 96) and on the right, my angel Mom, Edna Wheat. These two women were my mentors and the greatest influences I could have ever had as Godly women and mothers. Best friends, they were also visionaries. They KNEW that their two kids were meant for each other.

Last week, after I asked a radiology technician if he had a family, he shared: “Oh yes. I’m married with three children. Our marriage was arranged.” I quickly injected “Mine, too! I’ll tell you about mine after you tell me about yours!” He went on. “My parents wanted me to marry this girl I had never met. I told them that I didn’t want an arranged marriage. But, I honored them and flew to her country to meet her. We met. Our love was immediate. We married the next day. She is the love of my life. My parents prayed about it and I prayed about it and I know God gave her to me.”

My "praying" grandmother introduced me to my future husband at age 12. She was the go-between saying “Ronnie Wuerch likes you” and back to him, “Donna Sue likes you”. Between her, my mother, my husband’s mother AND God, our marriage was arranged. I owe so much of who I am to those three powerful, praying women of God. They literally prayed us together -- and those prayers kept us together. We watched their example as they went through tough times, and came through them because of their unwavering faith. They impressed upon us that tough times don't last, but tough people who believe in commitment, keeping their promises and vows -- that they'll be honored for keeping them. How I thank them for their unwavering support and relentless prayers for us. They not only talked the talk -- they walked the walk in their own lives.

I honor these precious matriarchs and all they've stood for, lived for and set the example for us to follow. By their example, I've learned that praying for our children, sharing our years of wisdom-learned with them is part of God’s plan in “Training them up in the ways they should go and when they’re old, they’ll not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

On this #TBT, I must honor the greatest Mother of all -- our Lord’s most blessed-among-women Mother Mary. Just think about the great responsibility she had for raising the Son of God. Her greatest example was “She pondered. She treasured these things in her heart.” I know we mamas do a lot of that, and it wouldn’t hurt at all to amp up the pondering and treasuring instead of speaking our mind so much. I’m quite sure Mary had the same instincts of motherhood that we have – doting, imagining her Son's future, wanting Him to flourish. Luke 2:52 says “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” I imagine that if Jesus were here with us in the flesh today, He would probably talk about His Mama and what she meant to Him. He might say something like this: “It was my Mom’s wisdom, influence, support, and love that molded me into the Man of God I was destined to be! She encouraged me and instilled in me there wasn’t anything I couldn’t accomplish and do. Her unconditional love inspired me to love unconditionally. She always believed in me. She always prayed for me.”

And those are the words I say about my grandmother and my two moms. And those are the desires I have for being that mother and grandmother to my beloveds.

(FYI -- the family photo is from Mother's Day, 1968, and is left to right: My grandmother (the arranger), my mom, my husband's grandparents, my mother and father-in-law, me, Ron and Ryan)

She Opens Her Mouth With Wisdom

Happy Mother’s Day! You know who you are -- you either birthed them naturally or are a spiritual and loving "mentor" mom. One of my greatest joys in life is to be a mother....to my own children AND to those God put into my life "to mother".

I left home when I married my husband at such a young age of 17, so there were sure a lot of things I still needed my mother for. Besides washing clothes and cooking tips, I remember the time I wanted to run "back home" to her because of what seemed to be the biggest "spat" EVER with my husband. I'm so glad she wouldn't let me. She reminded me that I HAD left "home", and my new home was with the man I loved and "this little spat would pass". It did. I still needed my mama's wisdom and instruction.

Then, just one year later, I gave birth to our son and I found myself in this same spot many times: the times he got sick (AND, the times I got sick), the times when, as a couple, we hit a rough patch and life seemed so out of control, the times when I needed her voice to comfort me. In God’s sovereign plan for motherhood, He gave me a mother that was my mentor, my best friend and my confidant. And, not only did He give me my mother, but He gave me the dearest mother-in-law EVER (those two women are pictured here with me on Mother's Day, 2002). The last photo is my mom and grandmother. Legacy.

God also gave me other older women in age and in faith (and continues to do so) that have come alongside and loved me “like a mother.” After all these many seasons of my life, watching and learning from my resilient, strong, and determined Mom during the time of my daddy's long illness, and then as a single mom after he graduated to heaven and to my own learning to be a Mom to my children and to other young women, I can assure you that God has special plans for women. He gave us life to give life to others. God's plans for us ensure that we are "mothered" and that we "mother". Nothing is so dear as the results of a hug or a word we share with someone who needed that hug or word. There is something unique and special about how God designed a woman’s heart to love tenderly, teach wisely, and nurture selflessly.

Is your Mom with you today? Treasure her. I heard someone talk negatively about their mother who was most certainly a less-than-perfect mom, and she asked me, "What did she ever do for me?" My reply: "She gave you life!" Not only is today a day of celebrating our moms, but perhaps we might consider being “like a mother” to a younger woman the Lord is leading us to mentor. Just maybe we are the answer to someone's prayers.

Today, I honor my Grandmom and Mom-in-heaven, my sweet Mother-in-Law, my two daughters and all the beautiful and selfless ladies that "mother" those around them with God's love that is unconditional, kind, tender-hearted, caring and loving. Happy Mother's Day! I hope you have just the most blessed day ever!

Proverbs 31:26 "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

It's the Little Things That Matter

Two of my heart throbs who make coming home to Frisco TX so sweet. Before I left for Oklahoma last week, I stopped by the Wallace's for a beautiful Mother's Day breakfast (Thanks, Denise -- best cook EVER.), precious cards, and a gorgeous Saint Edward cross necklace brought back from Westminster Abbey when Staci and Larry were in London a few weeks ago. Payton blessed me with a piano concert (he was playing when I walked in the door -- he knows how to get to this heart of mine) and then Lexi joined him in a duet. Lexi presented me with her homemade scented candle creation -- all from scratch with "Best Nana Ever" words. Be still my heart!

I saw many of you gals post those sweet words to your kids "I don't need anything but your presence. I don't need gifts, but I want you to always know I'm here for you. The refrigerator is always open to you, etc." I love your sentiments, and while I agree with them, I truly love the little tokens of love that come my way. I still have the ice cream stick sign Alexia made for me to cheer me up after her Papa passed away, as well as the ceramic cow she painted at Marvel Camp, and then gave it to me. It really is the little things that mean so much.

I still hold dear the yellow rose my sweetheart had for me in the car every time he'd pick me up at the airport and the little sticky notes he'd have for me on the mirror or on my desk or on the refrigerator. I love the flavored coffee from Race Trac that Denise surprises me with. I love the random love notes I get from my sweetheart-in-heaven (handwritten by Staci). I treasure the short and sweet phone calls from my son who lets me know he's thinking of me. I love the baby roses and delicious bread my cousin brought over to me to welcome me to the neighborhood. I cherish the emojis -- "likes", "loves", "thanks" that I receive on Facebook from YOU and YOU! It may not seem like a BIG deal, but that little "cheerleading" and "encouraging" act, means the world to me and it keeps me waking up at 6 a.m. to push the POST button so you'll hopefully read and be encouraged as you start your day.

Sincerely, the little things that we do for each other and for those who need that expression of kindness can turn someone's gray skies to blue, add a spring to their step, give them hope for their day and turn those feelings of loneliness to "loved" -- by just a simple "I care" in some way to them. Sincerely, little things -- little acts -- little words -- really do matter!

Make Every Day Count -- the Diary and Photo Album of the Wandering Widow!

That's my new slogan and it sure worked for this weekend. Since I had spent so much quality time with my kids and grandkids over the last seven months of my transition from Oklahoma to Texas, I determined to make Mother's Day weekend one that I was able to spread the love to other dear friends and family. I know "Give, and it shall be given" -- that's just God's law of giving and receiving.

Saturday morning, I headed to Oklahoma City for my great nephew's high school graduation. It was a nostalgic drive from Dallas to OKC because as newlyweds and young parents in Dallas, we made many trips to Lake Murray, Turner Falls and Lake Texoma for overnight camping trips. I had many Memory Lane thoughts. That's what we "mature" folks get to do, and I urge you, "young" folks, to make lots of memories so you'll have something to do when you're taking long drives in the future! LOL!

My nephew (my sister-in-heaven's son, Mark David Lawrence and his sweet wife, Donna Lawrence had just about an entire section reserved for their own family in the Cox Convention Center for the graduation. There were about 30 of us. I love that this family celebrates each other and it's a great excuse for a "family reunion" afterwards! Congrats to my great nephew, Caleb Lawrence, on his graduation. Oh, the places he will go!

Then it was a drive to Tulsa to spend Mother's Day weekend with my sweet 94-year-old mother-in-law. I treasure this time. We talk and talk about everything -- but especially what she has meant to me over the years. Those two "besties" (she and my mom) made sure that my husband and I would eventually marry.....and stay married! Oh the storms they calmed through their prayers for us! LOL! Mom hasn't quit. Right now, she's on the phone encouraging and supporting a dear friend. She gives and she keeps getting back!

Then it was to Madalene Church where I was able to reconnect with my dear long-time friends (17 years) and my sweet godson and his family. Because I had been so ill with the flu in April, I missed the First Communion of 24 sweet kids, and especially my godson's sister. We made up for it yesterday. Also, I was able to connect with a wonderful seminarian, James Porter, who in just two more years will become a priest. He's definitely one of God's chosen vessels to be His hands extended. Since I first met him, I knew God had special things in store for him and God's people. He is never without a beautiful smile and he draws you into his heart and soul. He's one of those that brightens up the room when he walks inl

Then it was time to celebrate Mom's family (her daughter, Karen). Four generations there for Mom! Seven mothers enjoyed a great meal prepared by the men. The only one missing was my sweetheart, but I sensed him smiling at the group of us. Well, also my kids were celebrating Mother's Day with their own families in Austin and Frisco.

The big finale of this day was spending time with my dearest friends in the world, Mick & Sheila Michie in their beautiful new home that is so blessed by God. It's like we're never apart because we reconnect in such special ways, remembering the past blessings, today's and our hopes for tomorrow's blessings. We've seen God answer our prayers in so many ways. Of course, being seranaded by Mick is the icing on the Mother's Day cake!

Yes, this was the "Wandering Widow's musings of my weekend!
Yes, this was the "Wandering Widow's musings of my weekend!
Thanks for indulging me. It was my way of sharing how we can make our days count. We won't ever have this day again, so why shouldn't we make the most of it that we can? What we choose to spend time on can unlock blessings for us today, and every day to come.

In Proverbs 3:1-2, we hear instructions for making the best of our days: "My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying."

Let's make our days count by recalling God's goodness, spreading His love around in word and deed, and being grateful for a new day.

It's Mother's Day Weekend -- Time to Reminisce!

Of course I'm reminiscing. I get to celebrate motherhood. Of all the joys that this life has afforded me, being a mother is right at the top of the list. Did I make mistakes? Whew! The fact that my kids survived being raised by two inexperienced, novice "kid" parents, is remarkable! But, by God's grace, they survived. It's really quite a miracle:
• that they survived a mother that drank coffee and tea while she was pregnant;
• that I put them to sleep on their tummy in a baby crib that was covered with white lead-based paint;
• that they made it without having childproof medicine bottles, lids, doors and cabinets
• that they rode their bicycles, with no helmets; not to mention that they stood up by me in the car with no seat belt on;
• that I let them drink water from the garden hose.
• that I let them eat cupcakes, white bread, and drink Kool-Aid made with sugar, and they weren't overweight because they played outside all the time;
• that we couldn't send them to ivy-league universities, but we taught them "hard work, a never quit attitude and tenacity" and that seems to have worked out just fine for them.
• that they didn't have a Playstation or X-Box or 150 channels on TV to watch or an I-pod or a computer or internet.

In retrospect, I guess I shouldn't apologize, because their dad and I must have done something right. We watched them, over the years, become great risk-takers and problem solvers. Oh, they had some setbacks.....but they never failed to have tremendous comebacks. It must have been a "God" thing.....that He used us, with all of our inexperience to be a part of this successful, motivated, optimistic, incredible man and woman who possess such creativity and bulldog tenacity in everything they do today.

My nephew, a Baptist pastor in Vernon, Texas, sent me a private Facebook message a few days ago asking me "Besides teaching your children faith, what would you consider being the most important task of a mother? Bonus: What do you want your children to remember you by?"

And my response was: " The 'I can' attitude! "I CAN do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." Every thing, every dream, every hope, every prayer is possible because "NOTHING is impossible with our God." Basically, the Zig Ziglar mentality of being the best, being a WWJD kind of devoted follower of Christ. Never giving up -- like the little engine that could....ALWAYS, "I think I can. I think I can!" Negative thinking NOT ALLOWED in this house. Wimpy attitudes NOT ALLOWED in this house. I Can't NOT ALLOWED in this house. We create the atmosphere around us. Either we're the light that comes in or the dark that comes in! Whew! You didn't ask for all that, but it's sincerely the basis for the success of our family and it's God's Word, so, yes, faith is the crux of it all, but faith is boosted when we live in an attitude of gratitude and optimism." Whew -- my words are never FEW!

If I had further words of wisdom to offer to young moms and dads today, I'd say "Cherish the moments...every one of them!" I read this not too long ago, and I pass it along to encourage each and everyone to "take a deep breath, and enjoy the ride. Your kids will make it, too, but, take it from me.....treasure the moments!"

If I Had My Child To Raise All Over Again
I'd build self esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger-paint more, and point my finger less.
I would do less correcting, and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, (my add, "I'd take my eyes off my phone") and watch with my eyes.
I would care to know less, and know to care more.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging, and less tugging.
I'd see the Oak Tree in the acorn more often.
I'd be firm less often, and affirm much more.
If I had my child to raise over again,
I'd model less about the love of power, and more about the power of love!

I'm so grateful these two made me such a proud, happy blessed Mom and Nana!

Happy Mother's Day to all my sweet mothers, sisters and friends out there. After all, God gave us all the opportunity to "mother". Some of us, naturally, and all of us the ability to share God's love by mothering through hugs, encouragement and prayers to all those who need that mother's love all around us!

They Opened Their Mouths With Wisdom

One of the greatest joys in life is to be a mother....to my own children AND to those God put into my life "to mother". Nothing is so dear as the results of a hug or a word I shared with someone who needed that hug or word. There is something unique and special about how God designed a woman’s heart to love tenderly, teach wisely, and nurture selflessly.

I left home when I married my husband at such a young age of 17, so there were sure a lot of things I still needed my mother for. Besides washing clothes and cooking tips, I remember the time I wanted to run "back home" to her because of what seemed to be the biggest "spat" EVER with my husband. I'm so glad she wouldn't let me. She reminded me that I HAD left "home", and my new home was with the man I loved and "this little spat would pass". It did. I still needed my Mama's wisdom and instruction. Then, just one year later, I gave birth to our son and I found myself in this same spot several times: the times he got sick (AND, the times I got sick), the times when, as a couple, we hit a rough patch and life seemed so out of control, the times when I needed her voice to comfort me. In God’s sovereign plan for motherhood, He gave me a mother that was my mentor, my best friend and my confidant. And, not only did He give me my mother, but He gave me the dearest mother-in-law EVER (those two women are pictured here on Mother's Day, 2002). God also gave me other older women in age and in faith (and continues to do so) that have come alongside and loved me “like a mother.”

Our stories are all different. No matter what our stories are, our Heavenly Father desires to meet all our needs so that whatever we lack, He will provide. And, after all these many seasons of my life, watching and learning from my resilient, strong, and determined Mom during the time of my Daddy's long illness, and then as a single mom after he graduated to heaven, to my own learning to be a Mom to my children and to other young women, I can assure you that God has special plans for women. He gave us life to give life to others. God's plans for us ensure that we are "mothered" and that we "mother".

Is your Mom with you today? Treasure her. I heard someone talk negatively about their mother who was most certainly a less-than-perfect mom, and she asked me, "What did she ever do for me?" My reply: "She gave you life!" Not only is today a day of celebrating our moms, but perhaps we might consider being “like a mother” to a younger woman the Lord is leading us to mentor. Just maybe we are the answer to someone's prayers.

Today, I honor my Mom, my sweet Mother-in-Law, and all the beautiful and selfless ladies that "mother" those around them with God's love that is unconditional, kind, tender-hearted, caring and loving. Happy Mother's Day!

Proverbs 31:26 "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

Happy Mother's Day

On this Mother's Day, I'm so thankful for my angel mom (on the right, Edna Pearl Wheat -- she's in heaven's grandstands cheering me on), and my dear mother-in-law, Lydia Wuerch (still going strong at age 93) -- two women that have been such amazing role models in faith and life, to me! Most importantly, these two "best friends" prayed together, strategized and conspired for our "match made on earth and in heaven". We definitely had an "arranged" marriage -- one that was arranged by these two, and arranged by God. I honor both of these two Godly women who knew God's plans long before we did. Their wisdom ran deep in their lives and in mine. My deepest thanksgiving to God for His handiwork through them!

And, I am so thankful for these two precious girls that God blessed me with -- my Staci Wallace and my Shawntel Wuerch. I have such respect from them as incredible Moms who diligently pour themselves into their kids -- leading by example -- in word AND deed. The greatest gifts they gave to me are my precious grandchildren who call me "Nana"! AND, I'm so grateful to be Mom to these two amazing men that also call me "Mom" and who fill me with so much joy as they celebrate their beautiful wives and my precious grandkids each and every day.

I'm saying "Happy Mother's Day" to them, and to all you beautiful and precious mothers out there today!

Thankful on Mother's Day

It's Mother's Day, and I'm so thankful for my angel mom (on the right, Edna Pearl Wheat -- she's in heaven's grandstands cheering me on), and my dear mother-in-law, Lydia Wuerch (still going strong at age 91) -- two women that have been such amazing role models in faith, and life, to me! But, most importantly, these two "best friends" prayed together, strategized and conspired for our "match made on earth and in heaven". We definitely had an "arranged" marriage -- one that was arranged by these two, and arranged by God. I honor both of these two Godly women who knew God's plans long before we did. My deepest thanksgiving to God for His handiwork through them!

And, I am so thankful for these two precious girls that God blessed me with, and who blessed me with my precious grandchildren who call me "Nana"! I'm saying "Happy Mother's Day" to them,and to all you beautiful and precious mothers out there today!