Tuesday, May 4, 2010

THANKS FOR THE HONOR OF BEING YOUR MOM AND A MOTHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY

I hope these letters are not too personal. If they are, just skip to the bottom to the Mother's Day giveaway. Absolutely ALL you have to do is comment. You don't need to follow, blog about it, or anything else. Just accept it as a gift for stopping by. And if you know me, you know I will give away more than one gift. That's just how I love to do it.

TO MY BOY

Dear Greg,
What a ride.....36 years ago you made me a MOM. HOW can that be as I think I am still 36! The numbers don't add up. Some days I think my memory is not as good as it once was, but I remember every little detail of the day you were born. It was LOVE at first sight. I am talking about madly in love. I was so proud to have a boy. And from that day until today you have been MY BOY. I won't write your life story here, though I could and maybe one day will. This letter is just to tell you what a difference you have made in my life. There is not a more generous human on earth. You had your teenage years, we survived, college years, we survived, a few hard years in your late 20's, we survived. Not only did you survive, you just got better. You are so much like your DAD and that's a good thing.. I see him in you more times than you know. For 11 years you have been the ULTIMATE UNCLE. No kid has been more blessed than Parker. For so many years you filled so many spaces in his life...and I can promise you that little guy loves his UNC. You are a great brother. During Amanda's years of being a single MOM, you were ALWAYS AVAILABLE to DO ANYTHING she needed. That never went unnoticed. FAMILY is so important to you. You wear your love for Dana on your face. She is truly the one for you. You immediately excelled at being a step dad or as Austin says "Daddygreg" I love that its all one word. In the past 12 months, nothing has brought me more joy than watching you with your boy. You were born to be a DAD and though the road seemed long and sometimes questionable, God smiled and gave you and Dana the sweetest gift. When Grayson was only a few hours old and he had to be quickly moved to the NICU across town, I saw my boy in a man's body, scared to death. Those first hours, as we met with the doctors, I saw fear in your face,a trembling lip and again this Mom wanted to make everything OK. I couldn't, but God COULD and he DID and I will be forever thankful. I have seen you weather many storms and each time have been so PROUD of you. We laugh a lot about you not being able to be trusted in Target or Walmart, with the boys! Deep down I love that generous kid in you. I pray you never lose that. Two of my proudest moments were when you spoke at both MEME and GRAMPS funerals,just three months a part. The tribute you gave to each of them far exceeded what any preacher could do. So on this Mother's Day week, I say once again to God, thanks for MY BOY. Thanks for giving me THE BEST!

Love, Mom



TO MY GIRL

Dear Amanda,

I always wanted a boy and a girl. I always wanted my daughter to have a big brother. When I found out I was pregnant with a girl I felt like that dream came true. After a rather scary pregnancy, a ruptured appendix and major surgery when I was five months pregnant, it was an anxious day when you were born. When you were born totally healthy we were so excited. I can still remember the doctor saying, "She's Perfect"! Those are words every parent longs to hear. Not only had I given Meme and Gramps their first grandchild in Greg, but now their first and only granddaughter.

I think the mother/daughter relationship is harder than the mother/son. I can't explain that, apart from raging hormones that don't always happen on the same day. But we made it! We made it through so many fun times and we made it through the harder days. My life plans had not included a teenage daughter that was going to be a Mom at 18. As I write this tonight I am so glad that my plans were changed. When I think back to those days, those are the days I was most proud of you. Proud of your decisions, proud of you being responsible, and forever grateful to you for giving us the gift of PARKER. Talk about a life changing MOMENT. You were a MOM from day one, just a NATURAL. You totally amazed me as a teenage MOM. If I failed to tell you often, please forgive me. You were the BEST! Not only did you fall in love with a little boy, he fell madly in love with his Mom. A love affair that would last a lifetime. You have literally grown up together. Never once did I see you lacking in the job. Anyone that knows Parker, knows YOU excelled at the job of MOM.

Now eleven years later, I am still so proud of you. You waited until Parker was 8 to marry and you married just the right man. You knew he was RIGHT, long before I did. I am so glad that I was the one that was wrong. Just tonight Micah told me how YOU are the reason he is the man he is today. In case you did not know, he is more than madly in love with you, even when you wear pajamas that don't match. Nothing makes a Mom smile more than to know your child is loved. There is not one doubt in my mind that you are his PRIZE IN LIFE. Then you gave us another gift in Jack, a little guy that has a personality that makes me laugh more than I have laughed in years. I cannot imagine life without him. I saw your strength when he was four days old and critically ill from some form of meningitis. Your cool, calm and collected manner is something I have always envied. When all we could do was trust God to heal him, you did. A faith builder I never wanted to repeat and then in less than two years we were back in that same NICU with Grayson. The old song "Great is They Faithfulness" took on a much greater meaning in our family. When I look at you today, I see a strong beautiful woman, with hair that everyone wants, that is far surpassing me in the Mom role and nothing makes me happier. In case you did not know, people covet your hair. I am so glad that God chose YOU to be MY GIRL.

Love, Mom

AS I was writing this tonight I realized that I really have 4 kids. I really think of Dana and Micah as my kids too and am so thankful that my kids hand picked my other two! Being a Mom has been the greatest privilege of my life and yet the one I have failed at many times. I was just reminded today of an area that I fail at over and over. With grandchildren we all get a second chance and I am so thankful for that. I think I have Grammy down. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE BEING A GRANDMOTHER. It really is my passion in life. Even if I don't do it PERFECT, you will not find any grandmother that is more in love with her little men.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all my BLOG FRIENDS. The GIVEAWAY is everything below and a couple of other surprises that I am adding to the GIFT. There are TWO GREAT cookbooks in the mix, along with my favorite Robin McGraw book, a Nicholas Sparks book, a beautiful picture and of course a diet and health book. Don't all Mothers need that? I will draw Mother's Day evening and announce the winner.

88 comments:

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

I didn't read it because it was very personal...but I loved the idea of what you have done here...
I get the beautiful impression from just your opening..that you are a mother everyone would love to have...I hope I am one also.
Have a wonderful week...and an even more wonderful Mother's Day with your family...

Angela said...

How very nice. God has given you a wonderful family.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow. I had such trouble keeping the lump in my throat from jumping out of my mouth.

Thank you for inspiring me to write down what my heart wants to tell my mom.

Your family sounds wonderful - but I think it's because you've done such an amazing job with them.

May God continue blessing you!

The Mini - Maker said...

Theresa, you are such a sweet person.

Keep up the wonderful blog... I enjoy reading it daily.

Hugs,
Savannah

PS: I'm not sure if I hafta be a mom to enter this giveaway (cuz I'm not yet), but I thought I'd comment anyways! :)

2003beachbunch said...

I love your letters! Very cute :-) I need to start doing that for my kids!

Bacardi Mama said...

Such love and pride. You have a beautiful family. Happy Mother's Day!!

Kaypt said...

I loved your letters to your children. I've often thought of doing similar ones and maybe to will inspire me to actually do it. Love your blogs.
Kay

Karen said...

Thanks for sharing about your family. I adore my kids too. Family is what life is all about!

Blessings,
Karen

Anonymous said...

Happy Mothers Day! Being a grandma is an important role in the family. You get to spoil and love the child as much as you want! This year is my moms 2nd year of being a granny, she loves it!

Jess :) said...

Those letters were absolutely WONDERFUL! WoW! Such a blessing that kids are. :)

I hope you have a BLESSED Mother's Day!

Stephanie said...

What fun! I don't have time to read your letters right now, but I will later. What a sweet thing to share with your blog friends!

Elaine Welte said...

You have a beautiful family. I'm sure your letters are very special to you all.

elaineguenther@yahoo. com

*Thanks for the giveaway!

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Yes, you are abundantly blessed! Wonderful words for your children and their children to cherish. (How I wish that my mom was one to have kept a journal... how I wish that I was one to have kept one when our children were young!)

Thank you so much for stopping by and for your sweet comment. My hubby and I had a wonderful time up at my dad's (the 26 hour drive to my dad's from our home in Georgia to his home in Wisconsin was well worth it :o) Thank goodness though for the midway stop to sleep and visit with our kids who are all at college in Kentucky :o)

It was straight back to work for me, so haven't had a minute to catch up really on blogging, but I want to try to reply to the wonderful comments left on my N post.

Blessings & Aloha!

Tree said...

Your letters made me tear up, as I can relate many of your words to my own love for my children! :)

Thank you for this sweet reminder! May God continue to bless you, and have a very Happy Mother's Day!

jenn said...

such sweet letters...enjoy your mother's day...

jenn said...

such sweet letters...enjoy your mother's day...

Pam Burrow said...

You know you always make me cry so I will have to go back and read later. Can't cry at work! lol
You have such a way with words! Hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Michelle said...

What beautiful letters.
I also feel too young to have children the ages they are.
You give me hope that things can/will get better.
I understand about the deaths so close in time. This past January (2010) my mom-in-law and my Dad died. My Dad was cremated, which is hard on us & my mom-in-law had a Christian graveside funeral. At my MIL funeral each child got up and spoke about their mom, it was awesome.
You have a lovely family. God has truly blessed you.
moma3homeschool(at)gmail(dot)com

Sandi (Meme) said...

What wonderful treasures your letters are, as well as your children - to you. Have a blessed week, and happy Mother's Day. Sandi

Andrea said...

Beautiful post. GOD BLESS YOU!
Hugs,
andrea

Beth E. said...

Beautiful letters...our children are such blessings!

the Spocks said...

May you have a wonderful Mother's Day with your family.

Vicki said...

Your letters were beautiful, I read them with tears. They expressed similar feelings I have for my kids... indeed all moms have for their kids. Happy Mother's Day!

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment.

What a WONDERFUL...WONDERFUL...giveaway you have here. You truly have a sweet heart.

Happy (early) Mother's Day my friend.

Kim~

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

What a beautiful post. You have a wonderful family. Your love for your children and grandchildren remind me so much of my mom's. She would say about us all..."They are my life!"
Have a blessed Mother's Day and thanks for telling me about this great giveaway. :)
Blessings,
Traci

Lindsey said...

How sweet!

Unknown said...

I enjoy reading your blogs. Your children and grandkids are truly blessed.

Happy Mother's Day

Charlotte

Scuba Wife Life said...

thank you for sharing such sweet letters! :)

Morgan Owens said...

Your letters to your children brought tears to my eyes, I'm so emotional...I'm such a women!!
I think you are really awesome to do these giveaways to people you may not even know in real life outside of blogland, you're amazing!!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

My hormones must be all over the place. I have been crying on blogs for days now! Those letters are beautiful. I need to do that because I really want them to know how much I love them. My son is 31 and my daughter will be 29 on the 18th. You are right, the relationship is harder/different with my daughter. Boy do I love them. I am so happy you are blessed with grandchildren, it must be wonderful. What a wonderful giveaway you are doing. I want you to know that I stop here often but somedays I just don't comment much. (I lost my mom when I was 30, I am now older then she was)
HAVE A WONDERFUL MOTHER'S DAY

Anonymous said...

I love the letters. I am sure your children enjoy them.

Melissa Land
mel_423@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

What a beautiful heart rendering & emotional write to your children. Each of you are blessed of one another ... obviously. May you have a beautiful celebration on Sunday ... may your children say TY for such a loving Mother.

Have a great day.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Such a beautiful tribute to your children right from a Mother's heart. How very precious they are.
You are a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend. Happy Mother's Day to you.

Somebody's gonna have some great summer reads there. What a splendid giveaway.

You have yourself a wonderfully blessed day!!!

Mandy from Burkett Blessings said...

What a precious family you have! I am blessed with a wonderful family, too, and I agree 100% with your statement on your sidebar about being stranded on an island with just them and being satisfied... I am the same way!
I've just stumbled upon you from reading a comment you wrote on Kristen's Creations. I'm glad to have found you! Stop by Burkett Blessings when you have a chance!
Oh, and thank you for the chance to win your sweet giveaway!!!
~mandy

grammy said...

Loved the letters (o:
Of course I would love ti win this great prize.
How refreshing not to have to jump through a bunch of hoops...(o:...just comment.
I also LOVE being a Grandma. LOVE love love it.

Holly Days Closet said...

My son use to write me a mothers day letter. I never thought about writing one to them maybe this year I will Thanks for the idea and the giveaway.
Holly

billypandnikkysmom said...

beautiful post! crying BOUNTY alert!!! Thanks for sharing...God Bless

Faythe said...

I read every word, and many through tears. Teresa you have such a way with words. You are truly blessed with family and many loves! No parent if prefect, it is a constant journey and we learn along the way. How can we learn to forgive, if we never made mistakes ourselves? I am not commenting because I want to win your lovely gift, but to tell you how much, in a short time, I have grown to love your writings & all the things you share. Happy Mother's Day dear sweet Grammy
(from another) Faythe @GMT

Christina said...

Your letters to your children are so very sweet. :) Happy Mother's Day to You! Also, I was happy to see you are following along with me and my Grace!

Anonymous said...

Such sweet words to your children!!! Happy Mother's Day!

Jackie said...

You have a great blog!

I've given you a few awards.
http://www.myperfectlittleworldblog.com/2010/05/passing-on-awards.html

Sharon's New Life said...

I teared up before I got through the first letter... what a wonderful Mother you are must be and I'm sure your children are blessed to you have!
I would love to win these books, but even more so I just wanted to wish you a Happy Mother's Day.
Sharon
scfitz1972@gmail.com

Tanya said...

What a touching and heartfelt tribute to your babies....I think Mommas tend to "think" these things but to put them on paper and express them is so much more. Your children I'm sure are just as proud of you as you are of them. Look how they turned out right? You also seem like one great grammy!! I look forward to that someday and will be inspired by your love and devotion to them.
Would love to be entered in your drawing...but feel guilty to win...you already blessed me with one giveaway!!!
Great day to you!

Mindy said...

Okay, you didn't tell me if I got nosey and read your letters that I would be sobbing by the end! What an awesome gift and responsibility motherhood is! I truly believe it is the greatest calling God issues. Happy Mother's Day!

Grandma Cyndi said...

You have managed to capture my feeling so perfectly. I too, loved being a Mother of a boy and a girl and now a grandma of 2 boys and 2 girls is my favorite job. Have a beautiful Mohter's Day!

carissa said...

what sweet sweet letters!!! you are a wonderful mother! thanks for this generous giveaway!

boltefamily said...

what beautiful letters!

Penny said...

Very sweet post! I think your kids/kids-in-law and grands are blessed, too. =)

The Gathering Place said...

What a fun give0away! I like your letters to your kids. Families are the best!
JoAnn

Kamini said...

Yes, I did read it all, and yes I did feel like I was eavesdropping on a personal conversation. That was beautiful. You are right...ultimately nothing matters more than family and friends!Thanks for stopping by my blog too! Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE said...

Tammy,

A beautiful post! a tribute to your children...yes, they are what makes us mothers....

Mothers are special....I look at mine and know that soon she will no longer be with me/us....she has been such an awesome mother too! I wish I could be just a small portion of her!! So loving and giving and caring for all.

Blessings on you!

~Beth

LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE said...

OOPS!! On my previous comment, I called you "Tammy" thinking of Grammy there, Teresa!! 'Sorry about that!! :o)

And have a blessed Mother's Day!!

~Beth

Just a little something from Judy said...

As I read down through these letters, I was reminded of what a caring, concerned, kind and patient grandmother you are. I learn from you and really appreciate that. You are the most thankful and most loving grandma. I am sure Mother's Day is one of your favorite occasions. These letters were inspiring to me.

Beth E. said...

You just invited me to come over to enter your MD Giveaway. I have already entered this one....do you let people enter more than once? If not, just delete this comment. :-)

Great giveaway...wonderful letters!

Dionna said...

What a generous giveaway! Happy Mother's Day to you.

Mellisa said...

What a sweet post! I am visiting from FF and I am your newest follower! I hope you will stop by my site and follow me too!
Thanks and Happy mother's day!!
Mellisa
www.funsavingmoney.net

Anonymous said...

Wow this my first time seeing your website and your letters to your children instantly made me want to now follow your blog. I think anyone who can come up with the words you did for your children was most likely a more excellent mom than they realize. My children are 18 and 16 and boy do I have regrets in some ways that I parented, but you have helped to remind me that a second chance comes around with grandchildren when that time is right. This reminds me though that parenting is never done and every day I wake up is my second chance at parenting.

Unknown said...

Oh what a mother's heart you have! Your children are truly blessed. Have a happy mother's day! So nice to meet you...

Meri said...

From the heart to the heart. Lovely!

bj said...

Your letters to your babies are priceless...they will treasure them so much. How I would have loved having something like this from MY mom. Of course, that was before computers....:)

You are so sweet to give us all a chance at winning your AWESOME AND GENEROUS giveaway. It, every single bit, all sounds wonderful.
Thanks so much...
Is it ok to put it on my sidebar so others might also get a chance at it?
xo bj

Unknown said...

I love the letters...what a beautiful idea! I am so about to write letters to my little ones. Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Love,
Jenifer

Screen Door Prep said...

How sweet. Thank you for stopping by my blog, as well. & Happy Mother's Day!

Mammy said...

What a sweet post! Happy Mother's Day, dear bloggy friend. I'm pretty sure your babies will "rise up and call you blessed"!

Cynthia K. said...

Such a blessing to read your loving letters to your children. Enjoy your special Mother's Day.

Would love to win these great books!

Cynthia K. (Beauty and Blessings)

Miss Debbie said...

Children truly are a gift from God aren't they? Happy Mother's Day to you and thanks for dropping by my place!

Jackie said...

Oh my, this is absolutely beautiful! I am sitting here with tears in my eyes, thinking how proud I am of my two daughters and how blessed I am to have them in my life. Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

Sweet pictures! What empathy in your letters!

Allison said...

Thank you for sharing your sweet messages!

TO BECOME said...

Beautiful post!"It was when I had my first child that I understood how much my Mother loved me."

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU,TERESA.

connie from http://connies-thoughts.blogspot.com

Brenda said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I would love to enter your giveaway. Thanks for telling me about it!

Janean said...

okay, i'm *heavin' in my hanky* here! what an honest, loving post.

may i add that yours is a true *giveaway* - no strings - that's what a true gift is....something you don't have to earn. thank you for another lesson (you really ARE a mom!.

Denise said...

I did read the letters and they were beautiful... I used to send mothers day cards to each of my boys to tell them what the day mean to me.... I have not seen my oldest son on Mothers day for 25 years now.. he is only three hours away and he has three children that I do not know.. He married one of those kind of women.. Each year my prayer is that he walks throug my door on Mothres day.. I will wait and pray........

I love your blog and thanks for coming by mine......... Have a blessed Mothers day my friend..

Tasha said...

I love your blog!!

jninecostumes said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog! Happy Mother's Day.

HOPE said...

Happy Mothers Day to you also..and thank you very much for your sweet comment and offer of the giveaway..I made the same cover cookbook for our church!!! It is a wonderful set up cookbook..but I'd love to have some NEW recipes! How thoughtful of you...to do this.

My heart is with you in the thoughts of life with our children...as an empty nester (don't like that! but have excepted it...SIGH) As a mom of 6 (one with the LORD) my heart is full daily of my thoughts of them..from babes to now adults.
Motherhood as a Christian..is one of the greatest joys of life.

Thank you for sharing and your CUTE blog!

Have a wonderful day..
HOPE

CM said...

What sweet letters to your children.

Have a happy Mother's day!

Doreen McGettigan said...

What heart warming letters to your children. I must do that again for mine it has been so long since I have.
I absolutely love being a Mom-Mom and we are expecting #11 this month. I worry more with each one. This will be our little tie breaker..5 boys and 6 girls!
Have a Blessed Mother's Day!

Shell said...

What sweet letters!

Happy Mother's Day!

Abounding Treasures said...

What a beautiful gift to your children this Mother's Day ~ may each of you be blessed :o)

Grace on the Narrow Path said...

Wow!!! Your letters are so heartfelt . . . My oldest (a girl) is expecting her first child in September. Not only will this be our grandbaby it will be our first grandchild!!! I can not wait to be a grandmother!!! I know you said you did not have to follow your blog to enter the give a way, but I think I will learn much about being a grandmom here so I am your 650 follower. WOW, now that's a lot of followers. God bless you and your children. Have a beautiful mother's day.
Waiting for HIM,
Bren
Thank you for visiting Seeking Grace.

Kelly said...

That is the sweetest thing I have ever read, I hope you have a wonderful Mothers Day

mariel said...

what a precious family you have!
What a fun giveaway,too!! I hope you have a blessed Mother's Day! :)

Ashley said...

Thank you for the comment on my blog--you are the sweetest! :) Great giveaway!

Jennsmere said...

Oh Teresa...I so love reading your 'heart' and how you always pour out such gratitude and thankfulness! Thanks for sharing your blessings! I'm so glad that I stopped by tonight... just felt like I should pop in to wish you a very Happy Mother's day!!!!
Be blessed, dear one,
Susan

Santa's Gift Shoppe and Ideas said...

Hi..I’m Barb….I am from New Friend Friday.. I am your newest follower. I hope you will get a chance to visit my blog @ santasgiftshoppe.blogspot.com
& get inspired by something for your family/home. I hope you will follow me as well. Nice to meet ya
New friend!!

Bethany said...

These letters are so sweet! Your kiddos are lucky to call you mom!

Grandma Cyndi said...

Reread your heartfelt letters to your kids, such a beautiful way to let them know what they mean to you. Hope your Mother's Day is perfect.

Erica Miller said...

I felt it was too personal to read the letters, but I really enjoy the pictures. And I also really enjoy how much you put into your family. It is amazing.