Happy Mothers day!

Happy mothers day to women and men everywhere!! Motherhood isn't just about birthing or adopting a baby. Motherhood isn't even for mothers sometimes. I know many single dads who raise their children and have to be both dad and mama, so hats off to them as well! Some people haven't even had children yet, but are mothering to nieces, nephews, friends children, children in general. Our 6 children have HAD many wonderful "other mothers" in their lives, to include my sister and sister in law, my mother, mother in law, great aunts, friends of ours and other military spouses and their teachers. It truly takes a village to help each other out in raising our children and I appreciate all the women in my life who have helped out with our babies through the years, especially as we have all spread out all over the world through the years and can't always be together.

I have truly loved being a mother, when asked in High School what I wanted to do with my life, I easily with all my heart answered- Be a mother. It's been an adventure for sure and hasn't always been the Donna Reed show I had hoped, I haven't always gotten my way in what they choose to do, but when they call for a recipe or call me for advice or call me daily just to say "hi mom", then I know we did something right. When they continue our family traditions with their new families, it makes me shine with pride. When they are stubborn and fight for what they think is right (even when it is against me LOL) I am proud that Sal and I raised 6 individuals who are good and decent and loving and kind. I love their strong minds and opinions. They have given me such joy and pride that I can't even think of the best moments in their lives as there are so many! With each birth, I was just as excited and elated as the first, it never got old. Nicholas, Ashlee, Cassidy, Anthony, Dominic and Roman have made me laugh until I've cried, worry sick, be hot fire angry, be disappointed, be full of pride, and have the privilege of being called mommy.

So, thank you to my sweet children. You will never be too old for me to worry about you, love you, kiss you, hug you, be mad with you, be proud of you. I will ALWAYS be here for you-good times and bad. Thank you kids for making me the woman that I am today. I love love love you, to the moon and back....