Weekly Moments: January 4th – 10th, 2015

So this week to change things up a bit, (and because I was not very good at observing my moments this week; I guess we all have those weeks.) I thought I would share with you 7 of the most amazing women in my life. (not in order of importance)

1. My mom. I would not be the person I am today without her. We’ve had our struggles (particularly when I was a bratty smart mouth teenager), and we still do at times (as I suppose all mothers and daughters do). She is amazing. She raised three daughters (at one point all under the age of 5, two under the age of 3). She moved from Illinois to go to college in Arkansas away from all her family. She then met my dad in college. They provided us with an amazing childhood full of birthday parties, girl scouts, vacations, baking cookies, and many more of which I could write pages upon pages.

2. My eldest sister, Andria. She was my hero growing up, the person whom I looked up to most. At about 4 years apart, I thought she was the most beautiful person; I wanted to be just like her (probably to her annoyance). She has been through so much in her life of which I could  never understand. She has also had some amazing accomplishments: Master’s degree, Nationally board certified teacher, just to name a few. About 6 years ago, She also moved to a new town where she knew virtually nobody but me and my boyfriend (now husband) and her now husband. 🙂 More on that another day.

3. My 2nd eldest sister, Jamie. We are 15 months apart. (I do not know how my mother did that especially after having a baby of my own. I would have freaked!). We shared a room most of our lives and fought like cats and dogs. But when push came to shove, we were always there for each other. Now  she is one of my best friends.  I could not be more proud of her right now. She is about to graduate from college in May. She works full time, takes care of two kids, is married, and is going to school basically full time. She is a living testament to the word determination.

4. My lifetime friend, Amy. Friends since we were toddlers (so our parents say), we were never far apart till I left for college. We have drifted as most friends do, but she is the one non- family member I make an effort to see when I am in my home town. (More a testament to her than my lack of efforts to see other very worthy people). She is,  without a doubt, one of the strongest women I have ever known. I hope to share her story (with her permission) one day.

5. My Grandma Johnson. She passed away April 2013, right as I was driving down to visit and introduce her to her newest great granddaughter. Again, I must cherish our 21st century face-time, as that was the only time she was able to see Sophie’s little face. She passed away before we got to her town. She was an amazing woman with stories to be told that I may never know myself. She lived to be in her 80s. It always amazed me how sharp her mind was and that she was still visiting nursing homes in her 70s. I have some great memories of the pies she made, the games she played with us, and many more memories. My daughter has part of her name. I only hope I can share the legacy of that name.

6. My mother-in-law, JoAnne. We recently lost her to a fight with cancer in late July. It still breaks my heart that she will not be able to be with our Sophie and any future children. She loved being a grandmother. She was a woman of great service, hospitality and love. Even in her illness, she had a servant’s heart.  I can only hope to impart her love to Sophie so that she will never be forgotten.

7. This last one is for my daughter, who I can only pray will be as amazing as our God will allow. She is amazing now in how she has changed my world and inspired me to love more and to be more bold in my living. It is such a huge responsibility to raise a child, at which I am only succeeding  by the grace of God. She lights up a room and fills my heart with silliness and love.

There  are many more amazing women (and men) in my life of which I hope to share their stories one day.  Remember to take the time to tell those that are important in your life how much they mean to you . One day will be our last day. Let them know, either by mouth or letter, but let them know soon.

Matthew 5:16 (ESV): In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

2006, My sister, Jamie, pregnant with her firstborn

2013, Three Amazing women standing next to me . Expecting my first child.