Post Mother's Day Musings: The Joy of Being One

Last week we remembered and honored our mothers. This week I would like to talk about the joy of being one!  Katie made me a mom. I guess it isn’t fair to broadcast the year on the internet. What a joyful day!

Erika came along two years later.

They have been great friends over the years.

And they have been great at making friends.

We grew much closer during two years of homeschooling in Mozambique. Back in Ethiopia (before I had kids) my favorite classes to teach in the library were fifth and sixth grades. Those were exactly the years I got to teach my own girls. When that time ended, I went through withdrawal as they disappeared with friends all day and only showed up like stray cats at meal times.

They were sweet and cuddly as little ones, both eager to climb on my lap for a story. But I think I appreciate them as adults even more. We have a special relationship from all we have shared over the years. There are simply some things that no one outside the family can understand--like spinning restaurants or counting M&Ms. As adults the girls have become my best friends.

Erika and I made a road trip from Indy to California in three days, taking pictures of ourselves in every state.

She's still up for adventures.

Katie has given me two precious grandchildren. She is busy turning them both into avid readers and active explorers, always eager to make new friends.

So thank you, Katie. Thank you, Erika. Being your mom has been the most fulfilling part of my life!