To my Mom

I wanted to find a picture of my mom and I when I was a kid to share but I simply couldn't find one. The only picture I have of the two of us is from my wedding day. My mom was always behind the camera and was unable to take pictures of herself. So to mom's everywhere, make sure you get some pictures of you with your kids. Dad's, make sure it happens. And mom, next time I come out I'm getting a picture of the two of us.

Happy Mothers Day. There are some amazing mother's on this planet and I count my mother at the top of the list. As the summer travel season is approaching I am in awe of my Mother. We went on a family vacation every year and most of the time these vacations involved a FULL day's drive and a lot of camping. I never realized just how much work that is to prepare for.

She was able to keep kids entertained for 12 hours in a car (before portable DVD players or even the mini VHS player). Recently one of our leaders at church admonished us to not just "plug in" our kids for road trips. He talked about how road trips are a time for families to grow closer to each other. I looked back at my road trips growing up and though I would have never admitted it at the time, I have really fond memories of the road trips.

My mom didn't simply have us all sitting in the car together watching TV, but she had us playing together. We had a travel box that was only allowed out for such occasions so the novelty of the games wouldn't ware off. Remember travel battle ship? And war cards? Not regular playing cards, but cards made specifically for playing war. I remember playing endless games of war in the car. My mom made travel bingo cards. Since we couldn't just print out a game card online my mom drew each picture on each card. Wow what a mom!

And camping. Do you know how much needs to be packed for seven kids to go camping? My mom organized a master camping list so we were always prepared. She passed that list on to me for which I am truly grateful. Another thing that my mom always did for vacation that I still have been unable to master is that the house was always spotless when we left. It seems to be more than I can handle to get everything packed but my mom always made sure that the house was clean and that we were able to come home to a clean house. It really makes such a difference to come home to a clean house.

John and I decided a few years ago that it was important for our family to have a vacation every year for just our family. It's not easy. I can see why lots of people don't make it a priority. But I know how much I appreciated those family vacations as a kid and how much closer my family grew as a result.

Mom, you are amazing. I am still striving to be like you everyday.