I have the best mom ever!! I know, I know I may be a little bit biased but I have to say I feel unbelievably blessed. Ever since I was a child my mom has set an example of the kind of mother I hope to be. She was strict but loving, kind, funny, compassionate and supportive. She is always here for me when I need her and has the best advice, which she never pushes on me if I don’t want it. As I have grown up and had my own family she has become more than my mom, she has become my friend. Someone I value and trust, respect and rely on.

After I had Matthew, my mom once told me “that children respond to love and discipline”. That is something that has stuck with me through every situation that has arisen with all four of my kids. Now the love part I had down no problem. LOL It was the discipline part that I hated doing. I couldn’t understand why my kids weren’t perfectly well-behaved ALL the time. I mean I was a perfect angel….ok, maybe not. But I really hated the discipline part. I still hate it doing it but I know it needs to be done. My mom explained it something like this…Children need to have boundaries to feel secure. When they feel secure they know what is expected of them and what the consequences are if they do not behave. That allows them to grow up feeling loved even as much as hugs and cuddles make them feel loved. I love that and it makes sense. I definitely see the difference in my children when they have those boundaries and structure along with lots of hugs and cuddles.

Becoming a mom, 12 years ago this July (YIKES), was scary and exciting all at the same time. I always knew I wanted to have kids but the awesome-ness (is that a word?) of how much my life changed was crazy. It really made me appreciate so much more all the things my mom did for me and still continues to do. I’m so thankful I had her to turn to for advice, laughs and to listen. When I told her that I wanted to be a photographer specializing in newborns, maternity and children she was so excited for me and has been one of my biggest supporters. I love being able to share my work with her. She even sat in on one of my newborn sessions I did with a friend and she loved it! Who doesn’t love newborn babies?!

My mom has had adversities and challenges in her own life but she is an amazing example of a woman of Faith, a Mother and a Mimi to my kids. I am so lucky and blessed that she is mine.

What is something you value in your mom? What impact has she made in your life? I’d love to hear it!!

Happy Mother’s Day to my beautiful Mom and all the moms, grandmothers, aunts, step-moms and women who are “second” or “other” moms out there. NEVER underestimate the impact you make in your children’s and family’s lives.

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