Mothers Everywhere

moth-er

noun

• a female parent.
• (often initial capital letter) one's female parent.
• a mother-in-law, stepmother, or adoptive mother.
• a term of address for a female parent or a woman having or regarded as having the status, function, or authority of a female parent.
• a term of familiar address for an old or elderly woman.

Source: Dictionary.com

I am so thankful we have a day set aside to celebrate the women that have touched our lives and nurtured us to become the best version of ourselves. A day to show appreciation for every sacrifice, every pick-me-up, and every moment of love. 

For years I have felt indebted to those women in my life who have been selfless on my account. I tried to repay them for their gifts of love to me - whether it was a listening ear, sound advice from years of experience, a smile of encouragement, or a punishment of love. But this year I am free from that guilt of never quite being able to show my appreciation because I finally understand there was never a debt to be paid. Instead, I offer what you have deserved all along - thank you.

To all of you mothers who have helped shape me into the mother I have become, my sincerest thank you... 

Mom & I years back

Mom. There are no words. You have given more than you could afford at times. Your giving heart and optimistic mind make every day better. Thank you.

Grammie Sabine & Baby Finley

Grammie. You have been an influence for my mom, me, and now my son. We thank you for your smile, sharp tongue, and know how to get people to do things and  think it was their idea! *That has come in handy!

Mrs. Vicki & I  - My Mom away from home!

Mrs. Vicki. You encouraged me to find myself. And taught me a new way to love. Forever Thank you.

My cousin Rowena, her daughter  Olivia, & I - lovin' us some Cracker Barrel.

Rowena. You taught me about patience and the power of talking things out {over coffee of course}! Thank you.

Brother Joshua, his wife Darla, and three of their four kiddos - they are all grown up now.

Josh. You are not a female so you do not technically fit into the 'mother' category according to the definitions above but the relationship we have shared over the past 20+ years doesn't fit into any definition I could find. And it didn't feel right leaving you out. You are a wonderful father, husband, brother, and friend. You have taught me countless things - from how to manipulate Garry into eating Pooch's food to money management and prioritizing - and I am truly thankful!

Darla. Your love for your children is like a magic that touches every single thing around you {I wont make a Harry Potter reference here as a little gift to you}. I am encouraged by you day in and day out. Thank you.

Robert & His Happy Family

Elaine. Your mom was a beautiful kind hearted woman who oozed love. You continue her legacy daily. My thankfulness to you goes beyond words. Your son has been one of the greatest gifts this life has blessed me with. And I know that he wouldn't be half the man and father that he is to us without the strength and love he learned from you. Thank you.

It takes a community to raise a child. Amen. 

Finley my greatest gift to you is to share these wonderful mothers. Together we will encourage you to be the best version of yourself. 

What about you on this mothers day? Who are you thankful for?

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*Recipe Sunday

Whip up a homemade iced cap this summer and cool things down without the hefty price tag. Or go ahead and blend some up to share with your mom today!

Mom, Finley, and I did just that!

Finley enjoyed his own - caffein free - version.

The recipe I used was shared on Coffee Creations blog but I tweaked it a bit to our tastes {we enjoy a strong cup of coffee around these parts}. I encourage you to do the same at your house - not the strong coffee necessarily but the personalization! 

I had everything necessary around the house, less a heavy cream/Nesquick {which I wont go without now}. My kind of recipe.

• 4 oz. boiling water
• 2 tablespoons instant coffee
• 2 heaping tablespoons sugar (or sugar substitute Equal)

Mix the first three ingredients together. I did it right in the saucepan with the boiling water.

• 3 cups ice cubes

Put the cubes in your blender and pour the coffee syrup mixture over top and blend until slushy. *We have a Vitamix blender, which I would highly recommend because it can literally do anything, so you may have to adjust the ice quantity depending on your blender strength.

• 1/3 cup 18% cream. (chocolate milk, regular milk, Nesquick, or a liquor for that matter)

Add cream and blend until frothy. Enjoy!

Homemade Iced Cap - without the price tag.

 Cheers!