A Shower of Love

Yesterday my beautiful sister Ellen had a baby shower in Dallas for Brooke.  As I was sitting in the room looking at all of the faces that had come to shower my daughter and her baby, I couldn't help but feel so thankful and blessed that his group of women is in my life and have been for some almost 30 years.  Let me tell you a little about everyone: my one and only momma- Louanne- what would I do with out her. I remember calling her many nights about one thing or another and she was always so patient in helping me learn to be a mother.  Now she helps me be a good grandmother and mother in law.  I still talk to her daily, sometimes multiple times.  Ellen- my sister and the hostess extraordinaire.  I am so proud of her.  She is about to become a published Author and her book Brownie Fix comes out this week. Her daughter Anya was at the shower and is one of my favorite people in the entire world.  She always has a smile and hug for me.  Abbey- worked all night with kids "melting down", then drove up to Dallas to be with us.  I am so proud of the strong woman she has become.  Aunt Cheryl- she has taught me to "wash dishes."  I was talking with her one night about being a good mother to adult children, you know it is hard for me to not give my words of wisdom to my children even when they don't want to hear it. She gave me a tip to clean the kitchen and start washing the dishes in order to keep myself busy when I feel the need to offer unwarranted advice.  What an awesome tip.  I have washed alot of dishes over the last couple of years. Leighann- my first cousin and first friend.  I miss her so much and love the moments I get to visit with her. Cheryl- my other cousin.  We have so much in common- she has 4 children- 2 boys-2 girls, she is a preschool director, and her husband travels alot as Kirk did. I know how hard life can be sometimes and she does life with such ease and grace.  My cousins never miss a shower, wedding, or family event.  I am so grateful to have them in my life. Cheryl brought her two beautiful daughters- Savannah and Sydnee.  Savannah is now on facebook so she is fun to keep up with in all her school activities. Robin came by early to drop off a gift- she had a friend she had to attend to.  She has always loved my girls and is so excited for Brooke's baby to get here.  I have been amazed at her strength and courage over the last couple of years. Mary- my friend for almost 30 years.  She really taught me how to be a mommy.  I talked to her daily - multiple times when we were stay at home moms.  She knitted a beautiful blanket for Brooke.  I was able to find a blanket and sweater that Mary had made for Connor and Jeremy and I gave them to Brooke at the shower to honor Mary and the impact she has had on me as a mother.  Dana- my other friend of almost 30 years.  We raised our children together.  I get to see her two times a year at creative memory retreats and it is one of the highlights of my year.  She is caring for her elderly mother and I am amazed at the grace in which she handles this daily life stress.  She is a true sister in Christ.  She brought her two daughters Taylor and Paige.  They were born two weeks after Connor and I was there the day they were born. I get to keep up with them through facebook and see all their activities.  Becky- my other sister in Christ.  She entered my life over 7 years ago and what a ball of energy and strength.  She is step mom to Taylor and Paige and mom to Brooke and Emily.  Both her girls are having babies this summer, so it is a true double blessing.  Brooke ( we call her Becky's Brooke) brought her baby Hollis to the shower.  He is at such a fun age and Brooke is such a good mom.  She gave my Brooke some advice and tips.  Emily is a public school administrator and will be an awesome principal and mom.  My dear friend Molly came as well.  She just became a grandmother herself.  Molly has six children and has been a blessing to my life over the years.  She is an excellent cook and hostess herself.  She was there when all my children were born and will always be in my life.  My favorite gift at the hospital after I had my babies was her caramel brownies.  I still can't make them as well as her.  She brought her daughter Emily to the shower.  She is a beautiful girl and reminds me of Molly with her sweet spirit!  Last but not least Adreinne-She has been in my life for almost 30 years as well.  She has 5 children and is the most positive person I know.  She goes to church with my parents, so I keep up with her through them and see her and her beautiful family when I go to church with momma and daddy.  There were others who could not attend due to graduations, the birth of a baby, family commitments, and sick children.  Know you were missed and are loved as well. So there you have it- what a blessed group of women.  You know they say it takes a village to raise a child- well this is my village.  Thanks for honoring Brooke.  I am eternally grateful to each and everyone one of you and love you all.

My sister and Brooke

Bella and her girls