Mother's Day Reboot

As our culture grows and changes, I think Mother’s Day needs a reboot too. Parenting is not something that is done alone. There are so many people along the way that keep us going and teach us to be better mothers. I wanted to write a little something to honor all the women that make me a better mom.

First of all, I want to honor the women that listened to my concerns about kids looooooong before I had kids. Ashlee, Jen, and Michelle who always said I would be a good mom and reminded me that I take care of everyone else, so motherhood would just come naturally. I love you girls!  

To Stacey Jennings, who talked me through my fears about kids when I was pregnant. She gave me the most honest piece of advice I have ever received: “If you have two kids close in age, the first 5 years are hell, after that it’s worth it.” I can honestly say, now that my 5 years of hell is over, she was absolutely right. I am loving every minute now.

The moms of Frisco that were with me at my worst: Aly Anderson, Shae Loomis, Jenny Alford. I struggled so much and was probably not much fun to be around when my two were just an infant and a toddler. Thanks for listening, supporting and not judging me. If it wasn’t for your support I wouldn’t have been able to get out of bed some days.

We mothers are usually taking care of everyone else and no one is taking care of us. This is a shout out to the women that remind us that we are better parents when we take care of ourselves first.

To Sarah Hoffman at Health Made Simple (instagram: @SimplyFitSarah) who consistently posts inspiring messages about fitness, nutrition, and life. You are so strong lady and you inspire so many. I need constant reminders to eat healthy or else I have pizza for almost every meal. (seriously)

To Mistie Lyons who is #fitAF and has transformed her body over the last year while managing work, two hilarious boys, and the most elaborate Elf of Shelf scenes I have ever seen. You inspire me to take care of myself and have a sense of humor with my kids.  Please keep on posting!

To the moms that are completely out-numbered by their kids but they still maintain a sense of humor and the power to keep going every day: Andalynn Burgess, Brooke Burl, Katie Hlavka, and Paula Adams. You mamas have strength and stamina that I can’t even imagine. You also probably need a nice long vacation without kids. <hint hint husbands>

To the moms with new babies, you remind me of how cute babies are, and how sleepless the nights were. I love your pictures so much. If you are going through a tough part – don’t worry it gets easier. So hang in there Sarah King, Sarah Bowen, and Nicole Karst! The best is yet to come!

To the Mom’s that are always posting something hilarious to make us all laugh. I’m so glad I follow you two on Facebook: Sarah Ruth & Lisa Liebold-Schulz

To the step moms that love their step kids as their own. I don’t know your struggles but the love you have for those kids is absolutely enough. You are amazing!

To the moms that continue to find time to message and text me. I know that struggle is real and I SOOOOO appreciate getting messages from you. There are too many to mention here but thank you so much. We are sharing our journeys together, no matter the time and distance between us and I love you all!

To my new mom friends in Seattle! It didn’t take long to find my mom tribe here. I am so grateful for you ladies! Amy Hackmann, Adriana Marin & my “dance mom” group: Juli, Kristin & Megan

To the nurse & teacher moms: I don’t even know what to say. You give 1000% every single day and you deserve a raise, vacation and some sort of trophy for being outstanding humans. Kudos: Heather Jeffery Baldwin, Gabi Weston, Nicky Smith and… as I scroll through my Facebook friend list way too many others to mention. You are the real rockstars.  

To the homeschool moms on my Instagram feed. You ladies keep me motivated to not just stay at home with my kids, but to teach them and have fun with it every single day. If you are looking for some great moms to follow please add these to your feed: @simplylearning @thenikeanderson @royalbaloo

Most importantly, to the family that loves us, supports us, prays for us, and never judges us. We are lucky to feel the love so very far away from all of you. There are far too many family members to name but each of you has a special place in our hearts.

Special mention to the mother-in-laws that support us, love us like we are their own kids, and ask for nothing in return. You are loved Laurel Young. Thank you for all of your support.

Of course my own mother, Trudy Anderson, who is always a FaceTime away. Even though I know she wants to make me move home after Dan graduates, she still puts on a smile and supports me when I tell her about the various locations of Dan’s interviews. She never holds me back and I imagine that it is the most difficult part of being my mother. I love you Ma! Thank you for letting me be me, nomad and all.

To all the awesome women in my life that I didn’t mention, because my kids have relentlessly interrupted during the writing of this post… you absolutely matter. If I have liked your posts, or commented, or sent a message, you have inspired me in some way.

To all of us women, mother or not, that give 99% every day all day - you are doing a tremendous job of keeping it together. You are worthy of more in your life than you think. You are an inspiration. Happy Mother’s Day!

I encourage you to post, message, text or call a woman that inspires you to be better. Let’s build each other up and be thankful our tribe extends beyond the conventional boundaries of location. Cheers!