The thing about moms....

...is that I have a lot of them. Let me explain...(this post will be long so prepare yourself)

This is my mom...Elena.

The one who brought me into this world, without drugs no less! The one who put up with my temper tantrums, allergies, social/sport activities and the everyday drama that was me. I was probably her most difficult child to get along with, and as such, our relationship hasn't always been the best. But despite the personality conflicts and (my) score keeping, I have found my mom to always have the best of intentions and I know that she loves me unconditionally. She has taught me many things, but the most important thing I learned from my mom is that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. That His gospel is on the earth and the only way to be truly happy and have peace in this life is to live by his teachings and serve Him always. She taught me to keep my head up no matter what and never, ever give up. (Oh and I can't forget....she taught me how to find good deals...never pay full price!)

As mentioned before my mom and I weren't always so close, especially during my teenage years and young adulthood. Thankfully the Lord sent others whom I would listen to and learn from since I wasn't into listening to my mom at the time, this was crucial for me.

So He gave me my Abuelita's...

This is my Abuelita Tina, she is my great-grandma.

(this picture was taken the day she was baptized, she was 94)

Because my mom was very young when she became a mother, she had to work and go to school. My abuelita's took care of me and my siblings and as a result they had a huge influence on our lives. My Abuelita Tina taught us how to be kind to everyone and to love each other. She was always giving, even when she didn't have a lot herself. She was selfless and smart. She loved nature and treated her plants and flowers like they were her children. Above all she taught us that family comes first. She is the matriarch of our family and there aren't words to express the deep love and gratitude I have for this woman. She passed away five years ago, and in many ways is still the rock of our family. In my moments of self doubt or weakness, I remind myself that her blood runs through my veins and I can do anything.

This is my Abuelita Hernandez.

She is my mom's mom. She is the hardest worker I have ever known. She is an amazing cook and can get any stain out! She is smart and knows how to stretch a dollar. She was widowed and left with four children under the age of sixteen to raise in a country she hardly knew and a language she did not understand. She managed to always provide for her family and make sure that everyone stayed close. She taught me how to keep a home clean and tidy. She is a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

My tia's...

This is my Tia Ines.

Unfortunately my earliest memories are of her are chasing me around with an ugly troll doll and making me cry. Luckily I forgave her and have been able to appreciate her goodness and love her in spite of her name calling:) She has taught me about enduring to the end and always having a positive attitude. I admire her for her faith, testimony and forgiving heart. She is also a wonderful tia to my girls and gives them lots and lots of love.

This is my Tia Ana.

Where to begin with this one...She and I are very much alike. It's a little scary actually. She is full of advice even when I don't want it. She can walk me off a ledge even when I resist. She can put me back together when I'm broken into pieces. She too is willing to give freely and put others needs before her own...most of the time:) She loves my girls like they are her own and makes great efforts to be a part of their lives. She has gone on many adventures with me and her love and support has gotten me through all of my life's trials.

My...uh...Karen...

This is Karen. She was one of my youth leaders at church when I was growing up. At the time she was a young mom with four crazy little boys and a young wife with husband who was crazy busy trying to make ends meet. They had a tiny house that was always big enough for me to crash at. They comforted my teenage heart with grape kool-aid and popcorn. She gave me wise counsel, the same wise counsel my mom tried to give me but I just wouldn't listen because it was coming from my mom. She loved me and taught me and her influence in my life has had eternal consequences. Today she is still one of my dearest friends, my girls love her and think of her daughter as a big sister.

My one and only sister...

This is Evelynne.

Could we be any more different? I don't think so. But this has proven to be a great blessing in my life. She is 2 1/2 years older and wiser. Except when it comes to home decorating and parties, that is my department. She is patient and she is patient...oh did I already say that? She is braver than she gives herself credit for and sometimes I think she loves my kids more than I do. Evelynne has a love and understanding of the scriptures that humbles me. She is a wonderful mother to her four almost five girls (I'm just assuming it's a girl, that's all we can make in this family). She is the calm when I am the storm.

Those are the women who have mothered me and helped me find my way.

Today I am the mom. I have two precious girls that I am raising to, someday, become mothers themselves. This is a daunting task and I take this responsibility very seriously. Because of all the help my mom had in raising me, I realize that I also need help. I am so grateful for the women that I have in my everyday life who teach me, support me, and love my children.

These women are more than just dear friends, they are like sisters. We laugh at each other, we cry with each other, we vent to each other, we seek comfort and advice almost daily. And of course, we take care of each others children. I need these women to help me raise my girls and to help me be a better mother. The Lord knew this and I am so blessed.

I can't close my mother's day post without acknowledging my mother in law, Kathy.

Without her I wouldn't have Aric. She beat cancer with her faith and courage and she is way stronger than she realizes. I am grateful for the way she raised her son and for the love she gives to my children.

So these are the women in my life who have had a direct impact on me and my children. I wish I could name everyone individually who I love but this post is already bordering a novel...so to all you women out there Happy Mother's Day! I hope you feel loved and appreciated for the important job that you do. Big hugs to you!