I was so proud of myself for sending Mother’s Day cards to our mothers and grandmothers, that I had forgotten Mother’s Day is for me too this year. I can’t wait to spend the day with Silas tomorrow! A friend of mine has said to me a couple times, “Don’t you love being a mom? Isn’t it the best thing you’ve ever done?” I have to say that being a mama is a privilege, and it’s something that has forever changed my outlook on life. Suddenly, stories my parents have told for years about our childhood, take on new meaning. This weekend I’m reminded of how blessed I am that God gave me Renee Manka as my mother.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Mom. It was always extra exciting to play in the snow when Mom was out there with us. She can throw a mean snowball!

If you were to ask me, “What’s the one thing you appreciate most about your mom?” I’d have to say, “She prays for me.” No matter what I do, where I am, or how old I get, I can count on my mom praying for me. Mom prays for Stephen; she prays for Silas. And God answers her prayers. What better way to love your children than to pray for them?

What character trait do I most admire about my mom? Her contentment. She’s like my Pop-pop in this–not pretentious, but quietly content with who she is and what God has given her. Like I’ve admitted earlier, I struggle with believing the lie that life is a competition and whoever has the best stuff or is the coolest, wins. I wish I took after my mom in this area of contentment. She’s a farm girl with simple taste that’s thankful for the gifts God has given her. Thanks, Mom, for being such an example to me!

Hope your first Mother’s Day as a grandma is truly special. We love you!