Happy Mothers Day to our Moms!

Mom Marsha and Mom Cheryl, Happy Mother's Day!

Travis and I are VERY blessed to have mothers whom are an irreplaceable, nurturing and whom have always been a positive part of our lives. Although both very different moms, they went above and beyond their basic duties as moms to make our lives rich and to make us never forget they love us no matter what.

My mom was not only mother to my sister and I, but "mother" to THOUSANDS of Jr. High home economics students whom she taught to cook, sew, balance a checkbook and have good hygiene. Mom taught Laci and I all that, but we also learned from her unbending dedication to serving me, my sister, and my dad. A teachers work is never done. Nevertheless, my mom would come home she ALWAYS had a balanced meal on the table, even if it sat there while we slowly trickled in from sports practice or (in my dad's case) coaching to eat it. She always asked us how our day went and sat through HOURS AND HOURS of musicals, ballgames and choir concerts to show her support for us. She was ALWAYS there to watch. I wanted to be home on the weekends as a high-schooler because our home was a fun place to be, thanks to my mom and dad. She was there through the not so glamorous times, too. Sdhe sat in the Principal's office with her straight-A student at the high school one afternoon. I had told my home ec teacher (mom's colleague and my FHA advisor) exactly what I thought about a certain situation in very straightforward words. Unfortunately, I was unremorseful at the time for what I'd done, so mom sat firmly on the edge of her seat beside me in the Principal's office to make sure I was respectful and kind to the principal and willing to make apologies to he and my teacher. She was willing to make sure I did right in a very uncomfortable situation for her, which is a truly dedicated mother!

Cheryl survived Travis's antics as a young child and that proves enough that she was a good mother. Oh! The stories Travis tells me about how he would be ornery at home, church and school! Did I mention she delivered Travis at over 10 lbs.?! Cheryl was bookkeeper for the family swimming pool business, Penguin Pools, from home, as she raised Travis, Rebecca and Holly. She encouraged all three kids in 4-H and is still involved in a local 4-H chapter, even though her kids are adults now. Travis's mom sewed many-a-clothing item for Travis, including a vest for one of his prom tuxes. She even defended the kids' 4-H rabbits from a pack of hungry dogs with a 44 Mag round. She sported a black eye afterward, because when she shot the gun, it kicked back and hit her in the eye. Now that's a dedicated mom! You go, Cheryl!

We love you, Moms!