Day 5 of the MDC First Annual Traditions Blog Roll

Mother’s Day is a time for us to reflect back on the special women in our lives - mother, grandmother, daughter, mother-in-law, aunt, cousin, mentor friend. Today’s special Mothers and Daughters Creations Traditions Blog Roll challenge is being hosted by Melita on her blog. Join Melita in making a special scrap page to honor and remember a special woman in your life. Visit her blog for some wonderful ideas and a chance to win some blog candy that says traditions. Laurie also posted a page on her blog, so visit her for even more inspiration and more chances to win today’s blog candy!

Here's my layout honoring my mom:

Title: Thank you, Mama!

Journaling: Even when I was still a teenager I looked forward to becoming a mother. To many this may sound weird or scary but to me this was the norm. When I finally gave birth, I opted to resign from my job and be a stay-at-home mom. I wanted to be as involved as I can in my children’s upbringing. To be there for every milestone, every laughter and every cry.

I had a role model to follow. My own mother was a stay-at-home mom and for me, her mere presence benefited my siblings and me a lot. By just being there, I believe she knew us more than we knew ourselves. Her dedication to her family, her love for us, her patience and understanding were what I wanted to mirror in my life.

Oh, she was often misunderstood and taken for granted. There were a lot of times when we didn’t see eye to eye. Words were said, feelings were hurt and tears fell. But she is and would always be my mom and that made the difference. It was when I became a mother myself that I began to see my own mom in a different light.

I remember the first time I brought Nadine home from the hospital, I couldn’t help but stare at her. I could feel my love for my child, bursting within me. With joyful tears in my eyes I texted my mom to try to describe this feeling inside me. I remember her texting me back that that is how she felt and still feels for me.

Being a mother made me see how much my own mom loves me. It reminded me of the many sacrifices she made and the difficulties she endured to bring me up in the right way. I remember her driving us to school in the mornings, leading us to morning prayers and thanksgiving. I remember her cleaning, cooking and washing clothes. She exemplified Christ’s meaning of service.

Through her example, my mom taught me the value of hard work, self-discipline, good judgment, courage and honesty. I may be far away but I call her up to ask her for her opinion, to tell her of my troubles and to seek guidance and counsel. Being a mother made me love my mom more.

I thank her for all that she has done for me. For loving me, for always being there for me; for the quiet conversations, for the laughter and the smiles. Thank you, Mama, for all that you have taught me. I just want you to know that although it may not be said often, you are very much loved and appreciated.

Then, visit Tamara’s blog for our second challenge of the day. Old family pictures often have a vintage feel and what better way to highlight them than with vintage styled borders, embellishments, mats, and frames. Tamara takes you through the process of making some wonderful designs for your own scrap book and is offering some gorgeous “vintage” style blog candy as well. Need more ideas for vintage themed designs? Check out the samples for this challenge made by Cathy, Leah and Robin.

Deadline for all challenges is Saturday, May 16th at 12 noon. We’ll announce winners the next day on the various blogs with a complete list on the MDC Challenge blog. Remember, there will also be random prizes for just posting on the different blogs!