I am my mother's daughter.

I realized today that I am becoming more and more like my mom. As I soon will become a mom, I am realizing that too my son will probably act like me as an adolescent. There may be certain ticks and traits I pass along or he learns from. I have come to appreciate more of what my mom did and does as I grow up. I just hope one day my children will feel the same way :)

Examples:

• Mom loves to eat outside during nice weather. She would beg for us to eat dinner outside on the back patio but the rest of us didn't enjoy it and would complain either because of the bugs or heat. I find myself now asking Corey to eat outside. I am loving being able to have a nice backyard and I can just relax out there. Luckily, Corey also enjoys being outside. Even though I still hate the occasional bug problem, with age I have learned to deal. 
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• OHIO (Only Handle It Once) This is a term mom started using when I was in high school. I hated it with a passion every time I'd hear "OHIO" across the house. In our first year of marriage, I have already taught Corey the term. I couldn't believe the acronym left my lips for the first time and inside shook my head at myself. Even though I abhorred the term as a teenager and young adult, when I'd visit home, I actually say it to myself almost daily to remind me to take care of a project or task. 
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• I have always had an obsession with post-its. I don't discriminate against small, large, different shaped or colored ones. When I taught, I had dozens of stacks at all times. I love to make lists and cross off when I get something accomplished. What I realized though was that I am starting to tape little notes to myself and Corey to doors. Almost every day growing up when we would leave the house we would be greeted by a taped reminder on the door leading to the garage. Whether that be for one of us or all of us. Mom knew we would see it that way and I learned from the best. :)
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• When Jessica and I would have friends over, mom would always insist on having snacks and drinks out on a table so it would be easily accessible. I remember whining that "no one cares about that mom". I was embarrassed because she would want the house cleaned and have cups, napkins, plates, and food available. I didn't see what I know now. Mom was being an awesome Christian hostess and caring for others. She wanted our house to be nice for others and provide a giving and loving environment. Having the ability to host others in our home now has opened my eyes to what mom had done all those years. She wanted others to be taken care of, to feel comfortable, to enjoy themselves. I really enjoy hosting and I thank my mom for giving me an excellent example of what that looks like. 
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• The final and most important trait that I am still striving to have and will never master is the example my mom has set for Jessica and I in being a strong Christian wife, mother, and friend. Growing up I'd wake up to mom sitting in the kitchen reading her bible or getting ready for work with her bible wide open in the bathroom. I didn't appreciate it at the time. She was teaching us the value of being in the Word daily. She didn't nag us to be overly involved in youth group, or memorize bible verses, but she lived her life as an example of what a Christian woman should be like. I learned to put others before myself, soak up the Word and live by it, pray continuously, and be patient with people and life. 

I want to thank you momma for annoying me and being patient with me. I hope to be a Godly example to my children just as you (and dad :) ) have been for me.