Tomorrow my first-born will be nine. Excuse me? Spell check please-did I just spell N-I-N-E???!
Now that’s weird since I just had him yesterday but this post isn’t about him because I can’t cry about that tonight, I’ll think about that tomorrow #scarlettohara
But instead let’s talk about ………..
Mother’s Day is just a few weeks away and just in case I haven’t made it super-duper clear on how much I adore our Momma, aka Precious, here are just a few of the wondrous things about her….
- she’s the most selfLESS person I know
- loves Jesus with all of her heart, soul and mind and has read the Bible through more times than I can count
- models appropriate behaviors and praises always
- a devoted, committed wife to our daddy of 44 years-treats him like a king
- opens her home to us (the whole, LOUD tribe of grands, sisters and hubs) every Sunday night for unmatched food and fellowship
- wears and apron and puts her face on every morning before 8-(lip liner-ALWAYS) a modern-day June Cleaver
- the matriarch of our immediate as well as our extended family
- a legacy of faith to this community-NO DOUBT
If you have had the privilege of meeting her, you know I speak truth. A live-it-out-loud Proverbs 31 woman. She has extended her loving arms to my friends, my sisters’ friends, their sisters and their friends all of our days. Her love knows no bounds.
To ice the cake, she has made a quilt. A hand-stitched, every single stitch, no machine, no help-just her loving hands and we are giving it away-here!
YES, you read that correctly and NO, this is not a joke.
She has graciously donated this made-with-love- quilt for my first ever GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!
It fits like a full, would make a great layer or throw and looks fabulous just draped across the foot of the bed.
I heart this quilt so much.
Here’s the skinny on how to ENTER:
1. Follow–> Blessings Beyond the Barnyard on Facebook
or
2. Comment under this post on why you love your momma or what you miss most about your mother if she is no longer with you. This absolutely includes mothers who have adopted and/or women you adore because they loved you like their own.
AND/OR
2. Follow and tag a friend on Instagram.
And YES, you can do all three!
I’ll be noting and keeping a running list.
A winner will be chosen at random NEXT TUESDAY, APRIL 21ST and mailed to arrive just in time for MOTHER’S DAY.
If you’ve never shared a post PLEASE SHARE this one lest my precious mother’s labor be in vain to grow this space. I must be honest- I’ve struggled to give this away because I love it so but it is her wish to share it with one of you:)
Much love to you ~
Oh my goodness, what a beautiful quilt and sweet mama you have. I’m so thankful for my own mother. It wasn’t until I became a mother myself that I realized the great sacrifices she made for us kids. We took her for granted and she gave us so much of herself. I get that now, and count it a privilege to be more than just her daughter, but also her friend. ❤️
Yes! Isn’t that just the icing on the cake when your mother becomes your friend!
My mom taught me how to love & serve with all that’s in you. She always puts others first & gives so generously of her time, talents, & treasures. She allowed me to learn lessons the hard way but encouraged me throughout. She loves unselfishly period!!
Anyone would be hard-pressed to find a more eager servant than you Gina..Your mother taught you well. Love and appreciate you so very much!
My Mother …. Judy Myra Raines Hamme….seems to have the same kindred spirit as yours! My brother and sister and I have put her through some times that will make you want to hurt someone but no, she is Jesus…. Loves with no judgement, encourages with scripture pouring out of her mouth, she laughs and smiles despite the challenging path life brought her caring for my sick Daddy for 13 years when he passed early at 62…. She practically preached a sermon at his funeral and we had praise and worship…. There is no sorrow with her….. Only Christ like love, godliness and a true example of a Proverbs Virtuous Woman! I am grateful for her consistency in Christ!
Having had the pleasure of meeting your sweet, sweet mother I whole-heartedly agree with you Erica <3 love you!
My mother has also loved and raised a home of women… women of God. She welcomed and loved every girlfriend or friend that each of us brought home so much that we have far more “siblings” than just those she birthed. She chose to love and be a mother to girls who lost theirs as well as those who may have just needed another or one away from home. Her love has been unending.
Her heart has loved and lost as she has laid to rest 2 spouses yet she continues to encourage all her children and grandchildren to find love and love with all our hearts. She never ceases to offer advice on being focused on the one you love.
She will take the last $1 from her purse and give it to any of us she believes needs it…. without us ever knowing its her last. Her sacrifices are without a second thought. Im blessed beyond measure, and I cherish my mother.
Your mother’s kindness is contagious! She’ll need help carrying her crown in glory! Love you Vic 🙂
Where to start about my Momma?? She too is a walking testament of Proverbs 31…she is selfless and compassionate and loves with her whole being. She is so passionate about the things she believes in…which include, but are not limited to, her faith, her family, and her country. I am so blessed to call Sue Goggans my mom.
A gem for sure, Sue Goggans I love you too!
My mom died 13 years ago, when I was in my early 30s. She was my very best friend! What do I miss the most? I miss the unconditional love that a momma gives. You know the kind I’m talking about…no matter what I say, no matter what I do…that is what a mom gives. The security of that kind of love is precious, and the absence of it left me floundering for many years. The grief gets easier, but never goes away! But, she still gives it, in a way, because I learned how to love my family “unconditionally” by being loved by her.
My Mom is dancing this Jesus, but she was a hoot! She loved to laugh and was a party waiting to happen!
(Beautiful quilt, by the way!!)
My mom makes it happen and perserveres through all tough times with letting us know she is trusting in our Lord and Savior. She has had some hard times lately but she models that behavior and I love her for it!
I love my Mom for so many reasons. She has always put her children and others needs ahead of her own. She loves God and her family with all her heart.
My parents divorced when I was young. My Mom worked like a dog to provide and ensure I didn’t do without. There were times when she gave me her last dollar to do something I wanted to do. Now, she is no longer able to work due to her heart health and that has been hard for her to accept. She is a strong woman, who instilled a strong work ethic in me. Now, she can relax, enjoy her grandkids, and let us do for her.
i am an only child so was incredibly close to both of my parents. When my dad passed away 5 years ago the bond between me and my mom became even closer. She is legally blind and extremely independent so she still lives alone about 20 minutes from me. She depends on my family for all transportation and help so she is with us most of the time but she is such a blessing and I truly wouldn’t have it any other way!!
And what a blessing you are to your mother as well! Thank you for sharing your story with us :O)
My mother has been the biggest blessing in my life, other than God, from the beginning. I was adopted when I was 18 months old through the state. I owe this arrangement to God, because He knew exactly where to place me so that I would end up exactly where I am, with the mother and father that I have. My mother is the most patient, kind-hearted and loving woman I have ever known. I’m not just saying this because she is my mother, I’m speaking the truth. She has always been there for me and my daddy and everyone else she has ever known, placing others before herself. My mother has seen me through many situations in my life from the time I was little until now, including a traumatic motorcycle accident where she stood by my side everyday and was the strongest most encouraging woman imaginable. I have seen this wonderful woman face and fight breast cancer, face and fight congestive heart failure, when I thought that I was going to lose her, and now face and fight dementia. It is through our valleys that we realize how high are mountains are sometimes. In retrospect, I thank God for these situations, because He knows exactly what He’s doing. My mother is the most wonderful person in the world to me, and I cannot thank her enough for everything she has taught me through being an humble and loving woman. I have never seen her fuss and fight with my daddy or anyone else. I think God for my mother everyday.
What a beautiful testimony of God’s sovereignty Nancy! To God be the glory for placing you in the hearts and hands of those He chose as best! love you
I have a wonderful mother who also is the most selfless person I know. Even through her health trials she still insists on helping me with anything and everything everyday of the week. She keeps my kids, cooks and runs errands for me even on days I know she doesn’t feel like going. I try to tell myself all these things keeps her going because she has always done them even before her heart issues. My grandmother (her mother) is also been like my 2nd mom. she raised me most of the time so my mom could finish her college education to provide for our family. Mamaw carried and picked me up from school everyday as well as fed me 3 meals a day most of my childhood. I am forever grateful for both of them. I love your post and I agree you have a pretty awesome mom and I must say you are definitely a reflection of her.
Made me cry STARR! What we do without the aid on-call moms?? Love yoU!
I can’t even begin to name all the reasons I love my mom!! Not only is she my mother she is my best friend, the one I turn to in happy times, sad times, and funny times. She truly is a wonderful person inside and out. Se always goes above and beyond to help others!! God truly blessed me when he chose me to be her daughter.
Amen sister! You’re mom is a jewel <3
There are so many things I could say about how wonderful my mother is. She loves unconditionally. She will never give up on you no matter what. She loves those who are hard to love. She is a true servant of God.
What a blessing to have such a legacy of faith lived out before you! Love you Myra 🙂
I admire my Momma so much. It wasn’t until I got married and started having children of my own that I realized all the wonderful sacrifices she made for all four of her children. Even when we moved over 300 miles away from all our family and friends for a better job for my Daddy, she kept going and was strong — Despite all of us kids whining and complaining, saying we hated it here because we knew no one and no family was near. That was 10 yrs ago this year and we now call Indiana home! Don’t worry though, Alabama will ALWAYS be home to me though. 😉 At the time I was upset with them for moving, but after several years I realized it was best for our family and God had it all under control. if it wasn’t for our move, I would not have met the neighbor boy who mowed our yard and cut our hay for us for a while, who I know call husband and am crazy in love with! 🙂 We hit a rough patch for a couple years and I lost communication with my Momma and Daddy, brothers and sisters….but every day I prayed to God that he would bring us back together. Sure enough he did, when I almost wanted to give up on them. She is the most wonderful Momma and loves her family so much. She has been devoted to my daddy for the past almost 25 years! (come September!) She is the most wonderful Grandma to my Tucker and soon to be Waylon, who will arrive in approx 4 1/2 weeks!! Momma would absolutely love this quilt and I would love to be able to give it to her for Mother’s Day! <3
I already follow you on FB and Insta, commented & tagged, & shared your blog. 🙂
You are loved Lauren! I love seeing your Tucker.. he’s growing like a weed! Thank you for sharing blog love with your people and for being such a steadfast source of encouragement!
My ma-ma was hero growing up. She taught me everything that I know. My grandparents lived just below us so I spent as much time as I could with them. I never saw them as old. In my eyes, she could do anything. When I had a project due at school, she was the one to help me. My daddy farmed so he was always in the field and pa-pa helped him. Ma-ma was afraid of storms and afraid to be by herself so I stayed with her. She was the greatest cook and shared her recipes with me. She taught me to can and freeze. She tried her best to teach me to crochet and sew but I was never very good at either one of those. Ma-ma was a Godly woman and I never heard her say a bad thing about anyone. She lived her family dearly. She would say I love all me grand kids but I love Tanya the best. We had a very special bond. When she got sick later in life and had to have 2 shots, I gave them to her. It was hard because she didn’t know me later on due to the cruel disease of Alzheimer’s. She was bed bound for 2 years or more but we as a family took care of her at home. She died surrounded by her family. I miss her so much. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wish I could ask her advice or just sit in her presence. She never met my husband when I married however the two of them are having a grand time in Heaven, telling Jesus all about me. Love you Ma-ma.
I’m sending you a big ol (((((HUG!))))) of THANKSgiving for sharing your sweet memories of your loved ones with us!
I love my momma, she is my best friend. <3
Thanks for the giveaway. I don't do social media so thanks for this opportunity.
of course! and THANK YOU Melissa for honoring your mother and taking the time to comment!
Did not have a great relationship with my mother growing up because of a difficult past, BUT I always knew she loved me. I admire her for doing the best she could with what she had been dealt. She loved me, was proud of me, and she always made sure that I knew it.
Yes and she loves you still! Grateful to have been able to share my mother with you through the years 🙂 Love you Ape and can’t wait to see you soon!
Where to begin…I talk to my mother every single day…at least three or four times. I can’t imagine life without her. As a grown-up (or at least I play one on TV) , I look back and realize all the sacrifice, support, love and hard work she put into our family. Growing up a ministers child is not easy but my mom shaped our family and was always there for my brother and I. The love she gave us was unimaginable and although we were by far a perfect family we were always loved and taken care of….I can’t think of a single thing emotionally or materialistically that we went without. Recently, she was sick and surgery was scheduled. She was going into this not knowing what they would find or what she would wake up to. I remember she and I both crying but not saying very much, except “I love you”, “God’s got this!”, and “Everything will be find, no matter what”. It hit me hard that she really is my best friend, the center of our family and I would be totally lost without her. Thanks for the opportunity to honor her here! And what a BEAUTIFUL picture of you and your sisters…and the quilt, oh my…it’s gorgeous!
Rejoicing with you dear one at the good health report and speedy recovery of your mother! You are loved!
My mother is my rock! I admire and depend on her probably more than I should. She is a part of every decision I make and I couldn’t live this life without her. She has always taught me independence and it has been more useful to me than I ever thought it would. Because of her I have been able to accomplish everything I have ever wanted. I love her more than life!
A mother’s wisdom is a priceless commodity for sure Crimson! Thank you for sharing your momma love!
My momma is my best friend and superwoman for sure. She has kept our family together through thick and thin and through good and bad. I can’t imagine life without her. I just hope I can be just as good a mom to my baby!
My momma had a very rough life, took care of my daddy all of my life, took in cousins and strays that no one else could “manage”, raised us 2 girls, always helped me with 2 of my boys (spoiled them rotten). Everyone who knew momma knew she had very little money but she the Biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known! You just didn’t leave Betts house with an empty stomach, I miss her love, Christian teaching and generosity that she showed to all! I pray to be half the woman she was!
Well this post just brought me to tears as so many of yours do! I have had the pleasure of meeting your sweet precious mother and I adore her! her giving loving heart is evident as soon as you meet her!
I am also blessed with a mother with a heart of gold. A woman who has raised me and my sister to Love God and has lead us by example! She taught us to always reach out a hand to those in need….to find a way to brighten the day of someone in need or down on their luck. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with such a precious mother!
My sweet momma went to be with Jesus just over a year ago. I loved how she loved me. I was adopted at 3 weeks old. While she didn’t carry me in her womb, she carried me in her heart and couldn’t have loved me more than she did. She was so innocent- my very own Edith Bunker, but her servant’s heart gave me a heart to serve as well. What I miss the most is plopping my head in her lap after a hard day and having her just listen all while finger combing my hair. Oh how the flesh in me misses her!