Nichole asked her team to come up with a gift for our mother.
This is a keepsake box I created for my mom.
It is enclosed in a glass case. I found this “document” keepsake frame at Target for only $3.22 CLEARANCE!
I have to say when I saw the sentiments in the Mother set, I got very sentimental. Each one had so much meaning that I could relate to my own mother-but this one stood out most to me:
I also made this card to match-using Friends ‘Til the End.
Mother
Someone who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take.
When I saw that, I was flooded with feelings, memories and emotions I have had for my mom since my 30 years on this earth. Its funny that some stamps can bring up so much in a person.
To be able to capture or convey such emotion with a little acrylic and ink.
Here is a close up
I have so many thoughts about my mom.
My mom, my hero.
She is the true rock.
The duck on water, floating by effortlessly, while under the water paddling like crazy.
We never knew all she really did. Not until later in life.
She is an amazing person. Always sees the best in people, even when she shouldn’t. She’s very open, loving, giving, and patient. I could go on and on.
My mom was the glue that held our family together. My father wasis, an alcoholic. So growing up in that house, my mom did everything she could to give us the best life possible.
She basically raised us on her own, all the while, battling with my father. I guess mothering him too. Taking care of him as he was like having another child. Trying to make up for all he did or didn’t so. He was unable to hold a job, terrorizing our household whenever he could. My mom was always “taping” everything back together.
She was always holding out hope he’d step up to the plate of fatherhood. He never made it to bat. My mom eventually called off the game. A difficult time for her, but it made her so much stronger.
She was there or me, at every point in my life.
She played so many roles, wore so many hats. I truly admire her.
She quit high-school as a young girl. She went back while we were kids to get her GED. She then went to college when my brother and I were about 8, and 6. We made it SO hard on her. We would make her feel guilty for studying and being at school at night. We would fight while she tried to study. I look back and want to slap myself! I really don’t know why we made her life so tough when we didn’t have to.
I don’t know HOW she did it, but she was the Valedictorian in her class. At that time I was about 10. I was so proud of her. Now having kids I don’t know HOW she managed the house, work and us kids, while going to school.
She built such a loving, trusting relationship with me as I grew. I knew I could tell her anything, and count on her-always. I only PRAY to have a fraction of that with my girls. I don’t know HOW she did it, but she did.
She came to every event, helped with our school projects, teacher meetings, sporting events. The house was always clean, and yes, we ALWAYS had a home baked goodie when we walked through the door. She also made a home-cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner-everyday! (That is much more than I can say for myself! LOL!)
Birthday’s were always a big deal, she made us a special cake-every year! I remember every single one too.
Then every holiday was made special. Different traditions we had, that I try to pass onto my children.
Looking back on our limited income, I don’t know how she did everything! I’m just in awe of her. SHE is the reason I became the woman I am today. The reason I had the strength to do what I have. I learned it all from her. She taught me how to be strong. She was the model of strength, and doing what you have to do to get through a difficult time. She didn’t quit, or give up, she put one foot in front of the other, and made the BEST out of every situation.
I don’t think I TRULY appreciated my own mother, until I became a mom myself. I don’t get what it really meant, all she had really done. Everything.
The minute I held Alexa compounded all my mom truly did for me, her whole life.
It was then that I realized how difficult it really was. It was then I realized you have to be selfless.
It was then that I appreciated all the sacrifices my mom made for us kids. Sacrifices she made because she loved us so much.
It was then that I realized she meant when she said “No matter what, I will always love you.” That type of unconditional love a mother can only have for a child.
I still have moments being a mom myself, when I say “How did my mom do that!” or “Oh my gosh! My poor mother! I must have driven her crazy!’
I hear her words flying out of my mouth on MORE days than I care to admit. But if I can have with my own children, what I have with my mom, then I guess being like her isn’t so bad.
For my gift, I wanted to capture one of my most cherished photos of her and I.
I was only 2.
I just love this photo of us to pieces.
I don’t have as many together photos or her and I as I would like, now having done this project. We need to get more.
Here is one last group shot
So with that plan, I hope to see my mom very SOON! Her birthday is April 8th! I will give this to her. I want to do a mom & me spa day with her! I just need to get her to take a day off to let me pamper her!!! She deserves it.
Anywho-
Make sure you check Nicholes blog for all the teams project details!!
And check out the design team blogs
Thanks for reading.
I pretty much went all over the place with my “mom” post. I just let it all pour out here. Im not editing it. It is what it is.
So thanks for letting me get it all out there.
My frame truly was made from the bottom of my heart!
Im going to print this post and put it in her card.
I’d love to hear something about YOUR mom or a special woman in your life that impacted you, or taught you something. Maybe a special memory?? I so enjoy getting to read your stories too.
Till tomorrow-more template peeks to come.
70 Responses for "Celebrating Mothers-a story of my Mom"
Holy cow…you look EXACTLY like her!!
This is truly BEAUTIFUL! I love all the wonderful things you make and read your blog everyday!!
So lovely and sweet Lauren!
Melis
You are such a beautiful strong person that I draw so much inspiration from everyday. I love that you are so honest, something that I struggle to be. But you help me. And you make ME a better person. God Bless you. That’s what I think, honestly, and I’m not editing it either.
WOW!!! I admire your mom, she is a SUPER MOM. I also think that you are a SUPER mom as well. I love to read your blog and see your creations everyday. You inspire me to be more creative.
Oh Lauren –
What a sweet and heartfelt post. It made me all misty…
I absolutely love your project… absolutely beautiful! Your mom will love it! ♥
Hugs!
thank you for sharing this, your words made me tear because it reminded me of my own mum. *huge hug*
I love this! Your creations are always outstanding!
Lauren, your post brought tears to my eyes. What a sweet, sweet tribute to your mom. She sounds like an amazing person.
I love your project too and I have no doubt your mom will love receiving it.
I LOVED your story as much as I LOVED your projects! You never cease to amaze me!
I don’t post comments to often, cause I know your a busy gal, but I just have to say you look just like your mom, I actually thought it was you at first. Cuteness!
Ok. You’re KILLING me here! I’m sitting here reading your post, trying to choke back tears! I don’t know your mom, but I want to be like her! Wow! And that picture of you two! You look exactly alike! (Loved your projects on your other post too! CUTE!!!)
Wow. What a beautiful post about your mother. You look just like her. The frame you made is beautiful!!
Your mom is so pretty and you look just like her! My mother raised 5 kids and held us all together in some really tough times growing up (no money, food stamps, etc.). My father was also an alcoholic and my mother managed to leave and take care of all of us somehow by waiting tables or whatever job she could do and very little child support. We never went without the things we needed and most things we thought we needed. It’s a long story and I won’t get into it all but our mothers are strong and I feel I’m strong today because of it.
wow..you look like your mom so much! (except the hair color) 😉
Beautiful – your projects and the post about your mom. It brought tears to my eyes. This made me think about my mom and how truly wonderful she was also. I miss her everyday, but have the memories of her to make me happy and smile. Like your mom, she was ALWAYS there for me and supported me in whatever I chose. She raised 5 of us basically on her own. I wish she was still here so I could give her a big hug and tell her how much she means to me, how much I appreciated everything she every did for me, and how much I love her.
What a beautiful gift and message. And that is an awesome picture of you and your Mom.
Posts like this one are the number one reason I never start a day without reading your blog. I love your projects, but it is your heart that really moves me! My grandma was the one in my family like your mom…same circumstances, but only one child. We are all lucky to be able to reflect on the strong and amazing women in our lives and to set our goals to be like them. I can see that you have achieved that goal…I always wonder how you do all you do. Thanks for sharing with me.
absolutely lovely. the gift and the post. i love to hear how much others adore their mother. AND you look so much like her! You are both amazing, strong women. Your girls are lucky to have you both in their lives.
Beautiful projects, beautiful thoughts, beautiful mom whose beautiful daughter looks just like her! Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
LeAnne
I read every word of your post. . .what a special woman she is!!! And what a lucky girl you are to have her, for sure. She will *love* this gift. . .I cannot believe how much you two look alike. . .neat-o!
Lauren, just wanted to tell you that your words and memories about your mom is just BEAUTIFUL! You really should let her read what you wrote…she would be thrilled! Keep up the great work.
That is stunning!!! I LOVE IT!!! You look exactly like your mom! Your mom sounds amazing! I to grew up with just my mom and she did everything she could for me, I can’t imagine. My mom is probably the only person who truly loves everything I make. I should make something like this for her.
Agree, you look exactly like your mom! Reading your tribute to your mom, now we know why you are such an awesome mom and where you get your strength. Hope your enjoy your day together!!
Just a beautiful picture and card. All Mother’s would love to have this set and to have their daughter write such lovely things about them. Thanks for the inspiration!
Lauren – I just teared up reading about you and your mom. I feel the same way about mine. My dad is a truck driver and during my childhood he sacrificed time at home with us to drive cross country to be sure that we had everything we wanted and needed. So for all my childhood it was just me and my mom and she is truly my rock. You seem to have the same awesome mom that I do and I have to say that we are very fortunate. Having children definitely showed me what my mom felt and I appreciate her more and more every day. Thank you for sharing your awesome project and your love for your mom. I look forward to visiting your blog every day. You are an inspiration for all crafters and moms. Thank you again for sharing your story and I know your mom will just love it.
Wow!! I’m crying just reading. I never used to be so emotional, until I had kids. My mom is amazing just like yours. She was only 17 when I was born. She married my dad, had my sister, and divorced my dad. They were just too young.(They get along great now. GO FIGURE!) She worked 3 jobs and put herself through college all at the same time. I was horrible during those times. I want to scream at myself in the face. I went down some bad roads. She brought me back and I have the most wonderful husband and kids now.(She used to say she could stick me in a room full of 100 guys and I would pick the worst one.) Thanks to her fight I am who I am now, and I know how to make good choices now. Thank you for your post. I can’t wait to make her a beautiful gift.
Wow – what a great story. I too grew up with a father as an alcoholic and its amazing what that does to the family and how mom always picks things up and keeps everything together.
My father passed away last year and my mom is still keeping it together and probably more so today. Its amazing to me to see how strong our mothers can be and yet we never realize it until we become mothers ourselves.
Beautiful project as always – gotta go – I need a tissue:-0
Your project is beautiful and your tribute to your Mom is wonderful. After reading your tribute I realized we should all be sure to let our Moms know how much they mean to us more often. My Mom will be 85 this year and she still answers the call when needed. Thanks for the reminder that Mom’s are so special and totally irreplaceable. Ann Lind
What a wonderful post, true feelings are what counts. May you two have a wonderful time together……you can never replace any Mother……..
Beautiful project
I love the frame and the card – they are beautiful and the words you wrote about your mother remind me so much of my mom. She was our rock and we depended on her for so much.
On my 26th birthday – it was going to be my first birthday alone with an 11 month old and a 4 year old as my husband had left me for his secretary. I was not looking forward to the day as my children were too young to truly understand the day. As we got ready for school, my oldest did not even remember, but that was ok because he had just turned 4 and he was still so young. I went to work and had told no one it was my birthday, so no well wishes there. When I picked up the boys from daycare, I took them home and fed them and got them ready for my mom to pick them up. I had a ladies bowling league that night, so when mom got to the house – she kissed me on the cheek and hugged me. She said Happy Birthday! I smiled and thanked her and I went on to the bowling alley. I was feeling pretty darn sorry for myself at the bowling alley. I was sitting there reflecting over the lovely birthdays from the past, when I turned around to my family – my mom, my sister and her son and my two boys with my dad coming in the front door of the bowling alley with a huge bouquet of balloons, presents and a cake! The kids ran up to me and squealed Happy Birthday mom and aunt Nee Nee and there was a big hug from my dad. Mom was smiling the whole time as she knew what kind of day I had and totally understood. It was the best birthday ever and mom was the reason – as always! I miss her terribly now that she has passed on, but I have so many memories and she will always be here in my thoughts and in my heart for all of the wonderful things she did for me. A tribute to moms everywhere – even those in heaven! Renee
WoW! This is just priceless and the sentiment just says it all.
What a beautiful tribute to your mom! Your mom sounds amazing and so do you! You’re an inspiration…..
Lauren- Your gift for emotion in words is amazing. My mom and I went through quite a lot growing up too and I was a horrible teenager. After I grew up and moved out, I realized what am amazing woman she is and what absolute torture I put her through growing up. Once I had my children, I know exactly what you mean about it all hitting you immediately all the self sacrifice and unconditional love that you simply can’t understand if you don’t hold that title of “mom”. What a beautiful project and great idea… I’m sure this is a gift that ANY mother would appreciate more than words could say.
Lauren, your gift is truely amazing. Your mom is definitely a hero and a rock in more ways than one. The picture you chose, do you know you look so much like her now?
Lauren, what a beautiful gift…and so heartwarming. I’m lucky enough to also have a wonderful mother and wonder how she found the time to work full time, cook, love and care for us and all the while sending money to her family in the Phillippines….my father is a wonderful man but he was in the Navy and out on deployment throughout our childhood. It brings tears to my eyes how I made her feel guilty for not going to conferences and taking me to parties and whatever else I’ve conveniently forgotten (I’m sure there’s tons more.) I’m so glad you shared your feelings. You’ve inspired me to make something great too. Thanks for the wonderful inspiration.
So lovely! Your description of her only makes this sweet sweet gift all that much more special!
Many Blessings,
M.
you do beautiful work!!!! blessings Renee
You are very fortunate to have that bond with your mother… from the picture, you look a lot like her at your age today.
I wish I could feel the same for my mom, but we didn’t have that kind of relationship…sadly, the woman I did consider my mom has passed, so I’ll just have to make sure my girls think of me like you do your mom :~)
Thanks for sharing Lauren….
Lauren, what an amazing story! Your mom has certainly earned her super hero status. I have a super hero mom myself so I know exactly how you feel about yours. Isn’t is amazing how when we become mothers ourselves, that whole parenting and what being a parent MEANS comes flying into focus? When I grow up, I want to be just like my mom 🙂
What a beautiful, amazing tribute, Lauren! I hope she gets to read everything that you wrote. You both are amazing women!
Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful part of your life. Mother’s are great and I am so glad that I have my mother. I hope that some day I will know what it is like to be the mother of a daughter but am so grateful to have my boys and hope I can have a tight relationship with them as well.
I wanted to add something. You look a lot like your mother. You both a beautiful.
Beautiful story – thank you for sharing. Your mom sounds like an amazing person (and so do you – I’ve just started following your blog and am so impressed with all you do!). And Wow – no mistaking where you get your looks from!!! I don’t often have enough time to leave comments, but had to thank you for this wonderful story.
I was so touched by your mom’s gift, it is truely amazing. And the words you said, I can really relate. I have a wonderful selfless mom and I am so proud to have her.
You look just like your mom. At first glance it looked like you and one of your babies. Just beautiful!
Yeah, I gotta say you look just like her and obviously since we are always asking you how you do so much, it looks like you got that from her too! It’s truly touching to read how much your mom means to you Lauren. This is a really special gift you’ve made for her.
Such a wonderfully sweet and special mom you have. Thank you for sharing your story. My mother passed away nearly 10 years ago and I miss her everyday. I hope you have a great spa day with her!
Lauren-
First of all, I just LOVE the project you did for your mom! 🙂 It is truely beautiful! 🙂 Second, thanks for being so open with all of us. I can not speak for everyone, but I really enjoy hearing about your triumphs and tribulations and how you learn from them. Your honesty about things is moving. You and your family are always in my prayers.
I, too, have learned so much from my mom. She has her own strengths and weaknesses. I have taken on both, but have learned from them too. My protectiveness with my kids comes totally from her. Also, my outspokedness, is a gift from her. She always believed in me, even if at first she didn’t want to. Eventually she would believe that if I wanted to do something, I could (safe or not). As a mom, she is very open to telling me how much better I am at certain things than she was….but the only reason I am what I am as a mom is because of her. We all learn what will work and not work as moms, from our moms. 🙂
Thanks for your blog, Lauren-
HUgs-
KAthy
That is beautiful Lauren, and WOW do you look just like your mom!
Lauren~It is a beautiful project and tribute to your mother. It is amazing what moms teach us by just being themselves. I hope my kids have half the awesome feelings that I have for my own mother.
You’re a twin to your mom!!! Oh my goodness. I don’t believe I have posted on your blog before, but when I saw the photo, it looks like you with different hair!
What a wonderful gift to look and am sure she has rubbed off on you in many wonderful ways too.
Enjoy your Mom’s day on 4/8. She deserves it as well as you do too!
Love your sharing and caring words.
Very beautiful tribute!!! You look a lot like your mom!!! Thanks for sharing!
Your keepsake is gorgeous and I know your Miom will treasure it! My birthday is April 8 also!! You are a great daughter and to be one you had to have had a great Mom.
Blessings to you both!
Lauren,
I bet if you ask your mom, she doesn’t remember the things you did and would say she is just as lucky to have you as you feel you are to have her.
My mom has been gone 10 years and never heard those sentiments from us in detail. The last time I told her I loved her it was as she was being wheeled down the hall to surgery. It was the last thing I said to her.
Your mom is lucky and obviously from your post, her efforts have been rewarded in the character of her daughter.
B
Lauren, you are truly beautiful–and your mother is too. {{{{Big hugs, sweet friend!}}}}
I know it has been a long time since I have posted on your blog…life has a way of getting in the way…not a bad thing for me…but when I read this Lauren…whew…brought me home to sooo many memories of my own childhood…My mom was just like yours…my rock…steadfast in all things…and dealing with more than, well…I can’t say that I did not go through the same thing you did..cause I came very close to home with me…You have such a way with words and telling it like it is….sry…didn’t mean to go on about this…but like I said…it really hit close to home with me….in more ways that you can even know…my marriage was the same…only ‘darker’ than my upbringing…I am in a much better place “alone” and God really did answer my prayers…I saw a church sign on the way to work…It is better to be alone than to wish your were alone…So very true…at least in my case…I have so much to be thankful for…my wonderful daughter and my grandson is my “life” and nothing has brought me more happiness that these two wonderful blessings….thank you for sharing…It makes me feel not so alone
A lovely gift for your Mum especially sending her all your thoughts about how much she means to you. I can’t believe how alike you look. Hope she loves it!
Wow! What a fabulous gift set! I will definately be casing this one! And thanks for sharing your story. It really touched me. And, you look EXACTLY like your mother. At, first, I thought it was you!
Lauren, the finest gift you will ever give your Mom is this love letter you have just written for her. She will cherish it forever. Your Mom truly stands tall.. and what a great job she did, raising her daughter.
What a beautiful gift/post/tribute it is, Lauren!!! I loved reading about your wonderful mother and it did make me sad to think of how much I miss mine… It’s been 11 years since cancer took her and 11 years of me wishing she was still around… I’m an only child and mom had been my best friend all those years… She always put dad and I first and made sure we were comfortable, happy and healthy… She was a GIVER (in the true meaning of this word) and the least selfish person I’ve ever met… I am blessed to be her child and I have an almost 4-year-old reminder of her free spirit who I shower with love just like she did with me… Love you, Mom, and miss you every day!!!
Lauren, the first time I saw this post I had to skip past it. When I saw your creations for your mom and your loving words of tribute, they took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. I couldn’t get past the first couple of paragraphs for the sobbing. Tonight I came back to tell you how sincere and beautiful this post is. The stamp set is touchingly exquisite and would have been so perfect for my mom. She was a wonderful mother and my best friend. I couldn’t begin to tell you how much she did for me and my siblings – it breaks my heart to I think of the sacrifices she made. Everything I am today I truly owe to her. She died of cancer 25 years ago, a very young and beautiful 55 year old. I have missed her every day since – even more on special days like her birthday, Mothers’ Day, and all the family holidays. I am so glad I had time at the end to take care of her, pamper her, and tell her how much I loved and appreciated her.
I advise everyone lucky enough to still have their mom to make sure she knows how much you love her every single day. You never know how many those days will be, or how they will end.
Lauren, I’m sure your mom will be esctatic to read your tender story. She will be so proud of you. Thank you for sharing your story and your beautiful work. Pam
This was a very touching post. My Grandma’s birthday was the same as your Mom’s is. I hope her day is happy.
I’m praying for your family & your health!
Great job! She should love it. I have two sons and they are not big on cards. Occasionally one of them will really surprise me with one. Thanks for sharing.
Marie
i believe you are a good writer, but have you erver thought to write some special artcals for peopel who likes shopping very much. for exaple, the artical about vibram five fingers and i think more and more people would comr to read your blogs.
Very cool stuff! Thanks, kepp going on!
Sobre mi blog. Lo creé hace apenas unos días. y espero que así como neoteo tiene una gran comunidad de seguidores, mi blog también pueda tenerla, y que los estudiates de la Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo lo usen de forma habitual.
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Very cool stuff! Thanks, kepp going on!
Very cool stuff!
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