I’m beyond lucky to have so many great moms around me. While I think I may love my cat more than they love any of their kids, I do have the best moms surrounding me. Whether they are a mother to me, a friend, or family- their friendship and role as a mother is inspiring to me! I want to take little bits of each of their mothering styles and smoosh them together when it comes time for me to be a mother (to a human child, and not a cat.)

Happy Mother’s Days to all you moms out there, especially the ones below- My FAVORITE Moms!

My Mom: Michelle, Mom of Brittney, Dale & Andrew

I can’t explain to you the amount of love I have for my mom. She has taught me what it means to be a lover and a fighter. She made me the independent woman that I am today, and she continues to teach me about life. She’s funny, smart, hard-working, and most of all…she thinks I’m great. The support she gives me in everything I do is commendable, and I see her becoming more and more like her mother all the time.

My Grandma: Clara, Mom of Michelle, Cheryl & Kevin

I always say that I want to have kids, but I can’t WAIT to be a Grandma. The whole reason is because of the love this woman showered me with during our time together. I miss her so much, but think of her daily. Moments we shared years ago still make me smile! I wish that my husband could meet her, but I think I share enough about her that he gets the idea: She was truly amazing.

My Best Friends: Mell, Mom of Lola & Coralline | Micole, Mom of Rhealynn | Melinda, Mom of Teagan

Who can say that their three closest friends in the world are some of the best mothers they’ve ever come across? Each of them has had unique situations in their lives, but the strength that they have portrayed is beyond anything I could ever imagine. They are raising my new wave of best friends to be strong, smart, independent women just like they are. I love them more than they even realize, and appreciate the strong “mom” influence they have over me (for future reference.)

My Mother in Law: Vicki, Mom of Brett & Kelly

My husband was raised to be a compassionate, considerate, kind, giving, gentleman. His mom taught him values that so many men are lacking today. The amount gratitude I have toward her for raising an amazing son is countless. Today, I am happy and proud to call her mom as well. She’s giving, caring, and funny. I’ve loved getting to know her for the past few years, and look forward to many more.

My Sister in Law: Kelly, Mom of Ethan

Kelly works hard to make sure my only nephew is well taken care of, and she does a great job every single day. Her routine-keeping skills are extraordinary, she’s raising a smart and funny child, and she’s just awesome to be around. I can’t wait for my own kids someday to be able to call her Auntie- I know they will think she’s just as great as I do.