Wednesday, June 10, 2009

no moaning....only celebrating!

My mother in law lives with us. (Does the idea of your mother in law living with you ellict groans?) Actually, years ago I might have groaned at the thought of living with my mother in law. (I'm just being honest...heck, she might have moaned at the thought of living with me!) But 15 years ago, on Labor day weekend, we moved into the house where my husband grew up and his mother moved into the 'in-law' apartment that is attached to the main house. Here we are 15 years later and I can honestly say that I love my mother in law today in a way that wouldn't have been possible had we not lived under the same roof. I wouldn't appreciate her the way that I do, had we not intertwined our lives the way that we have. Today is her 70th birthday and I wanted to honor her for the godly woman that she is! She has a generous and giving spirit. If anyone in the near vicinity needs a helping hand, she is there giving all that she has to help out. She faithfully gives to her church and blesses others with her ability to serve. She's been through some really tough times in her life but rather than allow them to make her bitter, she's risen above those hard circumstances and because of her faith, become one of the most forgiving individuals that I know. She is never in a hurry and has the gift of always making whomever she's talking to feel like they are the most important thing on her schedule for the day. She is an amazing woman! I love you so much Barbara and I'm so thankful that your son shared you with me through the bonds of our marriage. I am a better wife, mother, daughter and friend because of what you have sown into my life. Happy Birthday!

16 comments:

Coach said...

I am glad we moved in too! Happy B-Day Mom I LOVE YOU!

Vee said...

What a lovely post! I know others who live with their MILs and it is totally the opposite.

mark said...

we love her too! happy belated birthday mamaw! what a beautiful and God honoring tribute, spoken with true sincerity.

Journeying Five said...

what a beautiful tribute to your hubby's mother! God bless!

Kristyn Knits said...

what lovely words for a lovely woman. she has such a tender and caring spirit. I think it's great that you can "live in community" with your family!

Designs on 47th Street said...

I just found you while blog hopping. Lucky me. Your blog is precious.

What a nice blog entry about your sweet mother in law. Happy Birthday to her.

Stop by and see me sometime. :)

Donna

larissa said...

i love your beautiful and thoughtful words. i can only imagine how your loving relationship - and the fact that she lives with you - has benefited your kiddos.

Gigi said...

How sweet. I have an idea that your MIL is not the only wonderful woman living in your home making it the lovely & loving place it is.

cathleen said...

This is such a beautiful tribute, Lisa. I am sure she appreciates the beautiful soul you are too.

a friend to knit with said...

oh, how wonderful that you share that connection and bond. happy birthday to a beautiful woman!

stitching under oaks said...

Thanks everyone for all your sweet and loving comments...I showed them to my mother in law and she was overwhelmed! She couldn't believe it!

Sigrun said...

What a lovely birthday gift, this tribute. I really loved my mother-in-law, too and we lost her way too early. It was her godly way and unjudging character and generosity that impressed me about her.

Anna said...

What a beautiful post, it brought a tear to my eye. My husband's mother died before I met him, I wish I'd been lucky enough to have a MIL like yours.

Philigry said...

great story!

Anonymous said...

Happy (belated) Birthday!!! I hope you had a wonderful day and that you have many blessed birthdays ahead!!

Love,
Kelly

From All Stitched Up said...

What a nice post. You two are very lucky and fortunate women.