Monday, May 14, 2012

Women and Mothers

I know this is late, but this mother's day, I wanted to write a post to express my gratitude for the incredible women in my life, starting with my own angel mother. My mom is the best in the world! From her I have learned and continue to learn about love, selflessness, strong faith and devotion, prayer, tenderness....the list could go on. She is the most loving person I've ever known. I have always felt so loved by her. Thank you, mom for being such a great example of  what true beauty is! I love you! :)  

My beautiful sister and Alice
Next is my amazing sister. There is quite the age gap between us (9 years), but she has always been a great example to me. I love living so close to her and being involved in each other's lives. She has firm faith, a fun, friendly personality, and amazing determination and strength through the good and tough times (10 surgeries in the past 6 years!).








Then there is my sweet mother-in-law.  We have similar personalities and I just love being around her when we have the opportunities. She is very calm and sweet, always making sure everyone is taken care of. I am amazed at how she raised SIX amazing sons (my hubby being the most amazing, of course ;). I am grateful for her righteous example of how to raise righteous, faithful children. I know that she is a "mother who knows". She reminds me of the mothers of the stripling warriors in the Book of Mormon (See Alma 56: 47-48).







Grandma Dunn
Grandma Brewer
The Grandmothers in my life are very special to me. Grandma Dunn has always been so supportive and loving to all her family members. I love hearing stories of how she raised SEVEN boys and ONE girl. She has always been energetic and kind. Even though we've always lived far apart, I've always felt so loved and cared for by her. Grandma Brewer is Ben's grandma, but I feel close to her like she is my own (biological) grandma too. We've been blessed to be able to live near her since we got married. Grandma Brewer is ALWAYS thinking of others and how to serve. She is so very kind and one of my favorite people to spend time with. She is very strong-willed with a very strong faith that she shares by her shining example to all around her. My Granny Lois has always been special. I've not spent very much time with her, but I know she loves the Lord and loves all around her. She is very willing to love and serve those around her and is just as sweet as can be. (Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of Granny Lois)

Emily
I am blessed to have some amazing Sisters-in-law.
~Emily just joined our family a few months ago, but she's a keeper! ;) She is so good for my brother and I can tell she is an amazing mother. I'm looking forward to getting to know her better. 

Song
~We had the opportunity to live with Mike and Song for a few months while Ben did an internship in D.C. I learned SO MUCH from Song about motherhood and wifehood (is that even a word?) I was still very much a new mother with Merrilee being only 6 months when we moved there, and I found out I was pregnant with Alice while we were there also! Song showed me and helped me realize the kind of wife and mother I aspire to be with my children and family by the way she ran her household and loved her children. Through her example, she taught me about housekeeping, sewing, cooking, how to be a good friend/neighbor, how to show your children love throughout the day...the list could go on. I know we were supposed to go out East for a reason, and I know that this is one of them...so that I could learn from Song's example of love, patience, kindness, hard work, and tenderness. (Miss you Song!)

Hoku
Jeralyn
~Hoku and I go way back...to middle school band! Yep we sat next to each other in the flute section of the 8th grade band. We also went on a YW backpacking trip together a few years later. I am so happy that we are sisters now! Hoku is an amazing example of superwoman! Her ambition and hard work are inspiring (working, schooling, motherhood)! She is very loving and FUN to be around.

~Jeralyn and I also go way back! We were friends in High School and we always thought it would be funny if we both married Brewer boys and became related. :) Well, now we are! Jeralyn also has a fun personality. I've always admired her quiet strength and easy-going attitude. She is just so sweet and I love talking with her when we get the chance. The way she treats all around her shows what a kind-hearted person she is!

Kylie
~Kylie is so awesome. I've always loved how friendly and outgoing she is! She is an amazing mama and crafter/homemaker extraordinaire! I find her easy to talk to and relate with and she's just one of those people you want to be around! I'm glad we've gotten to spend some time together every few months! 


And then there are all my Friends. I don't have room to write about each one of them here, but they are my best, lifelong friends, my friends from high school, my friends from college, my friends from church, my friends from the community...I feel like I have many friends who uplift me, inspire me, encourage me and are examples to me. These are the women who are making a difference in my life everyday (whether they know it or not) just by their examples. 

There are so many women and mothers in my life who have helped me become who I am today and who continue to help me to progress and refine my womanly and motherly attributes.Thank you all for being the women you are! 

5 comments:

Song Brewer said...

Maura this is so sweet! What a thoughtful thing to do--and just like you! I'll always treasure those four months spent with a kindred spirit. I don't have blood sisters on my list of women in my life, and it was truly special for me to get to spend that time with you. I think often of how much fun it was to have someone to share those projects and moments with. Thank you for contributing so much!

The Brewers said...

What a sweet post Maura! Thank you for your kind words! You too are a great example and are an amazing mother to two beautiful girls!

mmclarkfam said...

Maura, you're so sweet! Thanks for your wonderful post and kind words! You're a special girl!!!

Jeralyn said...

Well the first thing I thought to say was that you are so sweet, but it looks like the other commenters beat me to it! Oh well, it's still true :)

I loved reading your post. It made me think harder about the women in my own life (of course, we have a bit of overlap!), and how thankful I am, too. And thanks for those nice things you said! You're so thoughtful! We sure miss you guys!

Kylie said...

Maura!! You are amazing too!! Thank you for the delightsome post to read :) I agreed with everything.. except that I think Adam is the most amazing Brewer boy ;)