good. gravy.
 I am a lucky girl. 🙂
Remember last week when I rambled (probably a little too long . . . ), about struggling with measuring up?
Well, my husband took the time to read that mess (he doesn't read everything here on PPP, but scans some of it every once in awhile), and on a blank piece of copy paper gave me just the best Mother's Day card and gift I've ever received.Â
I'd told him not to spend money (we've been working quite a bit on fluffing up our home, so I was perfectly content with that), but this little note was more than I ever could have wished for.
To spare you the gorey ahem, goofy details, I won't share it all, but hope he'll forgive me for sharing a few of my favorite parts.Â
“Our marriage has not been perfect, but you have given me the perfect marriage. . .  . you are what I always wanted, not “Barbie.” 🙂Â
Folks, this guy looks at this absolute mess of a mom with pudgy hips, saggy soft spots, and one crazy unorganized life, and loves (and cheers!) for me every single day. Back when I first starting working on PPP, when I was literally putting in 40 hours a week and not making a single penny, he stood by as my cheerleader, confidently encouraging me to keep at it, never once questioning my work here despite the extra load it often put on him.
The last year has not been our easiest. In fact, probably since our marriage I've cried more tears than I can remember. (And I'm not one to shed tears much ~ hardly ever!) Moving 8 hours from what had become our home has been a major adjustment, and we've had some other struggles that have popped onto our plate along the way.
(Add in parenting both a teenager and tweenager in the midst of that along with one crazy busy 8 year old? Yikes.)Â
James is oh-so-different from me. He hates social media, rarely watches a movie, and in many ways is an old-fashioned-fuddy-duddy-born-100-years-too late.
Bless him. 😉
But he loves and encourages me as if I'm amazing (despite the fact that I'm so far from it!), and continues to be this person who just thinks I'm a rockstar even when he sees the truth every day.
(Isn't it a blessing when those who know you best love you most? wow.)
Honestly? I'm not great at doing the same thing for him. I get frustrated that the dishes aren't done, or if the laundry's piling up, or if I just feel like I'm incapable of keeping up. I have got to work better at being his cheerleader too, but for whatever reason it's not always natural to me.
If you're lucky enough to have a cheerleader in your life too, whether it be your spouse, parents, or a wonderful friend, thank them because they will help you go so much further than you ever can go on your own.
And, if you're like me and struggle to cheer someone else on, goodness gracious, join me and let's start doing just that!
Sometimes just being cheered for is all we need to turn into our very best self ~ and I'm so incredibly thankful to have someone cheering for me. (Especially on those days I'm not so sure of myself.)
Anyone else get  just the most wonderful gift for Mother's Day that wasn't even all that much? Sometimes those gifts are just the sweetest, and I'm oh-so-thankful for that one today.Â
 Looking for more posts like this? Here you go . . .
- The Smartest Financial Decision We (Accidentally) Made
- The Ugly Green Eyed Monster (and why I'll never measure up)
- Bag Lady
- Grace
- Blessed (And I didn’t even know it)
- Charm is Deceptive and Beauty is Fleeting
- The Value of A Kind Word
- Praying With Your Children
- Praying With Your Children (the Addendum)
- If Only….Â
- Are You A Real Mom?
- Giving Passionately?
- Do Our Children Need It All?
- If Only….Â
- Contentment In the Little Things
- Don’t Sacrifice What You Really Want For What You Want Right Now
- What Really Impresses Me
- Pinching In a Sacred Meal
Laurie says
What a wonderful gift Janell – thank you so much for sharing!!! I know it’s got to be such a bittersweet time as she’s getting closer to finishing up school, but what a precious gift for you. I love that!
Janell in Georgia says
My daughter will be 21 in a few days. She just finished her Junior year of nursing school, and has done her orientation, will do their special CPR class, and start her internship next week. She gave me the sweetest necklace. It is a silver block with a small bird cut from it. The bird is on a chain for her to wear. When I opened it she said ‘see, I will always be a part of you’. Yes I cried.
Jennifer B. says
Buy that man some chips and make him some Salisbury steak for dinner! c: I’m fairly certain he knows just how special he is to you, but it feels great to be reminded.
Laurie says
HA Jennifer!!! 🙂 I do need to make Salisbury Steak and chips – thank you for making me smile this morning – I needed that!!!
Tammy says
My 19 year old daughter gave me a jar that had 50 things I love about you on the jar. Inside was 50 slips of paper with things she loves about me. The best gift ever. I love the special gifts from the heart that money can’t buy. They are always the most memorable ones.
Laurie says
You’re right Tammy – those are the ones that are so precious to me as well. So thankful for them!