"Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30

I guess I will always look on my children as "my babies." It was wonderful to be there for the births of both grandchildren, and I was thankful to know they were whole and healthy. But I could not leave the hospital until I could touch my baby, and know for myself that she had come through it whole and healthy, too. It's a Mom thing.

Now, as I look at my beautiful grandchildren, I am so thankful that, through all my mistakes, misgivings, fears, and bad decisions, my daughters are wonderful mothers.

Amanda has gone through more than her fair share of trial as a Mom. She is, single-handedly, raising one fantastic boy. She works so hard every day to provide the things he needs, but she always has time and energy to keep going after those long days. She sees him through homework, baseball, flu, and 9-yr-old cranky. She shares the home runs and the losses, the "I'm #1!" times and the "I'm such a loser!" moments. She never preaches at him; she chooses to talk to him, and help him deal honestly and fairly with whatever he's facing. She is firm and fair in discipline, and unconditionally loving. I hope, as Caleb grows and matures, he will see just what a great Mom she is.

Karen has just become a Mom. She still has that "Where did you come from?" glow on her face when she looks at her precious daughter. She's dealing with feeding, changing, up-all-night, and random crying, and having to work and leaving the baby in day care. She truly seems to cherish every moment with Baby Lorelai. She is loving, gentle, funny, and fiercely protective. I am so thankful for Jay, her wonderful husband, who deeply loves and cares for them both. Rorei will grow up knowing she is truly loved.

I am so proud of both my daughters. "My babies" are fine, strong young women. And, lest you think I would spend all this ink and not say it, I want to end by declaring that I have the most wonderful, intelligent, handsome/beautiful grandchildren on the face of the earth.

I'm not bragging....just stating the facts.