2.My Mother-in-law. How could you not admire the parenting that produced my dh? I also love how she prays for my family and encourages me in my parenting. She is also a key member of the official chemo "dream team"!

3.My first mentor, Debra. She was a huge influence on my early parenting. She also introduced me to home birth and homeschooling. I knew whenever she wanted to "grab a cup of coffee" I was in for it (grin), as she never failed to speak the truth in love when she saw me faltering.

4. My sister-in-law, Susan. She's "further down the road" with two of her children--and their characters testify to their being raised in truth and love. I also can't fathom how she does all that she does--I'd love to be a fraction as accomplished.

5.My best friend, Sally. I admire her passion in all she does--including motherhood, and her laid-back California girl personality has helped put the brakes on my type-A one. She's taught me that love (especially where small people are involved) is MESSY--and that the mess is okay! We've essentially grown up as mommies together, and shared hours of encouragement--not to mention babysitting, food, and gallons and gallons of coffee. I'm so thankful for cheap long distance, but I sure miss hanging out with her!

6. My friend Lynda. Lynda is "further down the road" in that she's a grandma, but she also has a sweet boy the same age as the Princess. Lynda is a born encourager--in action, prayer, and words. She'll never know just how much she's blessed me, even 1000 miles away.

7. My dear friend Laurie. She's also "further down the road", with her eldest preparing to get married this summer, but also with children similar in age to me. For a true spitfire (and I mean that in total love, Laurie!) she has an amazing gentleness born of wisdom in the way she deals with her boys that I pray to one day emulate.

8. My friend Meredith. Happy first Mother's Day, Meredith. I love your passionate love for baby K, and loved watching you prepare for her arrival. I'm not sure any baby was ever anticipated with such joy...and it has been a wonderful reminder of what gifts my little tribe are.

9. My friend Jess, author of the opening quote. Learning travels up and down the road of motherhood, as does encouragement. You are a blessing to me.

10. My author and momsloop friend, Amy W. We haven't know each other IRL very long, but your honesty inspires me, as does your love for your princesses , not to mention how you juggle homeschooling and a writing career. No "mommy Olympics" for you--or for me, thank you very much!

11. My friend Kim. Her love of Christ shines through in all she does--especially in this season, as she takes on the formidable task of single parenting. I long to be the prayer warrior that she is

12. Arlene G., a sweet saint who was in my Community Bible Study core group several times over the years. She served as a missionary in Thailand for over 30 years and raised and home schooled 5 children in an era where ALL MK's went to boarding school. All of her grown children are believers raising their children to serve Christ. She's the matriarch of an amazing Godly legacy and she never saw or spoke to me on the phone without saying something encouraging.

13. The momsloop moms--you've been encouragement and inspiration over the years (has it really been nine years?). I want to be all of you when I finally grow up!

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