Kristin

Summer 2009. That is when I met this glorious woman. Little did I know how glorious she really was. I then I got to know her. Kristin is a dear friend and neighboor that I decided to do this week. She has been on my mind the last several days. Mainly because she is having her fourth child this Thursday and I can't help but think of her. I think of her because of how much she inspires me everytime I am with her, talk to her, think about her.... I will give you the best version I can of what this woman is capable of. She blows my mind. Kristin has three small children: a 4 year old, a 3 year old, a 19 month old, and baby number 4 due in three days. Now sit for just a second and think about that. Ok. So it doesn't sound demanding right? WRONG. Up until a few weeks ago, Kristin also worked as a flight attendent for work. I can't even imagine. Walking up and down those small isles. Listening to annoying people ask for stupid things. Serve people. All while flying in the air pregnant. On top of working, Kristin is one of the most involved parents I have EVER seen. Here is what I mean. She has never ever never spent a night away from her kids, well, except for the ONE night she HAS TO stay at the hospital after giving BIRTH! She doesn't drop her kids off with anyone, if she does, it's super rare. She cares so much for their personal growth and happiness. I mean, she really does. She likes it that way. She appreciates all their different behaviors and personalities. She needs them as much as they need her. She watches them adoringly from a distance. I have noticed. I notice because I spend so much time with her. Her kids never miss out. She loads all three of those kids in the car, takes them to parks, swimming lessons, story time, stores, play dates.... you name it, she takes them. When I say that she watches them adoringly, it's because she is always in tune with what they are up to. If it be teething, tired, scared, or needing some attention. On top of all the she does, she looks great while doing it. Seriously. Take a look at this photo and you will see a striking, beautiful woman. (not to mention she is like 7 months pregnant in that photo, I know, no fair) I have never really seen her not looking beautiful. Even if it's a day where she has worn her hair in a wet braid and is wearing workout pants. I just have to say Kristin is one of the most outgoing, fun loving, energetic people I have ever met.Nothing slows her down and I hope nothing ever will. Her kids and husband are so lucky to have her. I am so lucky to know her and have her as my friend. I love you girl. You are my inspiration!!!!

Janet

This adorable woman is my Grandmother. Grand doesn't even begin to describe her. My dad's mom who has been like a life line in our family. This amazing woman gave birth naturaly to seven children all of which she had before she was twenty nine years old. Does that blow your mind? If it doesn't, this will. Let's talk about grandchildren. She has 33 of them. Some say that's not too many, but when you take into account that she has a relationship with every single one of them, that is a big deal. She always has a way of making you feel special and that your a good person. On top of that many grandchildren she has 18 great grandchildren and counting! If all of her grandkids have three kids themselves.... she could have 99 great grandchildren when all is said and done! (Other cousins of mine better do some child bearing for me, I might just limit myself to two!) Talk about generations to come filled with her wisdom, positivity, and sweetness. She has always been known for being super healthy and is a real inspiration to me to live and eat better. She makes pretty much everything from scratch, eats vitamins like candy, and is probably the healthiest person I know. I hope it means she will live a really long time. My kids deserve to know and remember her. All her great grands do. There have been times in my life that I have felt so much despair. I pick up the phone and her calming voice and charitible nature make me feel as if I could take on the world. I love talking to her about how she raised her family. She says that alot of it was a blur. Makes me feel better! She said she is not sure how dishes got done, not sure how everyone managed to stay alive, not sure how her kids turned out how they did.... but those of us who know her, know how. Since I had Johnny, I make a once a year trip to stay at her home for a week, usually when Summer is over. I pack up the kids and all our stuff and drive to Price to spend time with her. We sit and talk, make bread, make yogurt and orange juice popcicles, look at family pictures, talk about her life, talk about my life... I have noticed when I am there the pictures that surround her home. Pictures of all of us. All seven of her kids, all of her grandkids and great grandkids. No one is left out. She cherishes us all. There are no favorites. There are so many times in my life that she has made me feel like everything is going to be ok. She managed to do so much and had five more children that I do! When I look at her, I can't help but feel like she is the same person I have known since I was a little girl. I hope that my kids will be able to know her like I do. To be able to help her make bread, talk about her life and most of all have her hold their faces in her hands and have her give them kisses. I love you Grandma Gardner. You are my inspiration!

Shelby

Shelby. I can't say enough about my sister. This girl is more than just my sister. She is my safe haven, a smile on a hard day, a pure and steadfast heart, my kids' aunt, my kids' favorite person on the planet, an empathetic and honest young lady. Shelby inspires me to be a better person, to be more positive and to really see what is important. "Bo Bo", as she has been called all her life is like no other 16 year old I have EVER met. She is silly, fun, and down right amazing. She cares for my children as if she has already been a mom herself. She chooses the right everyday and not because it's what is the right thing to do, because it is in her heart and soul. She has saved me in so many different stages in my life. With out her, I'm lost. She deeply cares for others and it touches me to the very core to see her be so sweet and kind to others who are different, because she too, is different. Of course Shelby likes clothes, hair, music, friends, and make up- like another 16 year old does, but Shelby cares about family, standing up for what is right, being diligent about her faith, she doesn't judge others, she calms a storm and is the peacemaker in our family. I am so excited for the day when Shelby grows up, gets married and has children of her own. I hope she will let me be a safe haven for her as she has been to me. I don't worry about Shelby. I know she will make the right choices in her life. I don't want her to grow up too fast because it's so fun to have her call and text me about boys, school and life. She is someone I will always look up to. Shelby, your my inspiration.

First Post

This post will basically tell you when this blog is all about and how the posts will be done. I am surrounded by many women, that daily, inspire me. I decided to do this blog as a tribute to them and to maybe inspire others. The women I post about mean alot to me, otherwise they woudn't be on here! Can't see a post about yourself? Just wait, you could be next. I love to write, spelling not included, and have started up my old passion of taking pictures. The picture posted today is one for fun. Love the women in my family! They support me and have faith in me. So, here it goes! Here is to the Sisterhood Project!!!!