Day 16

The photo challenge had a small gap this week.  I was out of town and had no access to the internet. Now that we are back home the blogging continues! 

Today's challenge is to post a picture of some one who inspires you.  Immediately some one popped into my head.  There are so many people who inspire me or have inspired me but for some reason this woman stands out.  My mind kept coming back to her. She was the first person to pop into my head and that means something.

These are pictures of my mother-in-law. The top picture is the two of us being silly (imagine that) and the bottom picture is one of my favorite pictures of her with my boys. 

The first time I met Debbie I wore overalls -- Jacob later told me that his mom didn't like overalls. I remember being upset and wishing Jacob had thought to mention to me that his mom didn't like overalls before I went to meet her for the first time.  Jacob just laughed at me. He said, "She thought you looked cute."  I was horrified.  I mean, if you go meet some one who could become your future mother-in-law and you wear something she hates, well, that can't be good! 

It actually didn't seem to be a big deal.  Funny what we get hung up on.

My mother-in-law is one of the most creative people I have ever met. She is also one of the smartest women I have ever met.  She inspires me in so many ways. She inspires me to be creative.  She inspires me to stop and think about things.  She inspires me to do fun things with my sons and to notice the world around me (and to appreciate the beauty of things).  She is a wonderful grandmother to her 5 grandchildren and is always there to help us when we need it.  She even puts up with me!  (Trust me -- this week, there was A LOT to put up with). She has proven that she loves me even on my worst days -- which still blows my mind! Most of my friends talk about how their mothers-in-law drive them crazy.  They have some funny stories.  I have no stories like that. I was blessed with a cool mother-in-law.  I have learned so much from her and love her dearly.  I am glad she accepted me into her family and I am thankful for the relationship I have with her -- knowing that not all woman have the same relationship we have.

I look forward to many more years of inspiration from this wonderful woman!