Women I admire

Last night I got to thinking about some women that I truly admire. Not celebrities or even high profile people. Just ordinary every day women that inspire me to be a better person. Here are some of the ladies I came up with:

- The lady down the street with 12 children, ages 18-infant. I truly admire her. Her children are SO well behaved. They help out around the house and are courteous whenever we see them out and about. And she home schools all of them! I wish I had her wisdom and patience.

- The other lady down the street. Her husband is deaf. The have one biological child that has normal hearing. They have adopted a brother and sister from Ethiopia who are deaf. AND they are on their way to China to adopt a deaf little girl. What wonderful people to open their hearts and their home to these deserving children. They are so sweet too! Always waving hello on their afternoon family walks.

-My many friends that are military wives. Including: Kulia, Mandy, Niki, Grace, Cindi, Becky, Nikki and Jamie. You ladies are amazing! I don't know how you deal with your husbands being gone so often. And being in such a dangerous position. I truly admire your strength. I thank you and your families for all that you do for the rest of us.

-Women who go to school while raising children. I've tried and I just can't handle it. I admire those with the perseverance and the will to continue their hopes and dreams. Much like my friend Shannon. Not only is she going to school, she teaches and has a beautiful 2 year old!

- Women who work while raising children. Like Andrea, Corey, Ingrid and Corrina. I work part-time so I can claim partial credit. But, those that do it day in and day out while still maintaining a household are inspiring. Some days I think that I might go back to work full-time and just the thought causes panic attacks!

- Women who stay home to raise their children. Like Age, Devon, Emily, Helen, Julie, Keara, Mary Ann, Noah, Sara and Susan. Once again, I'm only home part-time. If I was home full time I do believe we'd only have two children. I don't know how SAHMs stay sane. I salute you!

-Single moms. I've been there done that. It's HARD! For those that do it, I salute you! You are wonderful to take on both the mother and father roles. You children will be that much stronger because of you.

-Women with special needs children. Like my remarkable friend Piper. I truly feel that you have been blessed. And that you have received these children because you CAN handle them. Others would turn and flee. Yet you all become the advocates for your children. You fight for them and struggle with them and cry with/for them and cheer for the smallest accomplishment. There is a special place in Heaven for you.

- Women who start their own businesses. I have considered it, but I don't think I have what it takes. I applaud women who break through the barriers and follow their hearts to start their own businesses. A few of my friends that I admire deeply are: Meghan, Ruthi, Jennifer, Yan.

- Teachers. Need I say more? Of course we've had our run ins with crappy teachers, but for the most part they are wonderful. Like Nichole and soon Amanda. During the school year they spend more awake hours with my children than I do. And if I can get annoyed at my four children after two hours, I can't even imagine what it's like for you! Thank you for shaping the future of our country. Thank you for caring enough!

- Women that know their faith and are strong in it. I have always been too lazy to completely understand Christianity. I was raised Christian, but haven't ever taken the time as an adult to truly understand. Some of my friends like Laura, Megan, Karen, Ruthi and Stephanie (who has yet to start a blog) give me such insight into their faith that it inspires me to take the time.