Happy Mother’s Day to All the Beautiful Moms—Two-Legged and Four-Legged Alike!

To all the amazing moms out there—including the dog moms, cat moms, chicken moms (and yes, duck moms too!)—I see you and celebrate you today.

Motherhood is something I dreamed of since I was a little girl. I remember carrying around baby dolls and pretending I was their mama. One time, my mom and my best friend Brooke’s mom gave us incredibly realistic baby dolls—private parts and all! It was a big deal, and I think I might still have mine.

I’m incredibly blessed to have not just one, but two moms in my life—my own mother and my mother-in-law. Grab your coffee (even if you’ve had to reheat it ten times) and join me for some stories, laughter, and love as we honor all that mothers are.

What Is a Mother?

A mother is more than the woman who gave you life—she’s the heartbeat of your home, the quiet wisdom in the chaos, and the steady strength that holds everything together. She’s the one who juggles a million tasks—appointments, drive-thrus, endless to-do lists—and still shows up when the world walks out.

She’s the magic behind every scraped knee kissed, every thoughtful lunch packed, every late night spent caring for others. Whether she came into your life by birth, marriage, or divine appointment, she is a gift—and she is irreplaceable.

Honoring Two Incredible Women

Today, I honor two amazing women who shaped me with their strength, creativity, and unconditional love:

My mom, Linda, and my mother-in-law, Karen.

• My mom taught me how to find blessings in the most unexpected places—from food rescues at the grocery bins to riding bikes to dumpster dive.

• Karen showed me how to create beauty from brokenness, to upcycle what others might toss, and how to hot glue anything into something elegant.

I was fortunate to know my mother-in-law almost my entire life. Our families shared meals, mission trips, and special church events. I remember how she and my mom would team up to organize our church's annual mother-daughter banquet—finding speakers, booking venues, planning every last detail. Karen was the queen of creating stunning decorations from the simplest materials, while my mom excelled at organizing and hosting.

One of my favorite memories is our church’s ladies craft day. My mom and Karen would lead it, and everyone scrambled to get one of their craft kits—they weren’t your dollar store foam stickers, either! We crafted, shared soup, listened to worship music, and soaked in God’s Word. It was community, creativity, and Christ, all rolled into one.

A Hero in Action

One of my most unforgettable memories? When my mom and I went to get our ears pierced. After my turn, she sat down to get hers. Just as they pierced one ear, someone burst through the doors yelling, “Does anyone know CPR?” Without hesitation, my mom—an experienced school director—rushed out and saved a man’s life. After the paramedics arrived, she calmly walked back in and got her other ear pierced. She was my hero that day and every day.

Full Circle

I always hoped I’d marry into a family like Karen’s. In high school, I dated Mark, her son. We parted ways after graduation, and I later married someone else. That relationship ended after 12 years and three kids. I remember praying for God to bring someone who would love both me and my children—and wouldn’t you know, He brought Mark back into my life.

Now married, I gained not just a wonderful husband but also the mother-in-law I had always wished for. Karen and I had treasured moments crafting, thrifting, and sharing quiet talks. She passed away last year, and I miss her deeply. Her love of Christ and her generous spirit touched everyone she met—including me. I still feel her presence when I’m out thrifting, and I carry her memory in everything I do.

A Renewed Bond

As I’ve grown older, my relationship with my mom has deepened. We had our rough patches—especially during my teen years—but today, I cherish our Jesus talks, our laughter, and the wisdom she continues to share. She's a born teacher—of kids, of women, of anyone willing to listen. Whether we’re tossing wigs at the Goodwill Bins or praying for one another, I treasure every moment with her.

To All the Mothers Out There:

You are cherished, loved, and seen. Thank you for showing up, holding it all together, and loving deeply—even when it’s hard.

With love and blessings,
Kimberly Gonzales
Wife, mother of three, and proud mom to dogs, cats, chickens, and ducks