Happy Mother's-in-Law Day!

`````

My husband doesn't know this...but I married him for his mother!

I have the world's best mother-in-law. In fact, I almost feel bad calling her my "mother-in-law"because that's such a loaded title, more like a punchline than a term of endearment. I like to think of her as "Mom L."--a friend and wonderful role model.

From the moment I met her, Mom L. opened her arms and heart and home to welcome me. This is wonderful, because her home is always a delightful place to be. Long before Martha, Rachel or Nigella...Mom L. perfected the art of homemaking. She is the original domestic goddess! She sews, decorates, quilts and stitches beautifully. I am in awe of her handiwork.

And her cooking...well, let's just say I only hope my sons rave to their wives someday about their childhood mealtimes as much as my husband raves about his! As many times as I have tried to re-create her cinnamon rolls, fudge, popcorn balls, turkey & dressing, Swedish tea ring, breakfast souffle or oatmeal cookies, I just don't seem to have that magic touch that makes it "Mom's"! (Luckily, when she comes to visit, Mom L. cooks up a few specialties to last us awhile.)

In the 17 years she has been part of my life, Mom L. has never said an unkind word. Although we've never lived in the same city or state, she has never made me feel guilty for "taking her son away". Instead she has come to my rescue when I needed help making curtains or cooking for a crowd or caring for newborn babies or entertaining a one-year-old in a spica cast or hosting a Christmas Eve party or sewing matching Halloween costumes or tending my foursome while I travelled abroad.

Behind every great man stands a great woman. Well, I married a pretty great guy...but the woman who stands behind him is amazing!

Happy Mother's Day...I love you!