Amanda...

When she looks in the mirror, all she sees is tired. The strain from being newly divorced and having to find the strength to start over as well as keeping a brave front for her kids, has worn it's welcome. When people tell her she looks amazing, she doesn't believe them because she sees what she feels. She is doing everything, the kids keep her going and she had no idea how she was going to get through everything but she had to, for them. 

She is very thankful for the amazing group of girlfriends who have given her strength when she didn't have any. When she spoke of her children, the pride and love she has for them is overwhelming and the battles they have all faced together have brought them that much closer.

When I asked these two what they love about their mom, big smiles spread over their faces. They said everything, then continued to tell me, they love her intelligence, her beauty, her hair, her eyes, her smile and the way she laughs. They also love how she listens to them when they are sad, and how she is always there for them. They love her sarcasm and how she feeds them so they don't starve lol. They also love how hard she works for them, getting them to hockey and school so they can have a good education as well as how she works so hard for the community. 

After I spoke with these kids, I was given one of their friendship bracelets. This gesture meant more to me then they can possibly realize. I would say, mama, your doing an excellent job with these two and they are very proud of who you are!