Friday, April 24, 2009

MOTHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY/CONTEST

As promised, I'm excited to announce my latest giveaway for Mother's Day! These beautiful "Forget Me Not Earrings" are a new design for my shop, BeadinByTheSea. I thought these would be an appropriate choice as they were one of my mother's favorite flowers and I think of her everytime I see them bloom in the Spring.

Sadly, when I was in my early twenties, I lost my mom to cancer. It was difficult to be without a mother at such a young age especially as I was just beginning a new career and my adult life. Even though it's been almost 20 years since her death, I often think of how much she has influenced my life. I credit her with giving me a love for creativity. She was always trying something new and encouraged me to explore new crafts often bringing me home craft kits to try. I would sit and watch her sew and be fascinated with how things are put together. She taught me how to knit and crochet and played a huge part in fostering my love of sewing which I further pursued by obtaining a degree in Fashion Design.

I miss her dearly and so I dedicate this giveaway to her loving memory.

And now for the contest rules:

1. Leave your name and email address or a link to your blog along with a comment telling me what you love about your Mom. Click on "comments" at the bottom of this post to see the comment box. Comments without contact information will be discarded.

2. Come back on Mother's Day, May 10th to see if you've won.

3. Entries close at 4:00 PM PST.

4. Open worldwide to anyone age 18+.

5. If you can't wait until Mother's Day, these earrings are available for purchase in my shop.

Meanwhile, if you are blessed to still have your Mother, I encourage you to take the time to express to her how much you love and appreciate her!

121 comments:

  1. I love how honest my mom is. I can ask her If I have gained weight and she will tell me straight up. amsbolda@hotmail.com

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  2. I love how my mom is always there for her kids, no matter how old we get she still worries and frets over us like we are little kids. I know it will be a sad moment in my life when I can't just pick up the phone to run some little something by her for her advise. That is sure to leave a hole in your heart that non other can fill. May God Bless you. http://simplesubtleties.blogspot.com/
    Stacey

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  3. What a nice thing to do in honor of your mom! I may do something like this, too--lovely idea!

    I lost my mom 8 years ago and find that I think of her at some of the oddest times as well as the times one might expect. Mom's are in our blood as well as our hearts and minds. I miss my mom's surety--she was very definite about what was right and what was wrong and though it sometimes drove me crazy now I miss it. I often find myself feeling indecisive and unsure around big decisions until I remember the things she taught me about making decisions. Interesting, isn't it? Our moms are always with us.

    And your earrings are lovely!

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  4. I love that my mom is still with me at the age of ninety one!

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  5. What a lovely tribute to your mom! Those earrings are beautiful!

    I love that my mom loves animals as much as I do and always supports me in everything I do.

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  6. I love that she is successful!

    alison_luby at hotmail dot com

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  7. My mom loves different kinds of things!!! She would love that. My mom deserves that because she busts her butt keeping this house clean, keeping me healthy, and loving us while doing her work!!! I think that this would be a great opportunity to get this without paying money!!!

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  8. I love my moms hugs and her amazing cooking!
    Thanks for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. My moms love is unconditional.

    ropeswing77@yahoo.com

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  10. i love my mom she was always doing things for others. mverno@roadrunner.com

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  11. I loved my mom's laugh; it was distinctive, loud and lovely!

    Mom is 68 now and has Alzheimers, which has stolen everything from her, but some memories. I would love to hear her laugh again.

    Thanks for sharing your mom with us; these earrings are beautiful!

    nancyrobster@gmail.com

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  12. My name is Kayla. My mother is the most wonderful woman alive. She hasn't given up on finding a cure for me, even though it's been over 5 1/2 years since I first got sick. She keeps trying new things no matter how much it is or how far we have to go and telling me, "I refuse to leave any stone unturned." I love her so much and know I wouldn't be here without her.

    TheEclecticElement@yahoo.com
    www.theeclecticelement.blogspot.com

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  13. i love my mum's cooking! not just because it tastes great, but because she always knows which dish will cheer me up. :D

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  14. My mom passed away 8 years ago this month. I miss her very much and still feel very connected to her. She had a goofy sense of humor and a tremendous love of family and friends. Mom gave me the support and encouragement to become my own person and a strong independant woman. I love you Mom.
    Sally B sabrita@juno.com

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  15. My mom is an independent, strong-willed woman. She is wise and I always consult her whenever I have any problems. She loves us very much and gives us the best things everytime. Although she is grouchy sometimes, but for me, she is still the best mom in the world!

    aikychien@yahoo.com

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  16. My mom is very empathetic, resilient, hard working and loving. She's my best friend.
    meredycat*lycos*com

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  17. I love her great sense of humor. She is really funny!
    Thanks a lot.

    Eliane
    eli_green22 at yahoo dot com dot br

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  18. I love that my mom does the "right thing" even when the other option is the easy option.

    catherineh_78@yahoo.com

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  19. amanda
    prettyfnmess at gmail
    http://kindovermatter.blogspot.com

    my mom is super creative & talented, always dabbling in something & is always excited about it.

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  20. My mom is always there for me during the really tough times, and there have been a few. I could go on for ages about what I love about here but it always comes back to the fact that she supports me in everything I do and everything I go through.

    I think what you've written about your Mom is a beautiful dedication.

    Jane

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  21. My Mom passed away in February. I love everything she was, especially the grace and courage she faced her last days with.


    mj.coward[at]gmail.com

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  22. I love my mom because she takes good care of us
    ( :

    A_C_E_(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  23. These earrings are beautiful! AND - I love your post. Thank you for reminding us to be forever grateful for our mothers and what they do in our lives. I love my mother for so many reasons. My husband has been away for 16 months - and counting. I moved back to my home state to get help from my mother so that I could work and have a loving environment for my son while "daddy" is away. My mom keeps my son every day while I work (at my house!) - which gives me peace of mind in knowing he's loved and nurtured while I'm away. I could never repay her for that!!

    jamieandandre at bellsouth dot net

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  24. I love my mother's heart and her example of tolerance.

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  25. My is 88 years old and just as sweet as can be. When my sons were little, I always loved that my mom never tried to tell me what to do with them, but was always there with good advise when asked.

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  26. I love that she supports me in everything I do and helps me without asking!

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  27. What I love about my Mom...her love of God and family, her acceptance of her 3 children and their quirky, many times annoying ways, and her always being there for us.
    cspmom at gmail dot com

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  28. My Mom would do anything for us, that is just one of the many reasons I love her

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  29. My mother is always ready!

    Thanks!

    cal_rubies at yahoo dot es

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  30. I love how my mom is such a great Grandma. She loves spending time with the kids -- reading, baking etc... Thanks for the giveaway. mybabyappleseed(at)yahoo(dot)ca

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  31. her quiet courage and her thoughtfulness......

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  32. I love the life lessons I learned about forgiveness and love. calleyamber@hotmail.com

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  33. I loved my Mom because she always had a kind word for me

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  34. I loved your touching tribute to your mom! She'd be very happy, I'm sure. I lost my mom too at an early age and I remeber that she was a great painter, seamstress and a wonderful cook! Happy Mother's day to you all!
    Maria
    www.artbymsr.blogspot.com
    www.artbymsr.etsy.com
    msr107@gmail.com

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  35. My mom has always been kind to strangers. She truly feels compassion for everyone. I love that about her.

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  36. My mom can do anything she wants. If she wants to do something, she figures out how it is done and does it! She amazes me. I don't have that kind of stick-to-it-tiveness!

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  37. Your mother is beautiful, will think of you when I see forget-me-nots. Lost my mother too, so many things to love about her. She encouraged me to follow my creative side and my heart. Taught me about flowers and birds. Raised me to love people and that its better to laugh than worry.
    cathyhorner@embarqmail.com

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  38. my mom has great empathy and willingness to help others and take up their problems. Thanks.
    lubaska(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  39. What a beautiful post!

    And beautiful jewelry, of course.

    My mom - I can't believe she put up with me for all those years.

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  40. Beautiful earrings-and a beautiful post.
    My mom is amazing-she raised me for a few years as a single mom and i still look back on that time as incredibly special because she managed to work full time, run a house, and still make me feel treasured. i love her like crazy!
    scburd@juno.com

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  41. Beautiful post! As I read about all that you learned from your mom that fashioned you into the person you are today, I couldn't help asking myself if I am a similar example for my own darling daughter? I sure hope so. Your mother sounds like a wonderful lady. I'm sorry you lost her so young.

    There are so many things I love about my mother, it's hard to pick just on to put in this comment.

    My mom has always been one of my biggest & most sincere sources of encouragement. She makes me feel like I can do anything. I love that about her.

    I also love her homemade chicken soup! And I still ask her to take care of me when I'm sick, even though I'm in my thirties! And she does!

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  42. I love my mother's determination. She will never give up on something she believes in. I like to think she passed that along to me as well.

    danunepthys(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  43. What a great giveaway! I love my mom's strength most of all. She raised 5 kids and has 7 grandkids and is still going strong!

    smw6122(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  44. My Mom is amazing! She is the most giving person ever and has sacrificed her retirement years to raise my austistic nephew!

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  45. My mom has always been supportive, no matter what. I love that about her!

    doliner.emily (at) gmail (dot) com

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  46. I lost my mom to cancer about two and a half years ago. She fought it for 14 years, about half of my life. And although she was so sick so often, I was oblivious to it for a long time because she handled everything with such grace. She almost never complained of the pain or the side effects of the treatment - in fact, I think it was the hair loss that upset her the most. But even that had a bright side - she could get a wig with straight hair! She'd always wanted straight hair. Even at the end of her life, her concern was her kids. She wanted to know we'd be okay. She was so full of life, hope and faith...I can't help but be encouraged by her.
    erin_melissa at juno dot com

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  47. My Mom has past away, however she loved me like no other!

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  48. I love my mom with her eveything. I cannot base my infinite love upon reasons.

    annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

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  49. My mom was a wonderful person and i miss her so much.We lost her some time ago.

    linmoe@sympatico.ca

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  50. Thank you for a great giveaway! I love that my mom is always there for me with great advice and a helping hand. Thank you!
    tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

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  51. those earrings are stunning!

    my mom, i think what sums my mom up the best is unconditional! She has her quirks, and sometimes we drive each other batty, but i know, no matter what, throughout all these years, she loves me, through thick and thin, she will always love me. she has seen me at my lowest, held my hand and cried with me in the hospital, laughed with me when i needed it the most, we sometimes go off the deep end togehter, but she's not just my mom anymore, but a friend i know i will have forever!

    mel_sunrise@yahoo.com

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  52. I love how my Mom still does the "little things" for her kids. She always takes time out to be a great listener.

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  53. I love that my mom always supports me no matter what. Her love is unconditional. She would love these earrings!

    Thanks!
    Lisa
    www.lucidmoonstudio.com

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  54. wendy wallach
    madamerkf at aol dot com

    what i love about my mom is her ability to make everyone around her laugh until they hurt!

    madamerkf at aol dot com

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  55. I don't have a mother but I have the best mother inlaw, she is always there if I need anything.

    whoopla35@live.com

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  56. I like the Pretty Paisley necklace in fine silver
    and the matching earrings.

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  57. mschicky@cox.net
    My mom is Canadian, but she doesn't mind when we call her an "alien"!

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  58. I love that my mother accepts and loves me for who I am, that at almost 80 years of age she had the love and strength to face my cancer diagnosis and be there (travelling half way across the country) for me.

    winterbeach2@yahoo.ca

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  59. I love and miss my mom. I know shes watching over me.

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  60. I lost my wonderful mother 7 years ago, she was talented, loving ,and a terrific mother to her children and half of the children on my block. So much so that some of those children returned to show their respects 40 years later at Mom's funeral. I love and miss you mom! Jack palmer jcpalmer@localnet.com

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  61. Thank you for this contest. I hope I win.

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  62. I love my mother because when I got pregnat with my son at age 19 she never kicked us out instead she ended up being our doctor and supporting me all the way.

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  63. My mother is a pillar in my life. I wrote this poem for her on Mother's Day several years ago:

    She is such a beautiful woman
    of character and grace
    She brightens every room
    with a lovely smiling face

    She’s giving of herself
    in each and every way
    And when someone is troubled
    she’ll find the time to pray

    You’ll never find a kinder heart
    Her eyes are so sincere
    She’ll always make you feel at home
    whenever she is near

    I’m proud to be her daughter
    and until the very end
    she will always be my mother
    she will always be my friend


    Carolyn Parsons
    copyright 2001

    parsonscuz@hotmail.com

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  64. My mom was so fun! She is gone now, but I fondly remember our good times. Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill@comcast.net

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  65. My mother is my best friend and can always lift my spirits and makes me laugh. she is a very giving and wonderful person.

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  66. my mother is a very positive person, she's taught me a lot about the art of happiness!

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  67. I love the fact that no matter what happens my mother has my back

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  68. I also lost my mom to Cancer 8 years ago, although her memory is still alive in my heart. She taught me how to be patient, and how to trust in God and get through tough times in life with our faith. She was also the best Grandmother my kids could have ever wished for. Thank you for offering this giveaway for mothers day!

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  69. I also lost my mother young, when I was 20 and it was very hard. She was a wonderful caring person who was fun, she made my Christmases special. She could sew, cook, can, just about anything. I still miss her. Thank you for the lovely contest.

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  70. this is wonderful that you are honoring your mother.she looks lovely in front of those flowers.

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  71. I love that my mom is an amazing violinist

    timmiedeluca@comcast.net

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  72. I don't have the relationship with my mom that you had with yours. I did have that type of relationship with my sister and lost her to cancer 7 years ago when she was only 46. My mother is still alive at age 83. My mother did babysit my kids when they were little

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  73. I love how thoughtful my mom is. She is always cutting out coupons for me or getting little presents she knows my daughter will like!
    shan_da(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  74. Hi!
    It's always like this I guess. When you have something/someone right there besides you - you consider it as a normal way to be. Only in that moment when you loose it you understand what you have had! So sorry for your lost..
    My mom is great and the thing I love the most in her is her spirit to fight against trouble! When I look at myself I see a lot of from her.
    :)
    My e-mail: Alise.Lake@gmail.com

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  75. I love how quirky, fun and friendly my mum is!
    Angela Smith
    pleaseundress@yahoo.com

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  76. Marsha Heerde
    marshaheerde@yahoo.com-email

    What I loved about my mom...she was a wonderful person who loved people and was very kind,straightforward at times but,always knew what was best for me. I think I'm similar to her in many ways.

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  77. I love having my Mom nearby to help me when I have questions about raising my son! It is so funny to look back and remember all the times I was mad as a teenager and told my Mom that I would never be like her, and I would never raise my children the way she raised us. Funny how life turns around and slaps some sense into you when you grow up!

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  78. My mom is everything I could ask for and more. She is always there when I need her and backs off without needing to be told to. She adores my kids as they adore her. She has become my best friend.

    melacan at hotmail dot com

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  79. Me and my mom have always been close like best friends I can tell her anything without being judged,she gives her best advice not just what I might wanna hear. When she gets older she will move in with me and I will return the favor and take care of her. I LOVE MY MOM VERY MUCH.. agolden1998@aol.com

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  80. Your Mother sounds like she was a beautiful person, so full of love for you and her love of everything creative! Thank you for sharing your story of her with us. What I love most about my Mother is that she never judges me or criticizes me in spite of my many mistakes that I have made in my life and continue to make. She just always listens to me when I share them with her and is objective in advice and supportive in listening, and compassionate to my feelings. Some of my girlfriends have shared stories of how their mothers rant and rave when they have made mistakes, and so on, and I just feel very fortunate that my mother chooses to take the less emotional, more nurturing route! Thank you for bringing to use another fantastic giveaway for your beautiful jewelry!
    joannaonthelake@gmail.com

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  81. I love that my Mom is so gracious that she can always see the good in me when I can't see it myself. She is a beautiful person and I am so blessed to have her in my life. wgbc1446@yahoo.com

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  82. Everything

    robertcschulz2003@yahoo.com

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  83. I love everything about her,especially she is a very patient woman!!:)

    yukabyguliz@gmail.com

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  84. I love how she is always trying to look out for me.

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  85. My mother has a love for gardening.


    mercmercado at yahoo dot com

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  86. My mother always has the best advice.
    heatherg_cna@yahoo.com

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  87. I love how my Mom is always there for me when I need her!

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  88. I love my mother's determination. She will never give up on something she believes in. I like to think she passed that along to me as well.

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  89. I love my mom because she's honest, loving, and steadfast.
    quelleheure4[at]gmail{dot}com

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  90. My Mom selflessly gives herself to all of us! We can't do without her! Happy Mother's Day! Thanks! senekers@comcast.net

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  91. I love that my mom can cook, sew, garden, make crafts - you name it, she can do it! Too bad I can't say the same for myself!
    Thanks
    Sarah
    believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com

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  92. I love my mom because she cares about me so much. Even though I am an adult now and can take care of myself she still worries about me a lot. She always say that I'm the light of her life.

    elodiavi@gmail.com

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  93. I love my Mom for so many different reasons. She's kind, funny, talented and wise. She's 80 years old and still knows when I need her without me every saying a word. Mom published her own cookbook about 10 years ago and I was so proud of her for making it happen. I talk to both of my parents at least 4 times a week and it never seems like enough. Thank you.

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  94. My mom is the hardest worker I've ever known She never halfway does anything

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  95. Deb K
    deb55106@yahoo(dot)com

    My Mom has been battling lung cancer and I am there every step of the way to make sure that she stays strong!

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  96. I loved everything about my mom, but especially her support when things often went "bad". She had a wonderful playfulness at any age and loved to make others smile and laugh :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
    blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

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  97. I love my mother. She is an amazing person, and she has been through so much in her life, but she has never stopped having amazing faith in life, and in people.

    clarkmurdock@yahoo.com

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  98. She taught me how to be a good cook :)

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  99. my mother always is there to support me and believe in me what ever I do

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  100. Mary
    zenrei57 (at) hotmail (dot) com

    You have my heartfelt compassion! I lost my mom when I was only 11, to heart disease. But one of the things I still love about my mom that has always stayed strong in my memory, was how she would let me sometimes stay up late at night and together we would watch the old scary/cheesy tv shows such as Shock Theatre and Son of Shock. She'd make JiffyPop or peanut butter fudge and we had a great time! I miss her intelligent, loving and artistic companionship.

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  101. My mom is really sweet and giving...and she is old-school: no microwave, no cellphone...she makes everything from scratch, and knits and sews. In this ever-changing world, its real comforting to visit my mom.

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  102. Christina - xristya@rock.com - My mother is a very brave and unusual woman who helped many people survive during the War in Ukraine (before that she was studying to be a lawyer). Then she had to acclimatize to an entirely new culture and language when she came to America. I've had the luxury of the being in the arts, especially poetry, all forms of writing, and visual arts. My mother and I are so different but we are so bonded also!

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  103. I am truly sorry for your loss. It does not matter how long ago or how recent, losing a mother is such a loss that the amount of time which she has been gone from one's life does not seem to matter. My mother died in 1996, fighting to live, despite sevcre congestive heart failure. I still can recall moments with her as clearly as if she was in the room with me now. Thanks for the lovely thought of giving away the 'forget me not' earrings.

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  104. I love that my Mom is my best friend. We can always talk about anything. Pam Garrett garrettsambo@aol.com

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  105. Everything :)

    moobop904@hotmail.com

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  106. I love that my mom is so loving and supportive of anything I do. I can call her up day or night and she will always make me feel better!
    Thanks for the giveaway, the earring are beautiful!

    mattandjen[at]gmail.com

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  107. My mom gets involved in things she is passionate about...and that rocks.
    heatherpooh (hotmail)

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  108. My mother will be 93 next month. I love her infectious laugh, her knowledge, and her generosity. She loves unconditionally! I treasure that she is my best friend!!! Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway!

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  109. I love the way my mom helps us and the way she cooks.
    donna444444@yahoo.com

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  110. My Mom too passed away with cancer a few years
    back but I remember her most for her caring,
    loving way with everyone.She was the nicest person and strong.My Mom did not let anything
    get her down.I really miss her cooking too.She was a fantastic cook!Happy Mother's Day

    CharlieGurl57@aol.com

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  111. i loved everything about my mom she taught me alot in my life :)

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  112. I love how hard my mom works!

    Lily
    ms.lilyk@gmail.com

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  113. My mom is very devoted to her children and grandchildren....she makes them all feel special.

    tlannan30[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  114. I can talk to my mom about anything without fear.

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  115. I love that my mom is always fun and always interested in our lives.

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  116. I love that my Mom always has a sense of fun and adventure.

    flowerpowr(at)bellsouth(dot)net

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  117. Mom, I Love you.

    Gary, your last son

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Thanks so much for taking the time to write your thoughts. I treasure each and every comment and look forward to reading what you have to say!