The Real Life Martha Stewart

I would like to give a shout out and a big thank you to one of the most remarkable mothers I know. She truly is. She is one of the few women that I know who can do just about anything. She's pretty close to perfect in my eyes. She can cook (and do it healthy), she can sew, she can quilt, she can do fancy needlework, she is a true artist (her art hangs in people's homes all over the world--were people have purchased it), she can do fancy needle work to make curtains and table cloths, she can knit and crochet, she can make baskets from pine straw, she cans food, she has a garden, she is a good mother, she volunteers, she knows her scriptures, she loves the Lord, she takes care of her elderly and feeble mother-in-law better than any nurse, and she makes a mean loaf of homemade bread in just about any variety that you can think of. And she has patience too! I know I'm leaving things off. Let me just say this, if there is something you need to know how to do, she can do it. And I know when she read this, she will be humble and think anyone can do that, but not anyone. Not me.
So who is this amazing woman? Mike's mom, Heidemarie Elfriede Schlick Odom (I know I am going to have to come back and edit this because I spelled the name wrong, sorry Heidi). When I first started dating Mike and realized how talented his mom is, I was a bit nervous because I have never been the "crafty, cooking sorts"---ever! I even thought perhaps she is a bit worried that her son is marrying someone with no talents. But that quickly changed. She was always helpful and quick to answer any questions I might have and always willing to teach--no matter what time of day or night. But her most kind and loving words, "You can do it. I know you can. If you can read, you can do it." She would say this whether it was a recipe or helping me with the latest costume I was sewing with the girls. I love that about her. I wish she lived closer to us because I know my girls could learn a lot from her. But for today, I will blow her some kisses and tell her that I love her. Martha Stewart has nothing on you!