WHAT MAKES A MOTHER

Mother’s Day is always such a meaningful holiday in our family. As mothers ourselves and as daughters who adore and admire our mother beyond words, it’s a joyous day for us – to celebrate and be celebrated.

Of course, we will perennially pay homage to the mother of all mothers, the matriarch of not only the McMullens but of the entire DDR family: Margie “Nana” McMullen. If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting her, you already know what a special soul she is, and if you haven’t, well, there’s no way to sufficiently sum her up. She’s the epitome of grace and goodness, but with a formidable fortitude when it comes to what (and who) matters to her; she is pure and wholesome, with a competitive streak, a mild penchant for mischief, and a quirky quick wit. Above all, she is our roots and our rudder; even as grown women with kids – and even some grandbabies – of our own, she grounds and guides us in the way only a mother can.

But a maternal bond is complex and as unique as the woman itself. Double D Ranch is a women’s brand – we design for women, we’re owned by women, and our team consists quite heavily of women. Ipso facto, we know a thing or two about motherhood – and even those among us who aren’t mothers, have/had mothers of their own – so we asked around the office about what it means to be a mom.

“My grandparents came to this country from Finland and there is a Finnish word ‘Sisu’ that my grandmother passed down to my mom, to myself, and I have now passed on to my daughter, Leigh. Loosely translated, ‘Sisu’ means extraordinary endurance in the face of adversity, persistence, determination, full of courage, resolve, willpower and indomitable spirit. Whenever life gets challenging, this wisdom always reminds me to draw upon my ‘Sisu’ to push through any tough situation and keep going. (Photo taken in 1989)” – Tracy Uranga

“Just to see her smile… I’d do anything.” – Hedy Carter (of her daughter, Presley)

“My finest memory growing up was Christmas. We would always take 2 cars to church Christmas Eve so my mom could leave first if someone didn’t have somewhere to be. She would go home and make sure there were gifts under the tree with that person’s name on it. They always felt so loved and to this day, I love to give gifts because she showed me how. Now I have two boys of my own, and we always said ‘love you bunches and smunches’ every night. Love being a boy mom!” - Kelly Temple

“Ever since I became a mother to my sons, Jack and Sam, I have always thought we celebrated Mother’s Day backwards. To me, it is a day that I take an extra pause to be grateful and happy that I get to be their mom. This Mother’s Day is extra special. Jack & Nicole are giving me a new reason to celebrate - Little Hank will be here in early October!” – Cheryl McMullen

“ ‘Your Mother is ALWAYS with You.
She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street.
She’s the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick, the fragrance of life itself.
She’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not feeling well.
She’s your breath in the air on a cold winters’ day.
She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow.
She is Christmas morning.
Your mother lives inside your laughter.
She’s the place you come from, your first home.
She’s the map you follow with every step you take.
She’s your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy.
But nothing on Earth can separate you.
Not time.
Not space.
Not even death.’
– Deborah R. Culver

Cherish your Mom every day you can. RIP, Mom!” – Lori Stephens

“The greatest advice that I received was from my sister when I was struggling to get through the first couple weeks of becoming a new mother - she said, ‘Soak up every moment because they do not last long!’ It sounds very cliché, but something that I have kept with me through those sleepless nights and runny noses and sweet giggles and warm snuggles and first steps and first everything, just hang onto those moments because you will miss them when they grow to the next stage. This little boy is such a blessing and I thank God everyday for Him allowing me to be Mason’s mom.” – Kristin Klier

“Mothers are the epitome of strength, courage, and compassion, and mine is no different. You can always count on Amanda, my loving Mother, for a good time, a listening ear, and to be your biggest supporter!” – Courtney Greener

“I am still a relatively new momma, my boys are 3 and 1 years old, but I am very blessed to have an amazing momma of my own to help me through all the ups and downs of motherhood. My boys are both the sweetest things and definitely my greatest accomplishments. I absolutely cannot wait to see the men they will become one day, while at the same time I never want them to grow up!! HAHA I have found that being a mom mostly means being in a state of conflicting emotions, I love to watch them run and play but miss the baby snuggles. I try everyday to just soak up as much time with them as I can.” – Danielle Pohl

“It's hard to find words that adequately describe the appreciation I have for my Mama. We unexpectedly lost my father when I was 17 and my little sister was 15. My mom became a super-parent, seeing us through the rest of our high school years, sending us off to college, and raising us to be the best versions of ourselves. She navigated the grief, confusion, and ‘hard years’ with more grace than I can begin to describe. I'm so grateful God chose her to be my Mama and I love her dearly!” – Claire Johanson

“Growing up, whenever my mom would drop me off somewhere – school, a birthday party, a friend’s house, the mall – she always imparted a sing-songy, ‘Act as pretty as you are!’ out the car window. It was eye-rollingly annoying, but effective. My childhood friends remember it to this day. It probably gave me an inflated sense of self-confidence for an undersized kid with gap teeth, but it was an ever-present reminder to be kind and have good manners, which is something I hope people would still say of me as an adult.” – Halley Sanford

“In my heart, he will always be my baby – even at 32.” – Geraldine Tobola

“These awesome kids and my one granddaughter, Jeanette Marie, are the ROCK of my life. Trevor, Lauren and I have all grown closer together in the last 18 years with the loss of our Caitlynn Marie. Mother’s Day is a little different for everyone, but you know, we keep one step in front of the other to keep the wonderful life we have going. ❤️” – Leigh Anne Prukop

“Growing up, my generation watched ‘My Three Sons’ on TV as a model for family life with boys. Skip ahead to my first born being a girl, what a surprise! We raised ‘My Three Daughters’ and I wouldn’t change a thing. Love my girls who are now my best support team and wonderful mothers, too. Happy Mother’s Day to all.” – Cecile Ellis

“Motherhood – It’s the ultimate job of a lifetime!! It is challenging, exhausting, stressful, but the BEST thing ever. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I sure do live for my boys!” – Audrey Franz

“To the world, you are a mother. To our family, you are the world. Happy Mother’s Day!” - Kristen Schley