Mother's Day 2013

This year, for Mother's Day, I invited Tom's mother to come for a visit. To celebrate, we went with my parents to Crystal Bridges for the Norman Rockwell exhibit. It was so amazing to see all of his paintings in one exhibit. It was touching to listen to the audio presentation and hear the background of each of his pieces. It really brought them to life.

Tom loves his mother and was happy to have her in town to celebrate all she has done for him throughout the years.

On Sunday, the kids surprised both me and Grandma, with breakfast in bed. I think it's my favorite part about Mother's Day. I love seeing their proud faces when they march in with a tray with their offering of love. This year it was a blueberry yogurt parfait, toast, and juice. They never forget the flower.

Post Toast. 38 and I still reject the crust.

The kids brought me this beautiful plant that lasted for a day - until Piper ate it when it was sitting on the deck. 

The cards. How I love the cards. Precious.

From Karah  

From Boo: Notice the fresh flowers taped to the front of the card :)

I asked what he meant by Office Mom. He said it's because I love to go to Office Depot and get pens and notebooks. I'm also Egicatid. Don't you forget it.

From Bryce:

He drew me our house.

Tom's mom even made me a card :)

I love these little people. They are so fun to be with. Crack me up.

Got ready for a great afternoon at church.

Tom brought me a Diet Coke after I got out of the shower.

It's the little things :)

Speaking of Tom. Can I just say that I love that he makes me feel like every day is Mother's Day? He always makes me feel special, beautiful, needed, and appreciated. He is a good man...raised by a good woman. He always encourages me to take time for myself...to enjoy time alone or with friends...and doesn't wait for birthdays, Anniversaries or Mother's day to bring me flowers or shower me with love and praise. It makes Mother's day that much more meaningful...knowing that it isn't just "my day" ---but it's my life...my daily blessing of being loved well by my husband and children. I hope they feel equally loved and cared for in return.

I love my calling as a Mother. Nothing brings me more joy than the moments I share with them.

I'm so thankful for my mama...for raising me with love and for teaching me the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is an amazing woman who loves and serves the Lord and serves unceasingly. I think back to when I was a young child...doing aerobics with her in my black leotard...dancing to "Oh what a Night". I remember her saving all of her empty cereal boxes and egg cartons so that she could keep my make believe kitchen well stocked. I remember standing next to her in the front seat of the Suburban with my arm around her neck....and the forceful forearm she would slam against my chest when she had to hit the brakes unexpectedly. I remember her always being there when i got home from school. Dinner always on the table by 6 pm at the latest. Clothes I would throw down the laundry shoot would magically be washed and folded in my basket by the time I got home from school. I got in a pudding fight...PUDDING, people....with my best friend in our living room - on nice new couches. She didn't do what I have done if it were my child. I remember hugs in the kitchen on Sundays after church and her telling me how proud she was of me. The list goes on and on...but above all...I remember growing up KNOWING I was loved. To me, that is how success in Motherhood is defined. There are so many "things" we may feel like we need to do in order to be a "good mom"but when it comes down to it...those things don't amount to much. All that matters is that we love these little spirits with everything we have and that they KNOW that we are their soft place to fall.

Thanks bear cubs and Tommy T...for such a joy filled Mama's Day. I love you all.