The blessing of motherhood

I have been blessed with two amazing mothers.

The one who raised me.

And the one who raised Andrew.

I love them both to pieces.  I'm grateful for their examples of faith and service, their unfailing love, their confidence in me, their willingness to travel to the far corners of the country to visit me and my family, the laughs we share, and our long phone conversations.

Now that I'm a mom, I have a huge appreciation for some of the sacrifices they made for us, their kids.  How did my mom finish her degree when she had four kids?  How did Andrew's mom handle the stress of having her husband work as a police office?  Where did my mom find the strength to take care of five of us, ranging in age from 3-17, when my dad was called up for active duty during Operation Desert Storm?  I don't think I am strong enough to handle any of those trials.  Thank you, Moms, for pushing through the hard times, putting on brave faces, and reassuring us that everything would be alright.

I am grateful for Mother's Day, that I have a chance to reflect on everything that I owe to these two incredible women.  And as I try to follow their examples while stumbling through mothering my own kids, my husband and kids use this day to make me feel like I'm doing a great job. 

 I feel so blessed to be your wife and mom.

Brandon and Whitney both gave me sweet, thoughtful handmade gifts.

Last week, Whit asked Andrew for a shoe box

and put together this gift on her own.

It contained toys that she "didn't need anymore."

How cute is that?

She also wrote another poem for me.

"Mom's Pome

A swett grle like you is the best.

You aer cute but shi.

evin if you aer shi I like you forevre.

And you aer mine!"

Awwwww...I could just eat her up.

(And I'm pretty sure that's the first time I've been described as shy.)

Brandon made this chore wheel and a fill-in-the-blank tribute.

I can count on him whenever I need someone to:

Vacuum

Let you take a nap

Do the dishes

Play with Carebear

Fold the clothes or

Clean the Island.

Yes!

Here's what his tribute included:  I love my mom.  She is always there for me just like my favorite blanket.  My mom is smart as Einstein.  My mom is about as tall as the car.  Her hair is the color of chocolate.  I think my mom is 33 years old, but she looks like she is 20.  She wears clothes that look like a model's.  My mom has many talents.  She can sing like a bird and work like a robot.  I am really lucky because my mom is so much better than anyone!  I want my mom to know that she is more special to me than anything.  I know sometimes I can act like a monkey, but deep down I am really a teddy bear!  I hope you know I will always love you.  Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

Being the silly kid that he is, he added a last-minute addition to his gift:  a diaper.  He even wrote "Happy Mother's Day" on the bum.  

And Andrew gave me a gift certificate to my favorite little spa.  Relaxation, here I come!

I love being a mom to these three munchkins.

Thanks to Andrew, Brandon, Whitney, and Caroline for a fabulous day.  

You guys are the best!