Thoughts on Mother's Day

The past few weeks have been so busy, and there have been so many things that I have wanted to post about.  But today I have "mothers" on my mind.  For the first time in years, we were able to have an actual posed picture of me with the kids since Tod didn't have to be at church early!  I love being a mom so much.  Of course, some days are hard...but it is truly wonderful...early this morning Jordan handed me a card she had made at school and added to at home.  She listed things that she was grateful I had given her including "birth, siblings, shelter, money to play sports, gifts and love, love, love!"  Ashton gave me a card stating that "even when she is mad at me, she still loves me."  Regan had already given me her gift (a key chain with her picture) because she was just so excited when she made it at school.  And Cole was proud as could be to give me the gift he had from nursery.  Handmade gifts are the best.  One of my dearest friends grabbed my hand at church and whispered, "Are you having a good Mother's Day?"  I quickly answered, "Yes, simply because I am a mother!"  We agreed that Mother's Day isn't about expectations or gifts...for me, it is enough simply to be a mother.  (Of course, I appreciated the extra help at dinner, kind words from my hubby at church today, and Old Navy gift card!).  Sometimes, being a good mom takes everything I have...and I still have a long way to go...but lately, time seems to be going by so fast and I feel an increased urgency to try even harder to be better.  I am trying to eliminate distractions because I know that this season of my life is short and in a blink, my kids will be grown!

When we came from church, I said to Tod that if I could have only one wish for today it would be that I could know that I am going to live long enough to see my own children have children and experience that with them.  A few good friends have had babies lately or are just about to deliver and their moms are in town...I miss my mom every day...but especially today.  How I wish she were here so that I could call her and thank her for everything....I wish she could be here to experience her grandchildren and know them...I also have lots of questions I would like to ask...things that I am only now thinking about as my girls are growing up, and I am feeling less confident in my "mothering" skills....I certainly look forward to seeing her again.

I am also thinking about all the women in my life who have influenced me...to many to name really...a mother in law, step mom, sisters, sister in laws, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, and friends.  I could write about each of them and the things they have taught me...maybe someday.  For now, Happy Mother's Day to all!