Mother's Day

Well, I realize this is a little late on Hallmark's calender, but knowing that mom's should be praised daily and children should always be looked at as a blessing, this is right on time. First off, Happy Mother's Day to all my ladies out there. I pray that your husband and children rise and call you blessed.

To my mom: Mom, you are the Mother that God gave to me. He knew who I needed. He knew I needed a mom that was such a hard worker and that would show me how to not be a bum. He knew I needed a mom that would teach me to be creative and to see things in a different way because I can be close minded and dull. He knew I needed a mom that is FULL of encouraging words because I often fall. And He knew I needed a mom that would toughen me up.... like hold up Christmas trees for hours even though I have strep and 104 degree fever! ;) You are perfect for me and I thank God for you.

On having children: We had a bumpy road on our way to having Samantha. It took us over 3 years and 4 pregnancies, 5 babies, to get to her. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I know now that I would have taken for granted what a miracle having a baby really is. The Lord has put a few very close friends in our life that have wanted children, but not been able to physically have them. And even though we have not gone through all they have, I have a little understanding and a tender heart towards them.

Samantha is, well, Samantha. A joy. Fun. Stubborn. Creative. Smart. And lovely all over. I wouldn't change a thing about her. Not even the stubbornness. Even though it's hard to deal with I learn so much. Patience. Love. Commitment.

Molly was a little of a surprise. But a wonderful blessing that I so thankful for. Her sweet, quiet spirit is refreshing after a long day. She's always willing to give a smile.

Onto Peter: Now, I know I am praising mom's and kids. But this blog would not be complete without me bragging on the great job that Peter did for Mother's Day. I told him weeks ago not to get me anything because we could just save the money. Although, call me selfish, I threatened if I didn't get a card. I am big on words. Peter, not obeying me, went out and got me an adapter for our ipod so I can listen in the car. THE BEST GIFT EVER! Now I can listen to what I want. And the card... wonderful. I was gone on Saturday for a bit and he had Samantha. Together, well, mostly Peter's doing, they made me a card out of newspaper clippings. Words can not express how much I love this card. It is on a shelf in the dining room and not leaving any time soon. Here's some pics.

To end all of this, I want to add the top 10 things I have learned through being a mom:
10. You can go with very little sleep for many years. Just make sure you have a good concealer for under your eyes.
9. There is not a sweeter sound in the world then hearing your children giggle.
8. I know how to get out any stain from clothes. Ketchup. Fruit punch. Carrots. Poop. Chocolate. (Do not confuse the two.)
7. You do not need a medical degree to fix most injuries. Just a hug and kiss.
6. Getting barfed on by your child (as I did last night) really is not disgusting. Your only worry is your baby's tummy, not your rug, or shirt, or the smell.
5. When you hear your toddler yell something about potty, you better get there fast.
4. Sleeping babies are nice, but happy awake babies are even better.
3. Your schedule needs to be like a gymnast. Flexible and able to jump around.
2. When you plan to have a clean house, plan on that being the day that a disaster strikes. Such as temper tantrum day. Sick day. Or even "Hey, let's dump all the toys out" day.
1. There is much joy but much responsibility with being a mother. Even though that scares me at times, I am thankful I have the Lord and His Word to guide me. Because otherwise, I would have no idea what I was doing.