Mother's Day

A few weeks ago we celebrated Mother's Day around here. I know this holiday can be a hard one for some people for various reasons. I love a day that celebrates the thing I spend most (all) of my time doing. I enjoy thinking about what it means to be called mother and what a special opportunity I have to watch my children grow and learn everyday in my home. I also try not to take being a mother for granted...there are so many who never have the opportunity. I also like to take time to reflect about how I can be a better mom.

I am grateful to be married to a man who makes Mother's day special for me, but who also makes everyday special for me. He encourages me and gives me positive feedback about things I have done. He shows his gratitude towards me and knows that the job I have as mother can be challenging. He loves me.

Of course, I also think about my mom and mother-in-law on this day. I am grateful for my mom for teaching me so many things and for continually doing nice things for me and helping me. I love watching her be an "Oma" and watching my kids faces light up when they see her and when they talk about her. I love my MIL for raising such a great son. I have a lot to learn from her about patience and selflessness. She is devoted to her children and grandchildren and loves them all so much. She is also a wonderful grandma!


My present from Ben and the girls. I love it!


We (Ben) installed this vinyl lettering on my mom's wall for Mother's Day. She had purchased the grandchildren part a few years ago, but we added the names of her grandchildren.



My girls walking and rolling in clover on Mother's Day!




My sister Kathryn. She has the biggest heart of a mother that I know! She is the best aunt. She loves my children and our nephews so much. She is patient and loving. She has taught them many things. She lets them cook with her!


My friends who are mothers that I look up to and learn from; they are great examples to me. We try to get together often with our kids and without our kids. I am glad to have a core group of friends who value motherhood and being wives. (If you are missing from this pictures I am talking about you too...)



And a picture of our family. Drawn by Lydia and me.