Mother's Day

Mother's day is not only a day when I get a little pampered and get dinner cooked for me, but also a chance to reflect on how much I love being a mom. My kids are without a doubt my greatest source of joy, while also being probably my greatest source of frustration... such a rollercoaster us moms ride! But after every low is a high and those little munchkins continue to win me over and melt my heart minute after minute, day after day.

I heard a quote in church that I liked "There is eternal influence and power in motherhood" (Julie B. Beck). I'll admit that a lot of days I don't feel very empowered or that I am making a big difference. Most days I just feel tired, but happy, and generally good about how the day went. But this quote helped me realize that it's the summation of those "generally good days" that raise our kids, that teach them lessons and shape their lives and futures. It's every day that we as moms get to face another day and new trials and new tricks and try to teach them a thing or two, try to make a difference and also let them know how much we love them. There is a real long lasting power in the summation of those days. Motherhood is so amazing to me, and makes me feel lucky that I am in the midst of it.

We got to spend Mother's Day with Lorraine and her mom Janice and also Christine so there were lots of mothers to be celebrated. The boys did a great job preparing the meal and we enjoyed visiting and having performances from the kids, and little breaks wherever we could get them. I'm thankful for the examples that my own mom and my mother in law as well as sisters and friends and other family members set for me. I'm glad I have people to turn to for advice and empathy.

My kids aren't perfect but they are perfect to me. They are the perfect little people sent down to teach me every lesson I never knew I needed to learn. I feel blessed to get to spend my days with them. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to have some professional job or to be off traveling or having some huge adventures for myself but then I know that I wouldn't feel as fulfilled as I do. My kids are truly my greatest adventure... and really a lot of stuff that happens to us you just couldn't make up.