Mother's Day 2010

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and moms-to-be! Thanks to my mom for loving me so well and being such an encouragement and inspiration to me. I also was thinking today of those those who have lost their moms too early or whose arms are aching and empty for a baby on Mother's Day. I hope God will comfort their hearts and give them hope for the future.

Since I was a very little girl, I have always wanted to be a mom. I mothered my siblings (much to their dismay) practiced with babysitting, and even loved on babies some more as a nurse in the Neonatal ICU. Charlton and I waited six years to start our family after we got married, and that wait seemed very difficult at the end when it seemed most of my friends were already getting to experience the joys of motherhood.

Now my dream has come true and while there are certainly moments that feel more like nightmares than bliss, I am so thankful for this gift and calling. I was reading a great devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries about the "dailyness" of motherhood. The author was saying how the hard parts of motherhood can wear you down because they happen every day, day after day. My daily life is defined by naps, snacks, play dates and story times. But one day this phase will pass. I will be able to cook dinner without breaking up fights or tripping over toys in my kitchen. I will be able to actually eat my dinner without getting up from the table five times. I can run a quick errand and it will actually be quick because I don't have to spend the same amount of time getting kids in and out of car seats as I spend in the store. I can take a shower without unexpected peeking visitors. One day I will be able to sleep in again on a Saturday morning.

One day I will look back and there will be no more car seats in the car. The dandelions in my yard will remain unpicked. There will be no more toys, band-aids, snacks, and other emergency supplies overloading my purse. No more laughter and silly questions. No more evidence of the richness and fullness of life with small children. These days that seem to last forever now will be over in the blink of an eye. I hope to remember and cherish each special fleeting moment, even in the midst of the madness.

My two best gifts and the reasons I am blessed to be able to celebrate Mother's Day. We went to church and Charlton took me out for a delicious lunch at an Italian restaurant. We also had a day of beautiful warm spring weather, which was also a great gift.

Rylan looking so cool and grown-up with his spiky hair. He was really excited about Mother's Day and especially about giving me my gift, Francine Rivers' newest book. He gave me a great big hug and kiss and told me I was the "best mom of world." What more could I ask? He also stayed with us during the entire church service for the first time and did fairly well. I am pretty sure I don't want to make a habit of that, but it was neat to realize how Rylan is maturing.

Mom and Rylan, squinting in the bright sun.

Me and my girl, making a funny face!

Caroline looking like she has important things on her mind. Don't you love her outfit? Would you guess the dress and shoes cost less than $4? I love garage sales.