a special day

Last Sunday we got together with family to celebrate two special occasions: Mother's Day, of course, and my dad-in-law's 65th birthday!

Grandpa with all the grandkids

Sorry this is kinda late, but happy birthday Dad! We love you so much, and are so thankful for you! Thanks for being such a blessing to us and our kids :)

Why I Love Being a Mom

What greater blessing is there in life than to be a Mom? Don't get me wrong....I have plenty of not-so-picture-perfect moments...times when I get really irritated or wish I had more time to myself! But the blessings are so abundant, that they far outweigh the hard parts. I love being a Mom when:

*Elliott wraps his chubby arms around my neck and gives me a big hug

* Noelle tells me that I'm gorgeous and that I'm the best Mom of all (some kind Mother's Day words! I got all teary-eyed:)

*My kids play nicely together and just snuggle and hug each other

*I see their excited faces whenever I return from anywhere, even if it's only been a few minutes since I saw them last!

*Noelle sings praise and worship songs at the top of her lungs and Elliott just raises his hands

* Noelle prays for us when something is wrong, and thanks Jesus for her friends

*I see my kids having fun with their Daddy: the way he loves them, snuggles them, and plays with them

I could go on and on. I'm so thankful that God has given me this opportunity; to try each day to live in His Grace so that I can be the best Mom for my kids. I happen to have a very good example to follow: my Mom. She is so sensitive, patient, gentle, and sweet. I hope that some day I can be as good a Mom as she is! Mom, I love you with all my heart, and am so thankful for you. You are a real blessing to me! Happy Mother's Day!!!!