Doing laundry on Mother's Day...

Yup, that's what I'm doing. Not a very "Mother's Day" activity?? Well, I don't have a choice! :o) Here's why I'm doing laundry (I'm really behind, but that's besides the point!!)

I woke up this morning to Hubby grabbing my shoulder and commanding "DON'T MOVE!" I tried to sit up, and he wouldn't let me...remember his arm was on my shoulder. I couldn't even roll over! He yelled for Abbie and Andrew...that's when I felt something on my feet. Apparently the little dears were trying to surprise us with breakfast in bed. Toasted bagels (with peanut butter!) and a cup of milk were on their little lap trays...which were ever so gently placed over our feet while we were still sleeping! Hubby heard something and rolled over, spilling his tray all over the bed, that's when he grabbed me! So...I'm doing laundry on Mother's day! They meant well...they really did. Abbigail even cried, she said she just wanted it to be PERFECT for me! How sweet is that!
Bethany made me a card and a gift at school, Andrew made me a book, and his class had all the moms join them for a Mother's Day luncheon on Friday. Abbigail's teacher didn't do anything for Mother's day, so she wanted to do something herself...so sweet! Hubby told me earlier this week that he was going to take me to Alco on Sunday to "look at all the MD cards"...so I wasn't expecting much!! But he did come through! He got me a beautiful bouquet of roses and a sweet card!
I remember those years we struggled with infertility, Mother's Day was so very hard. I wanted to crawl in my bed Saturday and not get out until Monday. So hard to celebrate everything you WISH you had, but don't. I pray today for all those women (and men) who struggle with the pain, loss, emptiness of infertility or infant/child loss. These are some of the most painful things I have ever experienced...and even though I have been blessed with my three wonderful children, I will never forget those struggling now.

Oh, and HAPPY MOTHER'S Day, Mom!! You're the BEST!

Happy Mother's Day!

To my mom...Thank You. Thank you for loving me and showing me what being a mom is all about. Thank you for being there for me when I need advice, love and support when I need it in this wonderful, yet difficult task of mothering. Thank you for showing me that the most important thing I can do for my children is love them and pray for them. Thank you for loving me, and praying for me continually!

Happy Mother's Day to all those out there who mother, nurture, and love. All those who are mothers, all those whose deepest desire is to mother, and those who have mothered. This used to be the hardest day of the year for me. During our nearly 3 year struggle with infertility, I dreaded Mother's Day. I usually spent as much of this day in bed crying as I could. I pray God is comforting the hearts of those women and men who desperately want a child.

I have been so blessed. I thank God every day for the gift of my children. I pray He gives me strength, wisdom, patience and love so that I can be the best mother my children deserve. I thank God for giving me these children to love and nurture.

As for my Mother's day...we celebrated it yesterday since Hubby has to work all day today. Being a pastor, and especially serving two congregations, he doesn't usually have a lot of time to spend with family on Sunday. So, yesterday after both Abbigail and Andrew played their last soccer game, we went to town to go out to dinner, buy Bethany a new carseat (she will turn 4 this week and can now officially ride in a BOOSTER! Of course the one she chose is PINK with little crowns all over it, VIP...Very Important Princess, that's my girl!), and look at cameras. My Hubby is the best husband in the world! We went to look at the cameras, and walked out with a great one! I love it already. It is a lot smaller than my old camera that I broke last week. It has 3 more mega pixels, and is just fun to use. I'm still trying to figure out all of the settings, but it's fun so far! His card to me was sweet and sappy on the outside, and hilarious on the inside...so perfect for us! The kids' card to me was a musical card that plays the chicken dance and says something about me "ruling the roost." I, of course, made the kids all line up and do the dance...now that was fun!

One tradition we've started as our family is to take a picture of me and the kids on Mother's Day, so here it is!We asked one of the gals at church and she snapped one with the ENTIRE family! I don't remember the last time we were all together on that side of the camera!I also took pictures of the kids as they ran around having fun after church. And I actually got the kiddos to sit down for one picture together!

What a week!

First of all I want to thank you for your prayers. Both Andrew and Dad are doing better. Dad's recovery will be a long process, but he's moving in the right direction.

One of our favorite family activities is going out to the lake. There is a state park about 10 miles from our town, small, but lovely. We like to take our little grill and do hot dogs, hamburgers, or brats. My husband and Abbie love to fish! (Just ask her who catches more fish...SHE does!!!) Yesterday the weather was beautiful, so we decided it was a good evening for fishing. While daddy and Abbigail are off trying to "feed" the fish, Bethany and Andrew play while I get supper ready. They were having so much fun just being kids. Andrew picked up a stick to practice his Jedi training (anyone else have Star War fans at their house??) and Bethany just ran around non-stop! Eventually she stuck her hand in the fire ring (we weren't using it...she didn't get burned!) to touch the ashes and coals left from someone else's fire. She didn't realize that she had black on her hands and she wiped it on her face...I guess she's exploring her Native American heritage! Another family we know from town came as we were finishing our dinner, so the kids all played together while I cleaned up. It is such a good time to just get away for a little bit. No TV, no computer, no cell phones (REALLY! There is no service out there!). Just quiet (for the most part!!) We always enjoy it a lot!
Today was a busy morning. Andrew's school had it's "Spring Program" at 10:00. They did a little play called "Upside down Frowns and Splashes of Joy." It was really cute. It was about how we can take simple everyday things and remind people that Jesus loves them...and that turns their frowns upside down! After the play, they recited all of their memory verses and their songs for the entire year. They learned a Bible verse and song to go along with each of the fruits of the Spirit. Boy do those little kids have a great memory! And to watch as 15 little kids try to stay together singing and reciting...PRECIOUS!

As soon as the program was over, daddy stayed with Andrew and Bethany for cookies and artwork, while I ran to Abbigail's school for the 1st Grade Mother's Day Lunch. I was a bit late and of course she was worrying...even though I told her that I would be late, but that I would be there! We went to the gym so they could show us a dance they had been practicing. Abbigail grabbed a boy's hand, and he looked mortified. Poor kid. She just kept dancing and dancing...it was so funny. Someone needs to tell that girl that boys are supposed to lead. :-) Then we had lunch and I read her class a book while her teacher tried to find some of the kids. Apparently we took too long to eat (talked too much I guess!) The kids usually go outside for recess right after lunch, but by the time we were done, the 2nd grade was already out on the playground, so she told us to go back to the classroom, but some of the kids had already gone outside. So I got to play teacher with the ones in the classroom while she went to find the ones outside. Boy do I miss teaching!!! I don't want my kids to grow up too fast, but I can't wait to get back to the classroom myself. Thanks Abbigail for a wonderful lunch. Thank you Andrew for a great play. Thank you Bethany for the extra hugs. Thank you, all three of you, for loving me and making me smile!