Momma's Day!

So, prior to Mother's Day--not even thinking of Mother's Day--Steve and I splurged a bit on fitness gear. The good thing--the hospital we work for will reimburse a certain dollar amount for us...the bad thing--well, there isn't one!!! I will refuse to feel guilt buying this jogger which will bring so many good memories for me and the girls. One of my passions in life is running, and it's easy to see that I have given it up over the last 3 years. I am now starting over and loving each step of the journey...and Steve's gonna try to do it with me! I have fond memories of running in a single jogger with my little Connor...it's so much more than a run to the children...it's good quality time and an example of good living!

So...we made the jogger a Mother's Day gift....kinda! :)

I worked all weekend...as I did last year. The hardest part for me is not being able to go to church and truly enjoy being spiritually fed. But we tried, and then my husband wrapped his arm around me and said, "You really need to go home and get some rest." With my best intentions in mind, we left...and I slept a few hours before heading in for work again.

One of the best things young motherhood offers is the ability to wipe a tear away, make a hard day...not so hard, comfort a weary soul, and instill deep love into such beautiful tiny hearts.

I am not perfect, but I love these children so much. The boys drive me crazy most days, but I am learning in my conversations with other "mother's of boys" that I am completely normal in that stance. Yet, they can be the sweetest and most gentle beings towards me. As I was carrying groceries into the house last week...I struggled with several bags, one of which had all of our cold items. Connor was tailing behind me with a few bags of groceries while the other kids sat in the air conditioned car...awaiting their rescue! Connor and I both placed our bags on the kitchen floor, and he instantly--without hesitation--and in a deep, mature (yes, he was seeking the mature sound!) voice, said, "Mom, you can put the milk away, I will take care of the rest!" He then brought every bag into the house for me leaving me to gather the girls! Voila!!! I have growing children who may add some ease to all my Mommy duties in the home!

Aiden is full of cuddles and love for me. He's a charmer!

Maya waved bye to me yesterday and blew kisses, but as soon as I closed the front door, I heard her start in a whimper...and then a sad cry followed. I usually am able to put her to bed before I leave....she never sees me actually leave for work. My heart sunk, but Mommy's love for her has instilled that deep love for another into her heart--it is a beautiful thing!

Miss Lydia has had a hard time lately...growing pains I guess! She is trying to be assertive and at times she comes off aggressive. I have to intervene, and that ends in tears and sorrow. On top of that, she is still battling a respiratory virus. I am amazed how quickly the tension rises within me when I hear her break down over and over again....but I am more amazed that the simple and humble approach of loving and cuddling her can ease her heartache in an instant. When I display frustration, she gets worse--when I simply touch her hand, kiss her head, or cuddle her tightly, she calms!

I'm so sorry you are having growing pains Miss Lydia--the emotional ones--we'll get through!

It did hit me, out of the blue, that my Shane wasn't in my arms. I walked outside when we were at church, holding my Maya, and I suddenly sensed my baby boy. I went from thinking of the ground I was walking on (I was literally thinking of how nice it was to be wearing boots while walking in the sand...to avoid dirty feet!) to a collision of thoughts that led me straight to Shane--it felt beyond my own doing. I was outside with my girl, just the two of us, and the air was still and quiet. I wonder if he was there for a moment. I shed a tear, and hoped that he could feel my deep unending love for him.

My kids made me so many pictures and cards this year...some with Daddy, and some at school. This one above is from Aiden. It is Mario from Super Mario Brothers! The top bubble says, "Wrote by mustachio!", and the bottom says "I love Moms!"

Connor wrote this letter at school...

Daddy made me a card as well...

And Aiden wrote this letter for me at school!

The top is from Miss Lydia, and the bottom from Aiden!

And guess who loves me???

Yes indeed, Connor loves me!

He came up with this entire letter with accessories all on his own! So cute!!!

I taped them all up on my cabinets here at home...

...and they will stay there for awhile! I LOVE MY KIDS!!!