Mother's Day THIS YEAR!

I have never been a fan of mother's day. Actually, never might be a strong word. For the last several years I have not been a fan of mother's day. There are several reasons for this

• My mom is gone and I am still harboring many painful memories that seem to outshine the good times. On a day like Mother's Day, honoring her and her memory seems impossible to me. Which transforms into major guilt. Yeah...major yuckiness. Blah!
• Ever since I have become a mother I've never had anybody try to make it special for me. On my very 1st Mother's Day I was completely forgotten by Skylar's dad "because I wasn't his mom" and it took tears to my parents at 11pm and a confrontation between he and my mom for him to care. I won't dwell on that because it is in the past and he is out of our lives, but let's just say that problem has rang true in the years since.
• Because I've either been single or around people who don't seem to care it just turns into another day that I am doing it all. Hear me out here ladies...a break from the kids is sometimes very welcomed!

I wasn't expecting much else to change this year. I guess I had forgotten I have changed.

This year it didn't hurt so bad. I remembered her but I didn't let it get me down. I was very busy and didn't have much of a moment to dwell, but I like to think I wouldn't have anyway. She is loved and missed terribly and I'm going to stop feeling guilty when it isn't destroying me - it's not supposed to!

This year I reveled in the fact I am a mom. I am SO blessed beyond belief with my children. They are a constant source of joy and pride in my life and my BEST accomplishment. Getting to see them grow as people and develop their very own unique personality is a gift every. single. day. 

This year I got to celebrate with an entirely new set of people in my life. Freedom Church! I am proud to call this church my home now and I am even more proud to partner with them. Since my babies were created by God himself there was no better way to spend Mother's Day but honoring Him and the blessings He has given me. We even got a performance by all the FreedomKidz that was too cute for words! The purse was nice too!

This year I spent the most of my day with my family. After church the kids took a little a nap and I did a little work. Then we went to my grandparents with my dad. I was elated to be spending my Mother's Day with my mom's mother and the sweetest grandmother in the whole world! I was even more surprised to find my aunts and uncle Warren there as well. The next best thing to spending my day with my mom is spending it with her family. My family. They are wonderful and supportive in everything I do - I wish I saw them more often!

This year my daddy got me exactly what I wanted - he might have had some help from a little birdie named ME! But nonetheless he came through and I can't wait to go to Sips n Strokes and get my paint on!

This year my biggest surprise was the gift from Joey! He had to work that morning and afternoon and didn't get off in time to make it out with us anywhere. I had been going non stop all weekend and still had quite a full plate(still do...here's my procrastination at it's finest!). I was exhausted and couldn't wait to get home. As soon as I walked in the door much to my surprise I walked into a ridiculously clean house. I'm talking spotless and organized and all at the hands of my man...and thank goodness b/c I had no time to devote to doing it and no patience for living in it. <3'd it!

So all in all, this year's Mother's Day was great. I know without a doubt I am loved and cherished...most importantly by my kids! It is a great feeling knowing you are the one their world moves around. Those bright eyes, huge grins, sweet kisses, and wet tears - they are all for me. Everyday I get to be a leader, encourager, teacher, chef, chauffeur, healer, dream catcher, soother, playmate, and MOMMY!

...and THAT is the reason I love Mother's Day this year!