Mother's Day

{I'm so behind on blogging.  There are so many things I want to write about that I just haven't gotten around to.  Hopefully I'll get it done soon}

We had a really nice Mother's Day.   We got up and got ready for church.  Patrick wasn't feeling well so he stayed home from church. Barrett brought home this sweet card and flower from school.  Of course I love them both.

Barrett and Patrick also got me a full length mirror so I won't have to stand on the stool in the bathroom to see my whole outfit in the mirror.  I love it!

After church we went to my parents house for lunch.  Patrick snapped this picture of me and Barrett and I just love it.  He's at a fun age he's always hamming it up for the camera.  After naps we went to the Horton's house for dinner.  This year Mother's day was hard.  I should have been celebrating finding out the gender of our second baby.  I'm so thankful for my sweet boy who made me a mother but I still had a little pang of sadness.  Then I think about the women who desperately want to be mothers and aren't for one reason or another.  I hate that a day to celebrate these special women in our lives also tend to make other women feel such isolation. I try to focus on the positive but sometimes that's just hard.  

Mother's Day

Where do I begin.  I'm so honored and blessed to be a mom.  At least once everyday, something Barrett does will catch my eye and I'll think, "How'd I get so lucky."  I am challenged everyday to be the best mom I know how.  I'm learning and some days are hard. Like really hard.  Most days I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing.  Then there's a day where it clicks and Barrett understands what we're trying to teach him and it's all worth it.  The sweet slobbery kisses. His sweet voice saying. "Hey!" when you walk into the room.  When he pitches a fit and then gets up and just wants you to hold him and hug him.  It's all worth it.  There are days where I count the hours until bed time.  There are days where I can't wait to go to the gym just for an hour of peace. There are many, many days where I have to move the dinner dishes to make breakfast.  I have a messy house and sticky floors more days than not and I wouldn't change it.  I know that all to soon he'll be grown and I'll miss it, sticky floors and all.

We woke up and the boys gave me sweet gifts.  We ate breakfast and then we got ready for church.  Going to church as a family is my favorite thing.  Mass was extra long (we were there for 2 hours) but Barrett did really good.  He had snacks and enough people to entertain him.  After Mass we went to my parents house where my dad cooked lunch for everyone.  My grandmother and Aunt also joined us. 

I asked Patrick to snap some pictures of us before lunch while Barrett was still in his church clothes.  So many times as mothers we are the ones behind the camera so I made a point to get in the pictures this time.  I just love this little boy.  His little smile just melts me.

We enjoyed all being together for the afternoon.  I sat on the deck with my brothers and mother and we laughed and laughed about growing up.  We left there to head home for naps before we went to my in-laws house. 

I snapped this picture of my first "baby".  This poodle taught me a lot about caring for another.  She taught me what it's like to have something depend on you for everything.  She still loves her mommy event though I don't get to spend as much time with her.  We were supposed to be at my in-laws house at 5:00 but we all fell asleep.  Patrick woke up at 5:15.  While we were getting ready it started pouring rain.  It was so gross and wet and humid.  We finally got there and enjoyed dinner.  It was a beautiful day spent with everyone I love. 

The One Who Made Me a Mother

{This was supposed to post Sunday, so lets pretend}
So this time last year I knew I was going to be a mother, I'd known for all of 5 days.  Mother's day took on a new meaning for me.  It was also fun to celebrate all the mothers, knowing I too was going to join their club but they had no idea.  

Then Barrett was born.  I knew my life would change, but I couldn't have ever imagined what it would be like.  I know I've said it a million times but I never imagined how much I would love this little guy.  I also never realized how much my own mom loved me until I became a mother myself.  Right now I can't imagine sending him to the grandparents for the night, much less sending him away to college.  I wonder if it will really be as terrifying as I'm imagining it.

One of my favorite quotes is, "The two best days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why."  Not to sound corny but I finally feel like I know why.  I can't imagine any "job" in life that would be more important for me.  

Happy Mother's Day to our moms!  They taught us how to love unconditionally.  We wouldn't be the parents we are today without them.  I love seeing how much they love our son.  It is such a special thing seeing your mom love your child.  

Also this mother's day I'm thinking about women that desperately want to be mothers.  Now I know what they are missing and my heart breaks for them.  I also hurt for those who have lost their own mothers.  I try not to take the time we have with our parents for granted but I know I do.   

I promise some light posts next week.

Mother's Day (in photos)

Me and my baby on Mother's Day! Ally looks thrilled!

My Mommy and me!

Mom smiled and said "I have no eyes when I smile!"

I said look away then we'll count to 3 and then look at the camera.  This is the look we got! ( love this woman...she always seems to make me smile!)

Then we started laughing...

...till we cried!

Finally I had the bright idea to put on our sunglasses so you can't see if our eyes are open!

I love you mom! I had a wonderful day!  I love that there is never a dull moment and we can laugh till we cry while just trying to take a picture!  You're the best mommy in the world.  I wouldn't trade you for anything!

Happy Mother's Day!

I just wanted to say Happy Mother's Day to my Mommy and my Mother-in-Law!  They are both so wonderful!  I was so excited to give my mom her gift.  She's been complaining about her make-up so I took her to get all new make-up!  I was reminded of when she would take me for pageants and prom to get makeup.  I remember how special I felt when she did that for me and I was so excited to get to return the favor.  We went last week so she could have her new make-up for graduation yesterday.  (Sadly I only got one photo of her and it was inside and kind of blurry.  I'll get so good ones today!)
Patrick's mom is so special to me too.  She is the nicest person I have ever met.  I have never seen her really get mad about anything.  I've never heard her say a harsh thing to or about anyone.  I don't think I've heard anything negative come out of her mouth ever!  I love going and spending time with them.  (which I know a lot of people can't really say that about their in-laws so I am so blessed!)  I get to spend the afternoon with her and I'm so looking forward to it!

My MIL and my Mom at one of my teas in 2008.

Happy Mother's Day to my moms and all the moms out there!