Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a day that elicits a wide range of emotions for all women. As I have pondered this day, I have decided that Motherhood is much like a trip to the amusement park. It's full of twists and turns, ups and downs, laughter and shrieks. There are moments when you want to yell out in fear or giggle with excitement or simply want to vomit. You must be patient as you wait in silent anticipation or secret dread. Sometimes it's being the cheerleader as you encourage those in your party to be happy or the spectator  as you watch the joy occur. Sometimes you secretly desire to join another party because the one you're with is driving you nuts! Generally, you pay the price for being there, but at the end of the day, you realize you would have been willing to pay even more to have those moments. Motherhood definitely isn't about being perfect (just ask my kids); it's about showing up. It's about endlessly trying...even when you feel like there isn't anything left to give. I am acutely aware of my failings as a mother. As hard as I feel others have been on me at times, I am exponentially harder on myself. But I have never stopped trying. I have never stopped showing up. I have never stopped trying to learn from my mistakes to be a little better the next time. Motherhood (much like life) isn't a destination; it's a journey...for life. There is no arrival. Any time you think you have mastered as aspect of motherhood another kid comes along or that kid moves from being a child to an adolescent to an adult. Each stage and each child requires a different set of parenting skills that unfortunately didn't come pre-installed. I may not do everything right all the time, but I do my best...and that's what I celebrated today. I celebrated those small victories that carry my heart through the painful moments. I celebrated all the women in my life who have exemplified the noble traits of motherhood. I celebrated my grandmothers, mother, sisters, and even daughter who have humbly made sacrifices to nurture life. I also celebrated the fact that I had a good excuse to not cook! I think that's one of my favorite parts of this day. I have a good excuse to simply sit on the couch and allow others to willingly and cheerfully serve me. I am grateful for their gratitude and love. Jonas helped me celebrate all weekend. He was so excited about the gift he got me and the card he made (thanks to the help from his big sister, Laurin). On Saturday, he went with me to the local greenhouses to get vegetable plants and flowers to plant in our garden boxes. We even went over to my friend's flower farm to pick some flowers to make some bouquets for the house. I love fresh flowers! Every house needs fresh flowers during spring/summer. 

Sunday (May 9th) was a day full of rest and relaxation. We started our Mother's Day with church. We have recently been able to return to church full time. We finally get to have our second "hour" (which is more like 30-40 minutes). It filled my heart to see all the primary children again. I didn't realize how much I missed seeing their faces. The rest of the day, I enjoyed yummy meals (that I didn't have to make!) and time with family. Jacob and Amber joined us for dinner while I received heartwarming texts and calls from Laurin, Casey, Carter, and Dallin. All the kids went together to get me a gift certificate to have my car detailed. They know how obsessed I am with organization and cleanliness so this was the perfect treat! It was a great day. I feel eternally blessed to be able to celebrate this day. Motherhood comes in all shapes and sizes. Mine is different from others, but no less amazing. Happy Mother's Day!