Mother's Day 2013

Today was a sweet day of my boys (and daddy) making me feel special. Actually, it started yesterday because we do the bulk of our Mother's Day stuff on the Saturday before Mother's Day. Much more time and less stress than a Sunday. 

I didn't pull out my "big" camera or even my iPhone today...but I got a few photos nonetheless. The point and shoot cameras really came through for me today. Thanks to my mom for this first one of me and my boys at lunch after church.

And then a couple more at home after naps (and in our lounge clothes). Ethan is king of the fake smile these days, but that's ok. Lately I've been getting glimpses of his thoughtfulness that make me so proud. He loves to make things for and celebrate others.

These two...though they make me crazy sometimes...are two of the greatest gifts in my life. I am so thankful for them and honored to be their mama.

And as for my own mom...she really is the best mom and Mimi there is. I know the boys would agree. She is my best friend and I still learn from her all the time. Although I wish she had passed down her thick hair to me, but I guess that was sort of out of her control.

I hope all of her mom-skills have rubbed off on me a little. The crazy thing about moms is that (like I said before), they continue to teach you even when you have children of your own. And I honestly think (actually, I know) that she takes care of me just as much now as she did when I was little.

And then somehow, I was blessed with a wonderful and truly amazing mother-in-law. She raised a son that I am so very thankful for. I am writing down notes on how she cares for us so that I can be just like her with my own sons and their families. She will probably kill me for posting this photo (and Casey will too), but isn't it just awesome!?

Donna is the best Nonnie to the boys there ever was. She makes them feel so special. And I'm pretty sure she would do just about anything for them. Really.

I love being a mom. And I'm so thankful I've had the opportunity. It has defined a large part of my life in profound and wonderful ways. This year, more than any year before, I am aware of those whose dreams of motherhood haven't come true or who grieve losses of moms or children on this day. One thing that I think is true about life...it is joy and sorrow mixed together, lived and felt at the same time.