Mother's Day

I had such a wonderful mother's day. I first want to say, I LOVE my mother. I wish I had done a better job at appreciating her while I lived at home. I mean, I was close with her then but not nearly as close as I am now. Maybe because I can relate now I think. Here is why she is so amazing:
1. Had six kids in 11 years. She started when she was 19 and ended at 30. She is still alive to tell the story.
2. She birthed Scotty. It's a funny story to hear especially if you know her and my brother Scotty. I get to hear the story at every birth. I am thankful for epidurals. That's all.
3. She can hear the same story 50 times and still act interested every time. Seriously. Each member of the family can come in and tell her the exact same thing and she listens. What the?? Who has that kind of patience?
4. She avoids any and all confrontation. She is the peacemaker.
5. She is probably the only one in the family that can give us constructive criticism or advice and we don't get offended. We come to an understanding. She is really good at helping us see the FULL picture.
6. She gave her life to us kids. I remember asking her a long time ago what her hobby was and she said "shopping for you kids". Looking back, it still would have been good for her to have had a hobby. She may have enjoyed us kids more BUT, she devoted herself to us. We always knew our mom would be there ANYTIME and would help us with ANYTHING.
7. Speaking of shopping, this woman can shop. A running joke in our family -she saves my dad thousands of dollars every year with her amazing saving skills. :) No but really, she is good at finding the bargains and she was always surprising us with little gifts we didn't even know we wanted or needed. I'd come home from school with a present on my bed. I always felt very loved knowing my mom thought of me. She is still this way with us today.
8. She is kind and thoughtful towards others even if she doesn't really like them. Both my parents were great at teaching us how to respect others and how to be friendly. Because my dad didn't avoid confrontation as much as my mom, she gets the brownie points for this one.
9. She is funny and fun to hang out with. I could talk to and hang out with my mom everyday.
10. Lastly, she is my best friend. This may sound cliche but I really have no clue what I'd do without her. Thank you mom for every little thing you ever did for me and continue to do. I love you so much!!

Mother's day brunch. My second favorite holiday. I had such a great time.

Me and my kiddos. I'm going to admit it, being a parent is not exactly how I envisioned. I thought I would be a lot better at it. However, it is way more rewarding than I ever expected it to be and though they can be a handful at times, my kids are really incredible little beings. I only work two days a week but while I'm gone, I miss them so much and can't wait to walk through the door and hear they're excitement and joy to see me. Being a mom is the only thing I ever imagined myself doing and I am so grateful that God entrusted me to raise these angels. I hope I can do it right and I don't fail Him or them. Thank you Jaxon, Ryker and Harlee for letting me be your mom. I love you more than my heart can hold.