Mother's Day Moments

Mother's Day is truly a day that I do not take for granted-not for one second.  Our pastor opened with the most beautiful prayer today in which he recognized mother's hard work, love, and dedication, but also lifted up the many women who long to be mothers and struggle to become one, and the mother's who have lost babies or grown children as well.  I have never heard a prayer so perfectly express the wonders, sorrows, and overall journey of motherhood.  As a person who spent quite a few Mother's Day longing to be a mother, a Mother's Day with a newborn, a Mother's Day experiencing a miscarriage, and a Mother's Day newly expecting and praying for miracles, I still feel it's a bittersweet holiday, but overall day that I am so incredibly grateful that I have been chosen to be MJ's mom as well as a daughter to my own wonderful mother!

It's a bit of a bummer not to be able to see my own mom on Mother's Day, but I am thankful for the time I shared with her just a couple weekends ago, and sooo thankful that she continues to slowly heal and improve.  This year, even more than others, I am so incredibly thankful for her life and the woman that she is to me! 

My Mother's Day this year was spent with Mat and MJ.  It was low key and relaxing, and I couldn't have asked for more.  We went to church this morning, and apparently MJ wanted to be with his mommy so bad that he pitched a fit in the nursery.  We've been going to this current church a little shy of a year and had never been paged to come and get him, but he just did not want to stop crying apparently.  He actually ended up coming into the service with us and did quite well.  He loved the music and kept using his sign language to say "more."  He folded his hands when it was time to pray and loved smiling at all those sitting around us.  Such a ham, but it was quite precious.  After church it was off to shop for flowers for our porch and garden and then on to lunch at Panera.  Luckily it was a beautiful day, so we were able to sit outside and enjoy our first meal outside of the season.  I use the term  "enjoy" loosely because MJ also decided to throw a fit at Panera as well, but the good news is we were outside, so we could continue to enjoy our meals and ignore the tantrum for a bit rather than scoop him up and out of the restaurant.  Then, we were off to a park for a little play time and to enjoy the beautiful sunshine.  Seriously, we have been waiting for some spring weather for a loooonnng time! 

This doesn't look like the face of a temper tantrum throwing toddler, does it?!?!

So thankful for this gift from God....and the beautiful springtime blooms!

My heart melts for him, it's true.

The playground we visited was pretty special.  A month or so ago, at my Mom's Group, a woman was asked to speak and share "her story", which was quite sad and inspirational at the same time.  To make a long story short, her 1 year old daughter had becoming suddenly ill.  Doctors were baffled and could find no reason behind her illness, but the mother persisted for answers, and it was determined that the baby had an extremely rare form of aggressive cancer.  After multiple rounds of chemotherapy and many surgeries, a year later the baby girl had passed away.  Amidst much grief and sadness this family has persevered and strengthened their relationship with Christ, amazingly.  Hard to even imagine going through anything so horrific much less being able to witness through your own journey!  Recently though, they had a playground built and dedicated in her honor.  It's located on a college campus, so it's quite secluded and quiet, and a great little family spot.  I know that they would love to see a happy, healthy, two-year old playing away!

Dedicated in honor of baby Courtney



MJ on one of the bench memorials

 Wheeee!

Of course he also loved to run away from us and play Peek-a-Boo!

After nap time, MJ and I spent some time outside planting my new flowers.  Of course he enjoyed digging in the dirt!!  Mat grilled some delicious steaks (with blue cheese crust..mmm), and we had a nice dinner as a family.  To top of the evening, MJ and I headed to Cold Stone for a little Cheesecake Fantasy while Mat stayed home to vacuum.  What more could a girl ask for?