Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother's Day. I can't remember last year's Mother's Day but I am sure it was great, being my first official one. This Mother's Day brought me a greater appreciation for my family. Joel and I had our usual Sunday mornings before church. He did take Sarah outside to play in the dirt for an hour or so to give me some relaxing time alone. Then they came in and Sarah went down for a nap. This gave Joel and I a chance to sleep. Aaah...this is the big reason why a second child isn't on the agenda for me right now - Sunday morning naps, I'm not ready to give them up! After we went to church we drove to my mom and dad's house where my sister and her husband and seven kids were just arriving as well. We went from a family of four to a family of 12 in a matter of less than 5 years. Life is good.

At dinner I had a bit of a revelation about how life has changed for us. There we were in my parent's newly remodeled house, different from what I grew up with but still home, sitting at the dining room table. Two sets of twins, a 13 year old, an 11 year old, an 18 month old, a 6 month old, my parents, my husband, my sister and her husband. It was a full table. I listened and could hear Brooks and Dunn playing through the the TV. Now, anyone who knows me or my family and anyone who knew them 5 years ago would giggle at this. My parents both have never listened to country music. My sister used to hate it. But now, as families we have all grown and evolved into these different people. No longer individuals striving for personal success but really now members of this amazing family helping when we can and loving each other always.

After dinner Joel and my brother-in-law went outside and played with all the kids. They play a sort of street-style dodgeball where it's every man for himself. Joel ended up being the last adult standing bringing everyone to the ground. He finally gave up after the kids tackled him. There is true happiness to be found in children. Watching these events (and participating in them as well - I am really BAD at playing Nintendo GameCube Mario Kart, I got 4th place just about every time) really opens my eyes to the blessings that we have.

We may not have all the money in the world. Fancy vacations are just a dream for us. A big house and huge yard is many years down the road. But our family is growing, our lives are full of love and laughter, and we wake up each morning healthy. Heavenly Father loves us.

I am so happy to be a mom and wife. I am happy to be my mother's daughter. I am happy that I have my sister whom I love. Most of all, I am honored to be a daughter of God. Happy Mother's Day Mom's!