May 14, 2012

Mother's Day was a great one this year!  I had arranged for my family to come for brunch to our house; however, plans were derailed when our dog got sprayed by a skunk early Saturday morning.  The stink stuck around, so at the last minute my parents were gracious enough to welcome us back to their home for our brunch activities.  After meeting at mass bright and early, we started our day full of leisure fun and family time!!

After we ate, we did a little of this (one could have mistaken today for Father's Day, I tell you--kidding!!)

Then played a little of this.  No need to discuss the champions.  I'm sure a rematch is in the near future!  I'd love to show some pictures of the fun in the sun that the kids had--which included a home made slide from the skateboard ramp-- into a small pool of water. . .but I can not because Naked Nessa refused to keep any clothes on at all--practically the entire time.  At some point she finally decided to keep her panties on but trying to get a picture of them all on the swing was kind of quite a feat!  So, this is what I got, and even though they don't exactly look like they are getting along. . .one of the best things about today was the fact they got along so incredibly well from ten to six!  That's a lot of hours and NO NAPS!  We all relaxed in the back yard talking and telling stories and playing games, exactly what every Mother's Day should be about!

The home made presents from the kids were so meaningful and priceless!  Both have stories behind them and both will be gifts I treasure and hold on to. . .for years!! You hear that, Mom?  I swear I don't throw away everything!!

Today was a great day--everything about it was wonderful!  As I sat in the backyard of my youth---reminiscing about our younger years and discussing the challenges of parenting, it kind of hit me:  This life I've been blessed with must be celebrated daily!  This gift of motherhood, full of so many joys but yet such crushing revelations about my own selfish desires and ways surface day after day.  But all of this brings me closer to Him--leads me to my knees to to rely on his grace.  This gift of grace He gives me freely.  He gives me daily. I must celebrate it! 
Happy Mother's Day every day! Make them Extraordinary!

I sure plan on it!

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.--2 Corinthians12:9