Reflection on Motherhood

Yesterday was beautiful.  The sun was shining.  Breakfast was made to order.  I was able to go to all 3 of my church meetings because Larry took care of Porter at home.  I got to relax outside on my new lounge chair- thank you Larry and Sydney!  My closet clean-out has begun- thank you girls!  I enjoyed the gifts. I enjoyed the dinner at the in-laws cooked by the hubbies and cleaned up by the kiddies.  I couldn't have asked for a more pleasant Mother's day. 

I always knew I wanted to be a Mom.  It's nice to look back on my experiences in Motherhood each Mother's Day.  I need to be reminded why I'm here.  Why I chose to be a Mom above all else.  It's easy as I browse through pictures from long ago to revel in the blessings that surround me.  So bear with me.  These are just a few images that speak loudest to me today on what I think about when I think of Motherhood.

These guys are first to mind.  The most beautiful, rewarding, trying, amazing group of people I ever helped to create.

My own mother and my life as a little girl with my family.

Larry's mother and what I still learn about being a mom from her.  How grateful I am that she raised her son to be the husband and father that he is now. 

The motherly "duties" that give me a sense of accomplishment.

Basketball.  Lots and lots of basketball.

Again, these 5 people that get to call me Mom.

Motherhood in Disney World is like a double bonus in the happiness department.

My girls getting to know their Oma.

These future Moms and how they amaze me with their natural abilities to adore their brother!

Fun with my kids.  It seems to be rarer these days than it used to be.  Perhaps I've gotten old, but I need to carve out more times for the sillies.

Some of my favorite Moms around.  My sisters probably don't realize how much I rely on them for my own success.  Memories I hold dear give me a foothold while the future will always include lots of phone calls, emails and girls' weekends!

This guy right here.  He is the reason I can get up each day and do what I need to do.  He is my partner in this rollercoaster call parenthood.  He is my partner in life.  My better half, to say the least.  I love him.  I adore him.  I thank him for letting me be a Mom 5 times over.

I have chosen to surround myself (whether near or far, far away!) with Mothers at all stages.  I watch them.  I study them.  I commiserate with them.  I ask lots of questions.  I try to glean everything I can from their experiences, good and bad, so that I can discover what works for my family. 

Thanks to all of you- I hope you know who you are! 

Happy, happy Mother's day and hope these good feelings last a good, long time!