Mothers Day 2013

I'm blessed. The first thing that pops in my mind is not only do I have three beautiful, wonderful children but I have mothers who love me and am surrounded by such a great big family. It's really hard to feel like I'm the one to celebrate with everything I do because in reality, I love what I do. I love being a mom and a daughter to my mom and mom-in-love. It's my job and my ministry and no matter how hard the day can get there are days where I just tell myself, "If this is the worst it gets, the day isn't so bad." I'm not sure why this post is trailing in that direction. Maybe it's because I'm just so thankful to be a mom and to be in such a position of high regard.

I have learned from the best. I've grown up with such a beautiful mom inside and out. She is the one who taught me to love the Lord with all my heart. She led me to Him during the tough times and hurtful times. I knew who her Father was and He saved me. She was the vessel and acted in obedience and responsibility with her calling as my mom. I can still picture her reading her Bible every morning as I woke up. Her unconditional love, support, nurture and continual actions is what molded me into who I am today. Extremely thankful.

Not only do I have years of teaching from my mom but at the age of 25 I inherited a new mom. As I like to call her, mom-in-love. I know there have been some tough moments of learning from each other but the longer we are family, the more I have grown to learn how alike we are. :) Not only has she given me her son to love but she has truly taught me the unity and importance of family through thick and thin. She has taught me what serving others looks like in any situation. And to give more than what you have. She is always so giving and sharing and bringing something over to us (food, clothes, toys, etc) when we don't ask. She just serves. You don't have to ask. She finds an area and gives it her all and love.

To have two mothers who love us unconditional, no matter what, is priceless. To have women who teach me and guide me to love my OWN children is golden. God is good. I'm incredibly thankful with a full heart. So thankful to have wonderful moms and wonderful children (and husband!). I continue to pray that I will be the best mom I can be and that the Lord will guide me with each little person and to love them in their unique language as this path I'm on will never end. What a responsibility filled with honor.

Preface: I know it's a random hot air balloon BUT it was the PERFECT way to end Mother's Day. We were on our back to the house from an errand and we see the balloon and notice it's landing near our neighborhood so Josh (kindly and patiently) followed it and ta-dah! We found the landing spot and got to get up close and personal with it! Talk about kids in "awesome-ville!" We ALL loved the new experience! :)

(The fire blowing was loud-hence, why Aidan has his ears covered)

 It really was such a neat experience! God is so fun!

I'm also thankful my mom sent me this picture of my parents and my dad's mom (Grandma Cupp) on Mother's Day.

Silly husband! I say "cheese" (smile) and he loves to throw me a curve ball. ;)

 There we go! ;)