Mother's Day

My first Mother's Day was kind of eclipsed by the fact that we moved the day before.  We were exhausted, spent the morning doing a mad-dash as we raced around the house looking for two matching shoes or a dress shirt that hadn't been wrinkled in the move.

Then, we jumped in the car and raced to church, and got there 10 minutes late.

But who needs a day on a calendar to be thankful?

I didn't get to see my mom on Mother's Day.  We both spent the day worshiping at the churches where our husbands work.  But that doesn't mean that I'm any less appreciative.  What an amazing woman she is!  I'm so thankful for the way that she raised me, the way that she got down on the floor and had tea parties with me, the way that she lovingly showed me how to love those in need, to sew a straight seam, to give a public speech without my trembling knees drowning out my words, to serve alongside my husband, and for the way she encourages me often about the way I am raising Kayleigh.

I'm also thankful for my mother-in-love.  I'm thankful for the incredible man she raised single-handedly, for the way she enjoys having me as a daughter, for our similar interests in our Irish heritage, our love for crafting, sushi, oldies, and cooking.  For the way she delights in my little girl, for the way I know that she will drop anything to come when we need her.

This year, I'm most thankful for this sweet girl.

My precious little curly-girl who giggles at the sight of roses and always puts her hand on me whenever we're within touching distance.  This baby who has given me insight into God's love...because how can anyone love someone more than I love my sweet little sunshine?

Just thinking about her makes my heart swell with love.

Thank You, God, for this precious gift who has transformed me from just being a daughter to being a daughter and a mom!

This little girl makes everything in life more beautiful.