Mother's Day 2008

1st Mother's Day, 2006

2nd Mother's Day, 2007

3rd Mother's Day, 2008!

Being James' mom has been one of the greatest gifts God has ever given me. While rocking James this afternoon for the nap that he never took, I became reflective and thought about the enormity of how much I love him, how much joy he brings me, how much I love being the center of his universe, and just how much I love being his mom. I really can't find words that will do it justice. I've thought back over the past two years and how our relationship has changed, and how I know it will continue to change in ways that I really look forward to.

Being a mom to two-year-old James has been the most challenging, but rewarding at the same time. Some moments I feel like he's giving me a run for my money as a mom, but then he turns around and melts my heart the next moment! There is nothing like seeing my handsome little boy in his school clothes drop whatever is in his hands and run to me with his arms open, with a huge smile, saying, "Yaaaaay, Mommy here!!!!" in his deep voice when I pick him up after Mother's Day out. There is nothing like him crying for me to put my hand back on his leg while riding in the car, stopping as soon as I put it back, and him slipping his hand into mine, leaving it the whole ride home. There's nothing like hearing his adorable/hilarious and loud singing voice as he belts the ABC's or Wheels on the Bus at the TOP of his lungs. There is nothing like being missed when I leave the room and hear him calling, "Mommy....ya you?"

It's hard to believe that I will love the next one as much as I do James, but everyone says you do! I have a mixture of fear and excitement about #2 coming, but today I got really excited about having two little chicks in our house. We heard a great sermon on parenting today, and I thought about how I want so badly...more than anything...for our children to love the Lord with all of their hearts and live for Him. Then I thought about ALL of the MANY prayers that I know have been and will be said over the years of their lives, and how thankful I am that He is here for us and for the comfort of knowing that He listens to my prayers and guides and will continue to guide me as a parent. When I try to do it on my own, I realize very quickly (sometimes quicker than others) how inadequate I am and how scary it would be without Him!

I also want to give a shout out to my mom, who is the most beautiful woman I know.  How could I possible thank you enough for all you have done for our family?  To the woman who I'm so blessed get to call Mom, Happy Mother's Day!

I will stop here and let all of you mothers who read this blog know how wonderful I think you all are and how thankful I am to have you to watch and learn from! Happy Mother's Day!