Happy Mother's Day!

On Saturday I dropped a gift off to Mark's mom. Since I was in town grocery shopping, I was alone. We got to have a rare "uninterrupted" visit. It was really nice! I am lucky to have a great relationship with her - so many people complain about their "in-laws". I know I can call her anytime for anything and I truly enjoy her company.

Mother's Day has always been a very special day to me. It reminds me that I am living my dream of being a Mom. Sometimes it seems unreal that I have four little ones. I love them so much. Since I have had kids, it feels like my heart is living outside of my body. Everything that affects them - affects me. I feel the pain of every little scratch, scrape and disappointment that they suffer. On the other hand, I also get to relish in the great joy and happiness that is their lives for the most part. I love being a Mom. It may be stressful and overwhelming at times but that doesn't even compare to the great joy I get everyday when I look at their little faces. (especially when they are sleeping)

It also reminds me of my own Mother's love for me. I had no idea that she loved me that much until I had kids of my own. I didn't know that while I was growing up everything she did was because she loved me and wanted to be involved in my life and make sure that I was always safe. I was convinced at the time that she was out to ruin my life. I guess maybe I overreacted a bit. Now I want to be at every single school, church, & sports event that my kids do just so I don't miss anything. I haven't been successful at that - too many kids in too many different places - I'm sure it'll only get worse as they get older. Hopefully they'll forgive me for all my mistakes as a parent. I also realize how lucky I am to still have my Nan in my life and for her to be able to enjoy my children. I am also blessed with another "Mother" and that is my step-mom Diana. She and my Dad were on vacation this week so we weren't able to celebrate with her yet - but we will. She is one of the most loving people I have ever met. I love her to death and I know that she loves me too. I am so blessed to have all of these amazing women in my life to learn from.

We had a great day on Sunday. We went to church and then over to my Grandparents' house to celebrate Mother's Day. Of course my Mom & Wes were there, as were my Aunt Cathy & Uncle Dean and my cousin Dave. We had a ton of food - enough for probably 40 people! I think we may have overdone it just a bit, but boy was it yummy. I tried out three new recipes for the occasion. I made two different jello molds, a strawberry rhubarb one and a fluffy lime one. They were awesome! I had never attempted "molded" jello before - I was pretty proud that they came out of the molds! I wish I'd have taken a picture they were really pretty. I also made BLT bites - they were hollowed out cherry tomatoes stuffed with a mixture of green onions, mayo, parsley, parmesan cheese and lots of bacon. They were yummy too! Other than Grace coming down with pink-eye in the morning it was a good day overall. We had a great day sitting around visiting and drinking Mimosas (champagne & O.J.). It was really nice to spend the day with my Mom & Nan.

Here's a picture of Emma eating some fruit loops with a ridiculous bow on her head :) It came off one of the gifts. Isn't it funny? She looks like she's got rabbit ears!