How can Mother's Day NOT be wonderful with 10 cute little feet like these?
I am so thankful to be a mom. It is the only thing I wanted growing up and it is the only thing that kept me alive during my darkest days. It was a desire deep and strong and for the years that I thought it might not be a possibility, it was even deeper. I've known what it is to long for children. I've known what it is to think maybe it just isn't going to happen. I've known what it is to hope and pray and wait, only to start over again. I've known.
And I've also known the joy that comes with two pink little lines. I've known the joy of watching my body grow with new life. I've known the giddy expectations and dreams that play out during pregnancy. I've known the utter joy of holding a child for the first time.
Being a mom is my greatest accomplishment. But it is far from over. I've brought children into this world but I have yet to complete my task -- to raise them up to be responsible adults ready to love and serve others with every gift that God has given them. I've a long way to go, but I am feeling the joy along the way.
This year for Mother's Day, I didn't want much. I have everything I need and so much of what I want. So instead of gifts, I asked the family for two things:
1. Let's give gifts to those who need it far more than I.
2. Let me try to take some family pictures
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Rather than buy me gifts that I didn't need, I asked the children to select gifts for the kids in the care of Embracing Hope (Ethiopia). The toys will go to the new daycare that is run so that the mothers (who are trying to support their children on less than $1 a day) can go to work. Matchbox cars, a wooden tea set, an animal puzzle, and books. Can you guess who picked out what?
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My family put up with my trying to capture on (digital) film what I feel in my heart. I can never do it, but these will have to do for now...
My five little loves...
So blessed to be their mama...
And I am so thankful for my partner, best friend, and love...
Me and my newest little blessing...
The precious girl who first made me a mama...
My amazing little ladies...so many dreams!
And my handsome young men...
My little guy who makes me laugh every day...
And yet with all his silliness, he has a tender heart... (and his littlest sister has the cutest faces!)
And speaking of funny faces, what do you see?
Look closer...
Even with all their funny faces, my heart swells with thoughts of what I have been given...
And I am happy that we love deeply and laugh freely...
A very happy Mother's Day indeed.