Mother's Day 2011

Today was a very different Mother's Day.  Some would assume to be pampered and given breakfast in bed and not to have to get the kids ready for church or do anything of that sort.  But this weekend was different from all the others.  The kids had their first overnight with their dad from Friday night to Saturday.  They spend every Thursday and Friday, day, with their dad, but always return home in the evening.  So this was an official "overnighter".  (Still temporary for the time being to make sure the kids will adjust).  During those 2 full days, I was quite sad.  My house didn't seem like a home without them there.  There was silence.  No cartoons being watched, no mess in the living room, no one climbing on the kitchen table.  I even was able to put my make-up on in like 5 minutes (which normally takes me like 20 because I am running in and out of the bathroom telling a certain little boy to "get down off that table!").  In a way, there was no purpose.  I stayed out of the house most of the day, because it just made me sad.

When I picked the kids up Saturday night, I was beaming with joy, at just the thought of seeing their sweet faces.  I was so anxious to hold them and hear them.  I wanted them home.  So waking up this morning, hearing their voices before I was able to open my eyes was the most wonderful thing.  Before Ben even had the chance to wake me up this morning, I raced down stairs to be with him and give him him a hug and a kiss before breakfast.  I was extatic to hear Elizabeth's, "Good mo-ning!", as she opened her bedroom door.   Having them home, was the best Mother's Day gift ever.  This Mother's Day, my heart is full for these amazing little spirits that have blessed me with the opportunity to be their mother.  I am grateful for the joy and spirit they bring into our home and the joy it brings me.  I am also so very grateful for my own mother, who has shown me how to be a mother and the unconditional love that abounds from it.  Mother, you have given me the courage and faith to know I can do the things before me.

I love you Elizabeth!

I love you Benjamin!

My Mother's Day gift from Ben.  He made it at school.   It's a cute flower pen pot.  They used his handprints and pictures of him.  I love his smile, so awesome =)

My gift and cards from the kids.  I love them so much!

Happy Mother's Day!