Mother's Day!

My day started with Aaron making waffles with whipped cream and strawberries on them. Yum! I was lucky enough to be able to see both of my moms on this special day. My in-laws were staying with us because of Ryan's graduation and Caleb's baby blessing so I was able to spend a little bit of time with my mother-in-law. I love her so much and have learned so much by watching her over the years. She's an amazing example of love, humility, service and faith. She has treated me like one of her own since she knew I was going to marry her son. I'm so grateful for the encouragement she gave me as a new mother. She has given wise advice and has rendered hours and days of endless service to me through the years. I adore her and hope to be more like her as time goes by.

I then got to see my own mom at church, since we're in the same ward. We were able to sit close to each other and listen to Olivia sing 'Mother Dear' in sacrament meeting. I was so proud of her! I never would've dared do that at 7 years old! My mom, now, is one of my best friends. I can't believe there was ever a time when we didn't get along. But there definitely was. I was a somewhat ungrateful teenager and I thought my mom didn't understand anything. I kick myself now for how snotty I was at times. My mom is such a good example of hard work, perseverance, silliness, forgiveness and compassion. I'm so grateful for the help she is to me. I love living on the same block as her! She's always so willing to babysit and teach piano lessons (to the girls AND me) and stop by to tell bedtime stories. I am so blessed to have been raised by her.

I hope that over the course of my life I can take the strengths of both of these great women and make them my own!

Thanks to you both for loving me, forgiving me, believing in me, encouraging me, helping me and teaching me. I love you more than you know!

The kids made cards for me. Since it was Mother's Day I got to call in special favors, like family pictures! Ha! Aaron hates doing pictures but felt obligated since it was mother's day and he wanted to make it nice for me. :) I know it's a dirty trick, but hey, we got some great pictures so it was worth it!

Aaron bought this corsage for me from the Young Women in the ward. The picture doesn't do it justice. It was beautiful!

Macey showing her silly side. :)

I had such a nice mother's day!!! I feel so lucky and blessed to have my own children. To have been able to have their life start within me and grow. To have been able to experience labor and delivery. To nurse them and watch them grow chubby and strong because of me. To see first steps and hear first words. Watch reactions to new foods. To kiss boo-boos, sing primary songs, play at parks and go swimming with. To watch them make new friends and move away from old ones. Mend broken hearts and rejoice over accomplishments. Tell funny stories and pull silly faces. I love rolling down grassy hills, jumping on the trampoline and looking at the shining stars with them. Camping and boating and sledding and sliding. I love teaching them about God and of their Savior Jesus Christ. I love their examples of faithful prayers, forgiving hearts and loving service to each other. I love them so much! I am full of love and gratitude for them. I can't even imagine my life without them. I'm the luckiest mother ever!!!