Mother's Day 2014

Mothers Day...  First, a look back...  Here I am- probably 4th-5th grade.  Its our family Christmas picture and I cropped my sister and dad off for my Throw Back Thursday rendition of My Mom!  First- I wish to acknowledge how lucky I am to have such a mom as Martha-  she was always loving, always willing to listen, always encouraging us to think about how our choices will impact us and affect others, always helping us love others, always ready for a good laugh (occasionally these occurred in the alto church pew on Wednesday night practices), always supportive of my sister and I's activities, always cheering for us- but also helping us realize that the world wasnt all about us (if that makes sense).  My mom has been such an incredible person in my life for the past 33 years and I am grateful she has been my role model of how to be a mom.  Happy Mother's Day, Mom.  I LOVE YOU!!!  (PS- when I find the card I bought and the stamps, I'll mail you your Mothers Day card...  really I will!)

I woke up Sunday morning to the pitter-patter of my kiddos, who climbed into bed and said, "Happy Mothers Day mom- I love you."  Poor D. was very confused yesterday when he asked in his usual fashion, "Mom- what day is it tomorrow" and I replied. "Sunday."  He said very discouraged, "Oh- well when is Love Mom Day?"  :)  So anyway, today was filled with lots of "I love you mom!"

This morning I sang in the praise band at church so it was fun to spend time with my friends.  Andy was in charge of something extra special at church.  He got 6 of our hs boys to dress up and carry around delicious goodies on trays as well as pass out stickers- you will see the stickers as you scroll through...

 Above is a pic of me with my two youngest kids...

 Here I am with my 3 kiddos-  I promise the oldest boy is capable of smiling...

 Our family pic from Mother's Day.  I really appreciated everyone being so willing to take this pic together!
For lunch we went to a local place and enjoyed brunch.  Our oldest enjoyed Mother's Day lunch with his grandparents and other family at Pizza Ranch.

 After lunch we returned home to the sound of the tornado siren.  One had been spotted somewhat nearby so the three of us spent some time in the basement.  Thankfully I have plenty of stuff in boxes they had fun exploring and hanging out down there for about 30 min.

So- for the stickers, there were lots to choose from.  I made the mistake of letting A. choose which one I hsould have- of course she picked this one!  I was a little nervous if I could really wear that up in front of the church while I sang... I tried to keep my hair covering it. :) Other choices were:  Tired.  Chauffeur,  Newbie Mom, World's Okayest Mom, Best Aunt, Grandma ones, and many more.  It was fun.

 They also had...  which many of the dads and kids wore.

 While I was singing during the first service they went and got me these flowers.  I plan to take them to work so I can enjoy them all week on my desk!

 When I got home I opened my presents- nice cards, a work out shirt that is purple and super soft.  I also got some sunglasses...  you see, last year I was given these free film like sunglasses that just wrap over your face after you have your eyes dilated at the eye dr.  I never wear them in public but I do wear them in the car occasionally when I cant find my other ones.  My dear children apparently felt it was time I got some new sunglasses!  :)

 Above is what D. made for me at Sunday School.  Below is one of the things A. made for me at school.  Ive seen these kind of things before and the kids are sometimes way off- I think she was fairly accurate!  :)

Today I also cuddled with the kids while we watched a movie, enjoyed a Sunday afternoon nap, enjoyed a 25 mile bike ride (15 miles of that with Andy), enjoyed playing charades with the kids and reading them some books before bed.  It was certainly a wonderful day.

PS- he even posted this pic on fb...  but he asked permission first which I thought was such a thoughtful thing for a teenager to do.  I said sure!  :)  It was a wonderful nap afterall!