Happy Mother's Day

DAY 130

This has been a rough week for me emotionally as a mother. Being a mom is definitely the most challenging thing I've ever done and will probably ever do. I'm tested and tried in ways that only a mother can be. Yet, it also has some of the sweetest rewards. Life is funny that way. I do have some pretty great kids. Perhaps I have too high of expectations. I only hope that I can give them enough love and guidance to set them on a good path. I want them to experience as little pain as possible and have a rich, full life, be self assured, self reliant, and decent human beings. Isn't that what every mother wants for her children?

After what seemed to be a never ending week my husband really gave me a wonderful weekend. He ended up coming home earlier than expected on Friday night and had arranged for a sitter (which is a miracle in itself). Babysitters are few and far between around here. We only have a couple young women in our ward and it's been months since we've had a date night. We just had a quiet night out to dinner without the children.

On Saturday we went to Pella for the Tulip Festival. Haldan wanted me to drive, which I thought was strange (he always drives on trips), but when I got in the car I found a new GPS. He told me now I don't have to call him 7 times panicked when I'm lost or don't know which road to take on my trips alone. I do have one coming up in about a month and I'm sure it will be well used. I've never been one with a good sense of direction. What a thoughtful gift. When we got home we put the kids to bed and watched "Henry Poole Is Here". I liked it and it was nice to have that time with Haldan.

Sunday morning was a little crazy. I had forgotten to switch loads the night before and all of my bras were in the washer. I tried to switch them, but it was very wet and it wasn't drying fast enough so Haldan hand dried it with a blow dryer. He was very helpful getting the children ready while I practiced my piano music (the primary children sang in church), put myself together, did Camille's hair, etc. I'm not much of a breakfast eater, so he bought me a bavarian creme donut (One of my favs, but I only eat them about once or twice a year). Sacrament meeting was very nice. We had some great mother's day messages today. I'm hoping Lynette Hodson puts her mother's thoughts she sent to her on her blog. Loved that! After church I wanted to get some pics of the family, so we went in search of a good backdrop. My family were troopers. We drove around for at leat 45 minutes before we found a spot. We took lots of photos. We should have waited until later in the evening. I knew better, but was hopeful we could get some cute pics. It was too bright and there were lots of shadows. All of the family pics were blurry. I did manage to get a couple fun pics with the kids, they're not going to make any "best photo of the year award", but that's ok.

When we got home I called my mom, had a snack, then had a long nap! I haven't had one of those in a very long time. When I woke up Haldan was working on dinner. He made chicken caesar salad. It was very good and he even tried hard on the presentation too. After dinner the kids brought me a present. It was from them and Haldan. It was a new camera, as if I hadn't already been spoiled enough. I've been wanting one that would fit in my purse so I'm always prepared for any photo ops, just never expected to get it. Haldan bought the canon power shot. It's a very tiny camera and is 12.1 mega pixels. Crazy. Looks like it almost does as much as my SLR.

We went on a nice family walk, came home for a surprise desert- key lime pie, and then Haldan put the kids to bed.

What a wonderful weekend. I'm one lucky girl.

I have been blessed to have many wonderful examples of women in my life.

Just wanted to take this opportunity to let my mother know how much I appreciate her. She's a women of faith, always putting the Lord first in her life. She is a true example of service and selflessness. She's always loved me regardless of the choices I've made. She has truly been a wonderful example of motherhood. I found this poem and thought how fitting it was for her. She is definitely a "woman of strength" like the poem describes. I hope one day I can at least possess a few of these attributes.

A STRONG WOMAN VERSUS A WOMAN OF STRENGTH

A strong woman works out everyday to keep her body in shape, but a woman of strength kneels in prayer to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything, but a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her, but a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future, a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be God's blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks sure footedly, but a woman of strength knows God will catch her when she falls.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face, but a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey, but a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong.