Mother's Day 2013

Doug and the girls spoiled me this year. Leah and Paige started making cards two weeks in advance. Every corner I turned, they'd scream, "Don't look!"

I got breakfast in bed, so nice to sleep in guilt free!

At church Doug sat on the pew with us, which never happens due to High Council responsiblities.

We came home from church and I was shoed to my room for a nap, again guilt free. Syd came in and took a nap with me. No better way to spend my afternoon as a mother.

Doug came up with his own pasta creation for dinner, which was followed by a family walk.

Being a mom challenges me daily. I often find my mind drifting to when I was single and child-less. Yes, I slept through the night, had energy to run longer and harder than I feel capable of now. I had plenty of time to read at leisure, come and go as I please. 

But that was then, and I can't imagine life being more complete than how it is now. 

These kiddos bring stress and trials but the happiness outweighs it all.

I love being a mom. I'm often reminded of that privilege by just hearing one of them call my name.

I love my little family!

Sadly, the best picture we could get...Syd did not want to cooperate.

I may have shed a tear or two when I read this poem.
"Time will not hold me as small as today, but this handprint and smile will keep me this way..."

Cards galore!

Gifts. So fun! That paper with the rose is from Doug, he's a sweet heart and is great at expressing his feelings, I love that soft-mushy side. Paige gave me two of her hard-earned dollars, one in each card. Since she only had five at the time, I though it was so incredibly thoughtful!