Happy Mother's Day

To ME!!! 

Yes! That's right! I'm celebrating myself today!!!

Mommyhood is HARD! But it's also the most rewarding thing on this planet!! I love my three little babes more than life itself and couldn't imagine living this life without them....

From the biggies like birthdays and all the "firsts" milestones to the littles like kissing owies & combing hair. 

From the happy moments and fits of laughter to the sad times filled with crocodile tears. 

From the times they test my patience levels like no other to the moments when the stars align and they kill each other with kindness. 

From the times they let me snuggle them x's 1,000 and won't go to bed without a tuck-up & a kiss (or 20) to the moments when they can't stomp away loud enough & mumble under their breaths.

All I know is that I wouldn't trade a single second of any of it in....

Mommyhood makes me whole & fills my heart with the truest form of 110% unconditional love....

I had a great time spending the day at the ballpark with my crew and relishing in all things Mommy!!! 

And, I loved all my special, straight from the heart, gifts from my sweeties...the things that are better than any amount of money can buy...

The perfect homemade wrapping paper that doubled as the perfect banner from Trey Man!!

My framed note...

And, my BEAUTIFUL finger flower cards from my girls!!! 

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Now, the hair cut, pedicure, and new makeup is still to come. Mommy does deserve a little time to herself & I'm totally thinking I'm going to turn Mother's Day into Mother's WEEK!!! 

Being a Mommy...

keeps my heart FULL...

Full of LOVE.

Full of JOY.

Full of EXCITEMENT.

Full of HOPE.

Full of HAPPINESS.

Full of AMAZEMENT.

Full of LIFE.

With my children teaching me more about life each and every day, I truly took this past Mother's Day to just sit back and take it all in. Take in those moments of pure joy and excitement for life that they seem to exhibit so naturally. Simple and carefree moments of them learning (a little too quickly) just what life is all about. The little moments where they make the most of every moment and seem to effortlessly find a way to see the fun in just about everything they do...

As I listened more closely and watched more carefully, I couldn't help but wish that I could forever shelter them from the not-so-fun parts of life and all the trials that may be right around the corner. It reminded me of the fact that, no matter what lies ahead, I will be the one that will always be here for them, SUPPORTING them, GUIDING them, HELPING them, CELEBRATING with them, CRYING with them, and STANDING by them....

making sure they know that they are never alone...

ALWAYS being their MOMMA!!!

I love you BUNCHES & BUNCHES, my sweet babes, and I am so proud to be your Momma!! Thanks for bringing so much to my life and keeping my heart FULL!!!

XXX's & OOO's

Mother's Day 2012

was very nice and relaxing! Jason, the kids and I, hung around outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather. He grilled and I played with my munchkins. A little ball and a lot of swinging!

We've been here almost a year and we absolutely love our home and new community. Things have been busy, but I'm trying my best to continue to relish the little things and spend TIME with the kiddos. Letting things like laundry, dirty dishes, and vacuuming wait until they are fast asleep. As much as I really LOVE having an extremely clean and organized house, I realize that those things will always be here, while my kiddos are only at these various stages for what seems like a split-second. I came across this quote from Diane Loomans the other day and it totally resonated with me.

"If I had my child to raise all over again, I’d build self-esteem first, and the house later. I’d finger-paint more, and point the finger less. I would do less correcting and more connecting. I’d take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes. I’d take more hikes and fly more kites. I’d stop playing serious, and seriously play. I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars. I’d do more hugging and less tugging."

I know I have only one shot at this parenting thing and it's very obvious that TIME seems to be flying by. So, I think the best choice for me is to give it my all and always BE there for my kids...I don't want to have to look back in 20 years and have too many regrets. I think there will always be some regrets, which keeps us growing, but there will never be an opportunity to turn the clock back and get in more kite flying and finger painting.

So, even though Mother's Day 2012 is officially over and done with, I do have to say that I often feel like EVERY DAY is Mother's Day! Throughout all the trials and tribulations, laughter and excitement, tears and Bo-Bo's that come along with raising kids, I'm relishing in each and every beautiful moment and seriously CANNOT get enough of these THREE.....

I love you, my sweet little munchkins, and couldn't imagine not being your Mommy. You bring tremendous amounts of joy to my life, laughter to my spirit, and true love to my heart. Thanks for making my day so special and thank you for the wonderful cards and gifts full of LOVE....