Mother's Day!

It was my 7th Mother's Day being a mom- but my first Mother's Day having all of my children here! We wanted to celebrate with our own mothers as well, so the weekend was pretty packed full! On Saturday we met my mom and pop and brother at first dam. We had some lunch (even though it was only 10:00 in the morning :) and went hiking up the river trail. We hiked for a couple hours and was quiet the site with all of us and my moms dogs! The babies did awesome for their first adventure and the kids did great if we did a slow pace! 

Because first dam had some no dog signs we drive over to Merlin Olsen park for our picnic. (They had no dog signs too... So Sam and Babe had to stay in the truck). We really enjoyed hanging out together in the sunshine and letting the kids play. I am so lucky to have the mom I do! Always supporting and loving me and my children!

My mom started the tradition for herself years ago.., and I've loved having my kids (well, lets be honest, Trevor) carry on the tradition! I got woken up (after letting me sleep in) to an awesome gluten free crepe breakfast. (Yea, my husbands the best). The older boys made me cook books in kindergarten (seriously some of the cutest spellings and instructions). The older boys made me earrings- some very creative ;), and Zach gave me earrings that I made for myself. I'm the luckiest mom ever to wake up to all these cuties!

We quickly got ready for church.... And were 20 minutes late :) They had a lot of youth give talks about their moms. Through a couple of them I couldn't stop crying. I felt the same way about my mom, and hoped that I could do the same thing for my children. The talks were so sweet and I hope to be so lucky to hear such kind, honest words from my children one day. It also made me feel so great full that I have heavenly parents that I have grown to know and love so much. That have time and time again, caught me when I fall, and love me unconditionally.

We finished off our day with celebrating with Trevor's mom. I love seeing how much Trevor loves his mom. It is such a good example for our children, especially our boys. Right when we got home from church he got to work cooking an amazing eggplant Parmesan dinner and cheesecake dessert. He also asked me to help him put together a gift for her that contained all of his siblings favorite memories of her. It turned out great, and she loved it.

I ended my weekend with a feeling of gratitude. I don't know how I got so lucky. I was raised by an incredible mom. She taught me how to parent with firmness, but unconditional love. I married into a great family, with a mother in law that is there for me in all things and has taught me so much as I raise my own family. And lastly, that I get to be a mom. I will never forget the day when I was 15 and they told me I would never have any children of my own. And look at me now. I have been blessed with 5 most amazing souls. The gratitude reminded me of the mom I am aspiring to be. To not get overwhelmed, and to always speak kind words of all of my children. To remember that I don't need to complain about certain personalities or challenges they create. But focus on the good and that's what will shine.

I am one lucky mom!!!!