Mother's Day

I have had a great Mother's Day. I have such a sweet family and an adoring husband. I am a lucky woman. I went to SLC with Mike for State concert band and my mother-in-law watched our kids. Even though bus rides are not super exciting, I was able to read an entire book and sleep on the bus and even though we had 60 high school students with us, Mike and I were able to spend some much needed time together. We went to Boondocks (a family fun center) and did some mini-golfing and such. My parents came to listen to the band and to eat lunch with us. It was fun and I really enjoyed it. I came home to some beautiful flowers (and I am one of those women who still appreciates a good arrangement of flowers). This morning, the kids gave me cards they had made (so cute) and at church, we were given a CD. My family let me sleep when we came home. I caught something in SLC so it was nice to rest (that was for sure the best gift). Mike's family all came over and we had a great dinner prepared by Mike and his sister. The kids absolutely adore uncle John, so they were thrilled to have him here to play with. Good day.

On a personal note, I love my kids and I'm grateful for each one of them and the different strengths they bring to our family. Anna is so loving and caring. She's creative and crafty. She is always the first to give a hug and try to make everyone feel good about themselves. Tyson loves to play and have fun. He is able to always figure out inventive ways to do things and he's very curious as to how everything works. Brayden is a blast of sunshine. He lights up the room, loves his family, and is never short on sweet or funny things to say and do. He keeps us entertained all the time. They are the reasons I am a mom. I will love them to the end of all time. They are the center of my universe. I can't wait to see the things they do and accomplish in their lives. I look forward to the happiness and tears of teenage years, helping them pick out tuxes and dresses for dances, mission calls, weddings, college, and all of the struggles and joys that come with those seasons of life. They will be different, and I will be different. I hope I will learn things between now and then so I will be prepared to help them find their way. I am glad that I have Mike to walk with through it all because we will be able to learn together and strengthen each other. The dreams I once had have changed because of being a mom. At times in my life I have thought that I have settled or that I have given up my freedoms. I have sometimes been mad that I am giving up my personal dreams. I now realize I'm not giving up dreams, but trading them for new ones. These new dreams are not dreams that satisfy only my selfish desires, but are dreams that will help me become a better person and I hope that I will be able to influence my children so they can become good people. I will make mistakes as a mom, but as a wise friend once said, "Everyone screws up their kids. The key is to not do it intentionally."