Motherhood is...

Most things I have learned about motherhood I have learned from watching my mom.  My mom is a fabulous mom, and below are just a few of the things she has done for me throughout the years which I hope I can do for my children to show them how much I love them.  I love you mom!  Happy Mother's Day!

Motherhood is...

Being there for your kids when they get home from school with a snack and a listening ear.

Staying up late waiting for them to arrive home from hanging out with friends when they are in high school just in case something major happened that they want to share or they need advice about something.

Being the first one to call them on their birthday and make the day special for them throughout the years.

Offering to have their friends over ALL the time, feeding them fabulous snacks and putting forth an effort to get to know who your kids are hanging out with.

Volunteering at their school.

Showing up at every sporting event even if your child is not the best athlete.

Calling them often and being involved in their life...even at the age of 30.

Letting them cry on your shoulder night after night when their heart gets broken.

Knowing when to be a "Helicopter Parent".

Planning vacations so the family can build fond memories together.

Being able to laugh at yourself with your kids.

Preparing fabulous and healthy meals and snacks for your family.

Planning fun activities to do together.

Working through bumps in your marriage to keep your family together.

Literally willing to give a body part to your spouse to keep them in good health.

Spoiling your grand kids and investing in their lives.

Always being there to lend a helping hand with meals, babysitting, shopping, etc.

Sacrificing to send your kids to Christian school no matter what, and teaching them to love and serve the Lord.

Making "tough love" decisions when you feel like your kids are heading down the wrong path.

Praying for your children's mates for the majority of their life.

Staying up late to help your kids do school projects that they probably should have done weeks before.

Bringing over a freezer meal for them to have when you get home from vacation since they won't have any food in the house.

Offering to pay for their meal when you go out to eat because you know they are on a tight budget.

Hugging them when they arrive and when they leave and sometimes in between.

Thinking of your children before yourself.

Having a keen sense of the needs of your children.

Knowing that investing time in your child is the most important thing you can do for them.

Taking time to spend one-on-one with each of your kids.

Encouraging them to reach their potential and dream big.

Showing them the importance of volunteering and giving to others.

Being there for every event...big or small.

Sticking by their side through thick or thin.

Encouraging them daily as they become parents themselves...offering helpful advice and wisdom.

After reading through this list it sounds like my mom is a saint!  She is really great, and I am happy to have been so blessed with such a great mother.  She has given me big shoes to fill!

A few pictures from our Mother's Day celebration at my parent's house.

Hang on Parker!

Bowling on the green...family favorite!

A little splotchy and sunny, but I wanted a picture of our family every Mother's Day in front of the tree at my parent's house so here is this year's picture!