Mother's Day {2015}

I love celebrating Mother's Day, but there was a time when this holiday also brought heartache - I longed to be a mom. And then there was the Mother's Day right after we lost our tiny baby-to-be that was pretty brutal. My heart hurts for those feeling pain this Mother's Day and I pray that God will bring you comfort like only He can. Never give up!

Today {and really, everyday!} I'm thankful for these two littles that call me mama and for the adventures they bring to my life. They are my greatest blessings and I can't thank God enough for them.

And then there's this amazing woman that I have the privilege to call my mom! God gave me a gem in her. She is my rock. I love you, Noonie!

Lance and Papa J treated us to a day of antiques shopping fun by keeping the littles and cooking up a feast! Noonie and I had a great time finding treasures!

Meanwhile, the men prepared this yummy feast, including bacon and cheese appetizers, shrimp & corn bisque, parmesan asparagus, chicken and sausage pasta, and delicious cupcakes for dessert! THANK YOU Lance & Papa J!! And just to be clear - the serious diet starts THIS WEEK!

Noonie wanted a SCALE of all things for Mother's Day...WHAAAT??! So we got her the scale, but I couldn't let this special day pass without also putting together a little basket of sweet things that reminded me of her.

The littles surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers that they not only picked out, but actually paid for with money from their piggy banks!! I was definitely feeling the love! Thank you Grace & Hudson!!

Sunday morning they surprised me with French Toast topped with blueberries - yum! Their smiles and excited looks were the best gift ever!

This little guy. That sweet simile. That tiny fingerprint heart. That belly sticking out. This is the stuff that Mother's Day is all about!

And bathroom cleaning coupons??! Doesn't get any better than this!

What a beautiful gift it is to see ourselves through the eyes of our children! I'm so thankful to all the sweet teachers who make these priceless Mother's Day booklets and questionnaires possible!

They are my heart. Pure and simple.

We even went to late church which was a gift in itself because I didn't have to be running around like crazy trying to get everyone out the door on time!

All dressed up and ready to go!

This pic makes my heart swell and swell! I'm so thankful that the littles have two amazing grandmothers that love them so much!

We showed up to church and Surprise!... Noonie was matching us!! We declared pictures absolutely necessary...much to the men and littles' delight - ha!

My mom was both mom and dad to me growing up. She didn't have the support of a husband to help in childrearing, but she never let that affect me in any way. She gave 200%. Every day. Without ever speaking a negative word about my father. Ever. Takes a special kind of person to do that! 

I'm so thankful that God brought Papa J into my mom's life {and mine too, of course!} when I was in my late teens. Seeing the way he loves her makes me love him even more. Thank you for bringing a special kind of joy into our lives, Papa J!

Our little family. I think Hudson must be practicing for First Communion...two years early! he he he

It was a wonderful weekend, but I'd be lying if I said we didn't miss my grandma something fierce! She taught our family how to love. I can only imagine how beautiful her Mother's Day must have been in heaven. I can see her radiant smile and her twinkling eyes the way they were anytime something made her laugh. Love you, Tata!

My sweet mother-in-law was out of town so we didn't get to see her this weekend, but we can't wait to give her our present and a big hug this week! Happy Mother's Day, Mimi!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you who mother littles ones, regardless of your official title! YOU are a blessing!