Mother's Day 2010

Mother's Day weekend was such a good one for me this year. Though it was certainly nice to feel noticed and appreciated, I was mostly just struck with how blessed I am to be "mommy" to Travis, Jayna, and Evan. I love these kids so much!

The weekend started with a lovely tea put on by Travis' class at Concordia. The kids were clearly so excited to pamper their moms, and it was fun to see other moms clearly as excited and blessed as I was. When we first came in the room, the moms lined up and one by one, the kids would come and escort - arm in arm - their mom to her table. After Travis took me to my seat, he brought me a very stylin' hat he made, a plate full of food, and a bottle of iced tea. After we all ate and talked for a while, the kids sang several songs for us, Mrs. Banta took pictures of each of us with our kids, read everyone a story, and then the kids presented all of us with a gift (marigolds in personally decorated pots). It was fun to spend the time with Travis, and also see him with all the friends he has made at preschool this year.

On Sunday, I played piano on worship team while Steve, who had just worked all night, had the kids all morning. (Thanks, babe!) He also had to work that night, which meant that as soon as we got home, he had to go to bed and sleep basically until it was time for him to leave again. Normally - I will be honest - I would be a tad bit irritated to be the sole parent on Mother's Day, when I should be out at a spa or something :) But thankfully, God gave me a good attitude and I decided to make my only goal for the day to enjoy my kids. We ate simply, played a lot, and cuddled on the couch and watched a movie. Like I said, I am blessed, and I don't take it for granted!

Oh, and Steve gave me an ipod nano!! (or as Jayna calls it, my "music box") We'd been talking about buying one for awhile, especially for my running, but were hesitant to spend the money. Normally, our budget for Mother's/father's day is like, um, $10, so this was a total splurge. But I'm loving it, and transferring some of my CD collection into itunes as I type this!From this angle, you can't see the many feathers plastered all over the hat. It's quite the piece of art. Travis told me when we got home - and he was being serious - that I should wear the hat to church on Sunday. I don't remember what I said to get out of that plan :) Travis took this one!

My first ever 100% handmade/drawn/designed by a child Mother's Day card. Yes, I will keep it forever! Oh, and that blob on the left? It's a maze, couldn't you tell? :)