Happy Mommy's Day!!!

It's a day where I hug my girls a little longer, say yes more often, and try to soak in every moment, because without Harmony and Makaela, I wouldn't be celebrating today.  They are my gift of all gifts, and they bring more purpose to my life than I ever ever ever could have imagined.  I was just chatting with my girlfriend the other day and she asked "what did we ever do with our time before kids!?" and I replied "I have no idea, but I could never go back to that life".  And even on the days where my kids (and me) are absolute grumps, where my house is overrun with messes, laundry, and arguing children, I still mean that.  I count it an absolute blessing to have two healthy, happy, and beautiful girls who light up when they see me.  Who make me laugh every day.  Who beg to snuggle when we are watching a movie.  Who get so excited to do anything, even if it's just to get the mail.

Is it hectic?  Yes.
Is it challenging?  Oh. Yeah.
Are there days when I want to rip my hair out?  Yep.  I'm pretty sure that was yesterday....
Are there mornings when the kids wake up far too early, and I throw hissy fits in my head and sometimes out loud?  Don't act like you haven't had those days too!!

It's the hardest job I have ever loved, and it goes by too fast.

It's also a day where I remember not to take for granted the incredible blessing of having a beautiful, God fearing mother who raised my siblings and me right.  I owe my compassionate heart, my easy-going nature, my loud laugh, and my shortness to her.  I have absolutely, positively NO IDEA where I would be, and WHO I would be without her.  I am ridiculously lucky to have her.

All week I have been thinking about what goes in to being a mom.  I even asked all my fb friends to tell me what they think a mom is.... but NOBODY responded.  Good thing I don't get offended easily!  :-)  But seriously people.  Tsk, tsk.  So you have left it up to me.

A Mom Is...

• the star quarterback.  When all else fails, when everything has been tried, we are the last line of defense (or offense if you're going to get all technical about what a quarterback is).  
• someone who at any point in a given day comes into contact with snot, drool, pee, puke, or poop.  
• a woman who juggles, juggles, juggles.  Meals, kids, laundry baskets, sports schedules, grocery lists, potty training, cleaning, errands, bills, budgets, homework, bath times, bedtimes, nap times, story times, anything that ends in times, playdates, playmates, dates with your husband, music lessons, and anything else that you can squeeze into your day to day goings on.  It is NOT for the faint of heart.
• someone who sacrifices for their kids.  Who says no to their needs in order to say yes to their children's needs.
• someone who guards their kids hearts from hurt, heartache, and tough news until it's absolutely needed. 
• someone who sometimes has to have their children learn the hard way in order to save them from a harder fall down the line.
• who prays without ceasing.
• who believes in their kids
• the maker of Halloween costumes
• the knower of all things.  (wait, is knower a word?  I should know that.)
• the mama bear who will not let anyone come between her and her cubs.
• one who puts too much pressure on herself to be the perfect mom.  Guess what?  there is no such thing.  
• the best bandaid putter on-er
• the best hug giver
• and whose kisses heal all cuts, scrapes, and bruises.

Remember these as you honor your mother, your wife, your sisters, aunts, and grandmothers today.  They deserve more than just a day to he honored.  Be sure to honor them every day.  The bible says so, not me. :-)

When I look at my girls, I am fully confident that I am seeing the most indescribably beautiful human beings, who remind me everyday (whether I choose to remember or not) of what perfect love is.  They are a reflection of how God loves me, and a reminder of how much of a sacrifice it was for him to let Jesus go, even if it were for only a moment.  I cherish each second that God has given me to be with these girls.  To influence, to support, and continually point them to Christ whenever I can.

Happy Mother's Day to every single mom, grandmom, great-grandmom, aunt, godmother, stepmother, foster mother, and spiritual mother.  You all influence the children around you, and each one of you deserves to be spoiled rotten today.