I am blessed!

Mother's Day makes me ponder the new depths motherhood has taken me. I am privileged beyond words to be the mommy to two wonderful precious treasures - my Tate and my Chase. Being a mom has been the best thing to ever happen to me (besides meeting my husband of course, but more on that on "Husband Day"). Being responsible for little lives is humbling. Tate's laughter and joy sends my heart soaring, and Chase's smiles and sweet cuddles make me want to freeze time.

But being a mom is so much more for me. Over this last year, the idea of losing myself has been such a wonderful learning experience. When Tate came into our lives and I first became a mom, I struggled with the idea of losing myself. I grumbled when I didn't get a full night sleep or when I had to clean the kitchen again. But with time, giving all of myself to my family has become a joy. One verse I have been thinking a lot about this year is Mark 8:35 "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it." Letting go of what Jen wants has been better than getting everything Jen wanted! Crazy! :)   

Don't get me wrong, there are still challenging moments, but finding joy in even these moments is the trick! Joy doesn't come from circumstances, it comes from Christ! I want to show Christ to my children! Show them the love, joy, peace, patience and gentleness of Christ!

I love what Mary Hollingsworth has to say in her book On Raising Children.

Tiny Teachers

Children are the best teachers in the world. They teach young women how to be mothers and young men how to be fathers. They teach older men and women how to be grandparents. They even teach other children how to be brothers and sisters.

Think about all the skills children teach people. They teach moms how to be nurses and dads how to be heroes. They teach brothers and sisters how to share…..toys, rooms, dreams, and cookies. They even teach teachers how to teach in creative and fun ways.

Children teach the world how to love. They have us to look past a person’s skin color right to his or her heart. They teach us how to be honest, open and innocent. And they teach us how to hug and laugh and be enthusiastic.

Children make us keep our promises because they never forget one that we make. They even make us into scientists and professors by asking “Why?” about everything that moves and many things that don’t.

Isn’t it interesting that while we are teaching our children to be adults, they are teaching us how to be children? That’s especially important when we remember that Jesus said, “Let the little children come to be, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14)

I also can't say enough about all the wonderful Moms in my life! Of course there is my mom, thanks for all your love and support over the years mom! I am privileged to call you my Mom and friend. My MIL has also been an influence in my life even before I married Tyler. Thanks for all your sage child-rearing and homemaking wisdom. I may not agree with you every time, but I always learn from your experiences! My step-mom Kathleen is another awesome mom that I am grateful for. Thanks for being such an engaged grandma, your perspective on children always inspires me to be more playful. All three of you are all amazing Grandmas; we are blessed beyond measure!

   

Last, but definitely in no way shape or form least, are our son's birth-moms Catie and Jordan. Without these wonderful ladies, I would not have the awesome blessing of being a mommy. You know how I feel about you, but let me remind you both from the bottom of my heart, I treasure you and love you forever. I can't help crying every time I think about the decisions you have made for these little lambs of ours. God doesn't make mistakes! You both are heroes to me!