what I'm thankful for on mother's day

1. My mom!

2. My mother-in-law. (yes, she's reading this; and yes, I really mean it.)

3. Our grandmothers Alvina, Delorse, Lillian, and Lydia

4. That I have the honor of being a mom.

5. That I am not a single-mom, and for all the single mom's out there that are giving it their all.

6. My good friend Bonnie, who is like a "local grandma" to the kids.

7. That usually all our kids are in bed by 8pm and usually until 5:30am.

8. That Brett averages a 2.5 hour nap every afternoon. I love the kid, but he requires a lot of me these days!

9. Caffeinated beverages.

10. None of the kids have any food allergies yet.

11. That Brett's near-sightedness was discovered at a very young age.

12. Sing-along videos.

13. There are so many free/cheap things to do with small children in our area.

14. Baby monitors.

15. The dishwasher.

16. The children's ministry at our church has gone out of their way to serve our family!

17. When Lydia feels, she expresses it 110%- her whole body dances in delight...her whole face gleams with thrill...(and, boy, can she throw a tantrum...)

18. We have not had to take a child to the ER yet.

19. Bryan has been at his company for 10 years and, while there have been cuts the last couple years, he hasn't been one of them.

20. Bryan usually gets home at 4pm every weekday.

21. I have been able to stay home full-time with the kids the last couple years.

22. Pay-at-the-pump (earlier this spring when I was traveling solo +3, I was wishing for potty-at-the-pump)

23. Seven years next week married to my husband. It's been a pleasure to ride this roller coaster with him!

24. The one who started it all. Brett.

25. Surprises. Namely, Lydia and Reggie.

Happy Mother's Day!

Dear Ms. April,

I just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthmother's Day and let you know you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.


Brett is almost 2.5 already, but I can still remember the day we got the call about "a baby boy" -our excitement and joy! As I write this letter, he is sitting across the table from me, smiling and eating tomato soup - one of his favorites. It is running down his chin.


I can't believe Reggie turned 9 months this week! He is doing new things everyday and doing everything he can to catch up with his brother and sister. We are so glad the boys will have each other as they grow, and Reggie has fit perfectly into our family.


I will never know your struggle... the pain... the opposition you experienced when you came to the decision to place your boys in our arms. But I want you to be certain that they are fully loved and we are doing our best to meet their every need. They are happy. And they are treasured - not just by Mom and Dad and Sister but also by grandmas and papas, aunties and uncles, cousins, and family friends. So, today, and everyday, please know that you hold a very dear place in all of our hearts.

With love and gratitude,

Joy

protest

Cold,wet weather combined with Brett's first official week of potty learning has kept us in the house all week. Lydia started her protest this morning by putting her shoes on all by herself!

"no lydia"

It came Sunday afternoon while the kids were squabbling over a toy. A silent joyful celebration in my heart when I heard the words "No Lydia!" uttered from my son. Something we have been waiting half a year to hear - two completely individual words formed together to make one statement communicating what he wanted.

Progress.

Now, there was still the squabble to deal with. And I don't think I will ever be so happy to hear "No Lydia" again, but this time was worth traveling to the next room and exclaiming to Daddy, "Did you hear that?" Yes, he did. And he was just as proud!