Mother’s Day 2008

I’m finally getting around to posting some pictures from Mother’s Day. Sundays are always so crazy trying to get to church early (I have to be there at about 8:45 am to play the organ) and it seems like there is so much more pressure on Mother’s Day because you don’t want to be grumpy and yelling at everyone to get ready…and you want to be the type of mom they describe in those primary songs they sing during Sacrament Meeting. But actually, this day was great. We miraculously managed to have some extra time before church to take a few pictures and it wasn’t totally stressful!

As frustrated and exasperated as I can get with these kids, I love them with all that I have. I love the words of the song “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds, and have thought of them often at various moments with my family: “I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you.” I need to remember that when I find a trail of muddy footprints from the garage to the bathroom and a puddle of muddy water at the end of that trail. Or when there’s fighting and time-outs and disasters all over the house. I love these three little ones, no matter what. I hope they turn out to be successful in spite of any trauma I cause to them.

Annie and Haylie wore darling matching dresses. Annie adores her baby sister. Haylie looks a little bit afraid. Ahhhh, sisters!

Anyway, it was a busy day. Church was lovely. We got delicious chocolates which I almost immediately devoured. The kids gave me darling little tokens of love–drawings and handprints and cards. Brandon was really excited about the “big” present that he and Jaden got for me. I told him I wanted it to be a surprise–he said “Okay” and then proceeded to tell me that “it’s something to exercise your arms and legs.” Hmmmm…..he’s not great at keeping secrets! It was cute how excited he was about it. It was an elliptical! Yay, I really wanted one, and we finally have a house with room for one!

More pics of me and the kids…

Thanks to Jaden the photographer!

We were able to spend time with both of our families that evening. We got to talk to my brother who is on a mission in Mongolia–so good to hear his voice (and laugh at his funny accent) and hear about the happenings clear across the world. Love you, Ry!

We exchanged gifts with our moms and just enjoyed hanging out with everyone. I’ll post what I gave them later on. Thanks for the wonderful gifts! Both Jaden and I have amazing moms who really helped shape who we are today. We love them both and are so grateful for them. Words cannot describe. And are we surprised at the amazing grandmothers they turned out to be?? Nope! Our kids definitely adore them.

So Happy (belated) Mother’s Day to you all!