Mother's Day started early for me yesterday, with
@ap1_nick and the babies loving on me with sweet notes, drawings, hand made trinkets, beautiful flowers and thoughtful gifts. Being able to hear their sweet thoughts and receive their love is such an unexpected bonus to life. I'm so grateful to be able to love on them and help them navigate life.
Today started with morning snuggles, breakfast in bed and then we spent most of the day working together to complete a project (converting the garage into a playroom for the kids).
@addy.day1 led the big kids to spoil me with girly, pink things and sweet messages. Dallin and Easton made adorable gifts at school that made me feel so seen.
My favorite part of Mother's Day is the excitement that comes from my amazing people, as they take the opportunity to express their love. It isn't forced or an obligation. It's so genuine, unconditional and pure. It's hard not to choke up even thinking about it.
I got to talk to most of the special moms in my life; chatted with a very pregnant
@danita_day (she's so freaking cute and I'm so proud of her!) and had visits and messages from the teens in my life, that I get to borrow often from their incredible moms. I always wanted to be the house that my kid's friends felt safe and loved in; and I am so blessed that dream has come true.
I am left feeling so loved and grateful today, as I snuggle my 10 year old who still likes to be put to sleep.
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a mom. When they asked kids to write essays about what they wanted to be when they grew up, my answer was always "a mom". While I have learned to have an identity outside of motherhood; it has saved my life on multiple occasions.
Motherhood has brought so much of my own healing and a purpose beyond myself that has kept me hanging on when things felt hopeless. It's a joy like no other, a blinding mirror of your faults, weaknesses and insecurities. It helps you appreciate, heal and even love parts of yourself that you see in your kids. It has kept me growing and striving to be better every day.
Happy Mother's Day, Mamas! I hope you know how important you are.
