Motherhood.

 My entire soul loves this journey, this calling. Grasping onto every phase. Newborn, babies, toddlers, kids and big kids, teens. My heart has loved it all. It is truly an honour to be their Mom. Their person. The one they go to when all their world crumbles. It is the one title I hold closest, the title I am most proud of and the one I will never ever settle for. All the busy schedules, the hard conversations and late nights are all erased with that one hug from behind when you least expect it. The simple laughs at bedtime and the cuddle on the couch when they scooch over just to be closer. Big kids have a way of making those tiny moments that don't come as often, more special than ever before. 

I truly could never have pictured my life without them. And all while I cherish motherhood, I know the influence of friends, sisters and our Mother's has helped shape me into the Mother I am today. So, thank you to my Mom and Brian's Mom for nurturing your title's as a Mother and holding it closest to your heart, we love you so much.

We spent this Mother's Day together. We visited Mom Reed on Saturday so we wouldn't feel rushed because she deserves to be loved on without rushing! Mom Reed is amazing. I honestly hit the jackpot with the best Mother In law! She is kind, caring, compassionate and would go to the end of the earth for her kids and grandkids. I admire her. 

We hosted Mother's Day dinner at our home on Sunday. Surrounded by my sister, my mother and my grandmother. I am so so sad I forgot to snap a photo of us all. But the memories don't change regardless. The table was set, the sun was shining, our homemade strawberry lemonade was a hit and it was such an awesome afternoon/evening together. 

My Mother holds a special place in my heart. She always will. She is tough and kind and is so mindful of her own Mother. I admire her. I appreciate the time we get to spend together. She has an amazing garden and is always willing to share it all with us! She calls everyday to make sure we're doing good and a big part of the Mother I am today is because of her. Love you Mom.

Our kids were amazing all day and I felt totally loved. They each made me the sweetest/kindest cards (well, Carter's on the inside was the sweetest but the outside... we'll get to that..) and shared hugs and "I love you's" with me the entire day. Man, I love these kids!!! I love so much the thought that went into each of their cards and little gifts. And yes, they ALL made me cry with their words. I will cherish these treasures forever. 

From my Penny girl... Her handmade book filled with pictures of us together, and coupons that I can use whenever I want. Penny, I am so lucky to have you! 

From my Bentley boy.. His sweet sweet words in his card. Urg, Bentley I am so lucky to have you!!

And from Carter.. my buddy.. the underground comedian... Im glad I get to be the first one to hear his inappropriate jokes. He had me shocked and DYING at this card all in the same breath. I guess we've officially hit the grade 9 teenager boy.. that came faster than I thought but we're gonna laugh about it and remember it and one day, when he's a Dad, I will pull out this gem and remind him of it. 

I will say, I received his card first and the writing in it pulled on every heart string I owned. I cried. Behind his inappropriate comedian inner self, his heart is bigger than I could bear. He truly is such an incredible kid and the fact that he can make us all laugh... I am so lucky!

Brians card and little half dead bouquet of flowers said it all. We're tired, we're doing our best and I wouldn't trade it for the best bouquet of flowers in the world! Real life right here and I am glad we're doing it together babe. I love you so much. 

And while this particular day was so fun to celebrate, my true mom flex is putting on old Disney cartoon movies in the main living room when its empty and quiet and somehow they all slowly pile in, sit down and watch it. I love being around them, even if it's just while cooking dinner or cleaning the kitchen with Toy Story on in the background surrounding them in a home of love. 

So Happy Mother's Day to me, to you, and every single woman with that natural nurturing vibe! You are my people!