A Simple Sweet Mother's Day.

There were no fancy dinner reservations, flowers, or chocolates given -only thoughtful texts and phone calls from a couple of friends and family. I love that I don't expect much. I love how my kids give me hugs and kisses and do the best they can in knowing how much I mean to them. I love that by going to church on mother's day helps give me the strength to endure and press on as a mom - especially at my age! I love how much I trust in Heavenly Father to know that I am raising them the best way I know how and to know that these kids are made because of Him. 

Macy's Flower Show-Herald Square '21.

GIVE. LOVE. BLOOM.

That was the theme for this years Macy's flower show and I just love how it falls perfectly around Mother's Day weekend and this past Mother's Day we decided to venture out to see how their displays and decorations were. Everything looked beautiful and and all the flowers were dreamy and colorful. They even decorated and extended it to Herald Square which had never been done before and we loved it. Both outdoor and indoor installations were amazing and as much as I loved the flower show in 2019 where we were able to interact with the people who were a part of the flower show, it was done perfectly for the season of Covid. We had quite a few laughs capturing all kinds of reactions in photos and of course I always have a blast capturing my people in action all in the name of fun. Spring is truly a beautiful season and I'm so sorry that I didn't post this in real time, but luckily I am documenting it now and I promise the next 25 plus photos are worth seeing! 

A Few Snippets From Mother's Day Weekend!

Lately, I feel as if I have been running my Instagram account on full mode with little captions and stories instead of writing longer, blog-journal entries and feel as if I'm neglecting this little blog. I love writing about our adventures and outings, but the time of my life right now seems that posting our little moments on Instagram is more efficient than my blog but then my guilty conscious gives in and tells me to keep this blog going. After all, it is pretty much being documented for my posterity. 

A Little Mother's Day Post.

"To those who are mothers, and to those who are not. To those who have mothers, and to those who wish they did. To those who are living their lives fully, and authentically, through all its ups and downs. We want you to know you are enough!"

My Favorite Moments From Mother's Day.

Waking up on Mother's day felt like any other day for me until Noah walked into my room with a paper in his hand. He was the first one to wake up. He was holding a note with a sweet letter he wrote all by himself. His words were so sweet, and it was lovely! He wrote how "he loves to see my face everyday after school when I pick him up." But my favorite moment from Mother's day of Noah was when he was singing to me at church. You can watch a little snippet of that here, and even though he didn't know the words-I know that he loves me. I mean...just look at his reaction when he looks at me saying, "mother i love you!" 

Happy Mother's Day!

As I was walking around the streets of Philadelphia the other day I noticed a bunch of blossoms on the ground. It warmed my heart to see that someone really took the time to spell out three wonderful words with blossom petals-"Happy Mother's Day." Being that it was a perfect day in the city with the sun shining seeing this on the ground for everyone to see brought nothing but joy to my face. I saw mommas with their kids walking past it, and some of them paused to take a moment to take a picture.

Being The Mom Through The Joys & Sorrows.

As I get older marriage, children, and motherhood becomes a different way of life. At least it is for me. I remember how simpler, and easier life was when the kids were little. Although we had some trials they were not as huge, and they just seemed easier to handle. But as you get older, we never know what life is going to throw at us. Illness, job loss, financial challenges as well as challenges with our children, and extended family members tend to become more prevalent as they get older, and sometimes can take a toll on us. One thing I know for sure that gets me through all the mundane is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I'm extremely grateful for that. Because with God, everything is possible, and the fact that God, and motherhood equal each other makes my life as a mother a little bit easier. Without His guidance I honestly don't think I would have been able to handle all the hardships I've endured then, and now as a person, but most of all...as a mother. Especially in today's world. 

Another thing I'm grateful for is having my kids spread out in age. They are all five years apart, and in all honesty have never dealt with any stresses. I mean, there have been some issues, but nothing that this momma can handle. Because of their age gap I have five years in between each child to "recuperate"  after the oldest one is off to college, and so forth! For this purpose, I'm pretty happy that my kids are spread apart in age. Didn't even plan it that way, but I know that Heavenly Father knew I'd need those breaks in between kids so he sent me a child every five years! Every child is completely different, and with each one I have learned something different, and it's interesting to watch them grow and see them face challenges, and learn from the. One thing I've learned as a mom is that if we let them know how special they are, and teach them proper principles they will be able to handle any challenge that comes their way. They will know right from wrong. Especially if they listen to that still small voice.  

One thing I will say when I had my first child is that I was terribly lonely. I was 23 when I had Sierra, and although I felt as if I was old, and strong enough to raise a baby, I was kind of like a wimp in many ways. I never looked upon my mother, or mother-in-law, or any other mothers for advice. My mother was 1700 miles away when I had Sierra, and well, my mother in law must have thought I was super mom because she saw what a trooper I was while giving birth to her, naturally without any drugs. Sure she'd check up on me from time to time, but with her life at that time managing teenagers, and working full time I didn't really want to bother her, and so that made me even more independent (call it pride), and never called upon anyone if I had an issue. There were times when I didn't even want to go to church because I felt as if I didn't fit the mold, and even though I never lacked for friends I never called upon any of them. Even the ones that lived near by. I know, I was a pretty stubborn mom back then. Thank goodness for all those moments of hardships because they have made me into the mother I am today!

Now that I'm older and Sierra is almost 21 (yikes!), and all the other kids are getting up there in age I feel that I have learned so much throughout the past 20 years as a mom, and to finally having my boy which was my Jersey surprise has made me an even more stronger, and fierce mom. 

And so I say this to all the moms out there. No matter how old you are we are all on different levels of motherhood. Some of our challenges when its comes to kids are easier, and some of them aren't. Life with our children is what we make it, and and even though life may seem like rainbows and butterflies right now because our kids are little, believe me when I say this...the trials will come as they get older. If you think dealing with a crying toddler at church, or in a public place is tough. Try having your daughter crying because of a boy that just broke their heart. I'd rather go back to those days than to see what challenges my kids have to face today.  They'll be different, harder, and more challenging, but if you know who you are as a mother, and remember all the things that helped you gain strength, (whether it was your mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, etc.) lock it in, keep it with you, and pass it on down to your kids. As long as you know that you're doing the best you can as a momma, then that's all that matters. All those sacrifices that you make on a daily basis such as not showering for days, forgetting to brush your teeth because of being a hurry to run errands before the child's nap time. Letting your kid have the last apple because pay day isn't until next week will all be worth it. You'll look back longing for those moments once they become teenagers. I know I do. Then again, it's exciting to watch our children become an adult, and handle their own problems knowing that they have the Lord to guide them through it all. 

God's children are the most precious gifts that Heavenly Father gave us. They are sons, and daughters of God. But I know this, as long as we stay focused on the Lord, and continue to teach our children how to love, forgive, and pray... all those sacrifices whether big or small will pay off in the end. And it'll all work out. 

I love being a mother even when life throws us those curveballs. But without those curveballs we will never learn to pick up the pieces. Granted there are days when I just want a time out, and be alone somewhere where I can read a book without any interruptions, but that's part of being a mom, and it's something that I have learned to cope with. Children come with interruptions, and I have realized throughout the years of being a mom that my time with my children is what's most important, and in all honesty if it wasn't for me having them I wouldn't be the person I am today. They truly make me a better human being! 

Also...this mothers day video really made me tear up! 

**Happy Mother's Day everyone!**

A Bittersweet Mother's Day.

Mother's day for some of us can be a tad bittersweet. Only because I don't have a lot of memories of them with my mother, but without turning this into a sob story, I have learned to love mother's day because of how my kids treat me. They help me clean, and give me lots of hugs, kisses, and homemade cards with gifts. The favorite part of my morning on Mother's Day is to have the opportunity to attend sacrament meeting. 

This year we had some pretty good 'Mother's Day" talks. My favorite one was by brother Brandon who mentioned how Mother's Day can be a happy day for some, and a hard time for others. To be honest with you I never really looked at it that way...until now.

When I read this story, and knowing that the parents of this sweet little boy will be celebrating mother's day without him broke my heart. The fact that I have a child close to his age brought me to tears, and I can never imagine what she's feeling right now. His talk brought back so many memories of my mother. Some good, and some sad. As I sat there listening to his words all I was thinking about were the happy moments of my childhood. I honestly don't remember celebrating mother's day as a child or young teen with my mom. Sometimes I wonder if she didn't care for that day because of the things that were happening in our house. Sitting there listening, and taking in his words about his personal life hit home. Jon, and the kids always manage to make me feel extra special on mother's day. I may not have lost a child, but I know how it feels to not have your mother there by your side to celebrate mother's day with you...especially when you're little. 

One good thing that came out of that experience is that I don't dwell on it, and focus on the strength in how far I've come in raising my family, and how they have made the past 19 years of my mother's days for me special. And that's what I pray for the parents of little Ryan. I pray that as time passes by she will have the strength to remember the happy moments that sweet Ryan shared with her for those three short years of his young life. I pray that she will feel a sign from him as each mother's day passes knowing that he is watching over her. I pray that she will be strong, and that in time her heart will heal. I pray that she will know that this mortal life is temporary, but that eternity is forever. And that one day she will be able to raise that little boy in heaven. 

*****

Motherhood is definitely hard, and as I grew up, no matter the situations that occurred in my childhood there were moments when I saw my mom care for me when I was sick, hungry, needed clothes, and longed for affection. Sometimes I feel as if I didn't get enough of the affection part, but you know what...that was okay. I am lucky that I've healed from all the heartache that was put in my path while under her care, but the most important thing for me in my life today is that I love her. I am grateful that she is my mom. For being a mom who did everything the best that she can....even in my darkest years. I would never change anything about my mom then, because everything that I endured throughout my childhood is the cause for who I am today. 

A fun, loving, happy, never giving up, strong, 'always there no matter what' kind of mother that will never leave my children's side no matter how hard life gets. My children are the greatest blessings in my life, and I'm so happy that three of them are still home for me to raise! 

I have learned not to be bitter over the things that happened to me, and to not put the blame on anyone for it. Although it took me many years to heal, and endless hours of counseling I learned that by being bitter, blaming others for the wrong turns of my life, and holding in all that anger was not the answer. I count my blessings for finding that light of happiness when I was 20 years old, and for having the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. But most of all I am grateful to have found a husband who helped me overcome all those demons, and to teach me what unconditional love is all about. 

Seeing all the beautiful photos of my friends with their mothers, grandmothers, and children on Facebook brought a lot of smiles to my face. I think my finger is a little tender from pressing the like button too much. It is so wonderful to have read the statuses in how they appreciate their mothers through the good, and trying times. It's refreshing to read positive statuses as opposed to the bitter ones. Keep remembering your mothers folks. and always treasure the happiest moments.

18 Months on Mother's Day

"When you reach for the stars, don't forget who you are. Please don't turn around and grow up way too fast; oh life's an hourglass, life's an hourglass."

~from Mindy Gledhill's song-Hourglass

Noah's mother's day gift to me...

Entering the nursery so I can fulfill my church calling in the Relief Society Presidency without any interruptions. 

Thank you Noah!

and...

A few things I love about my 18 month old little boy:

I love the fact that he LOVES bananas! It is his favorite fruit (mine too) and he can eat them all day long, but I only let him eat at least three a day. Is that too much? This boy LOVES fruit and oatmeal. No wonder he's still little. People think he's too little to be walking. I think he needs to 
eat more meat!!

My little monkey boy!!


The Wooby!

Noah LOVES his wooby! He only needs it when he is super ornery, tired, and since I'm trying to wean him from nursing...it takes place of my breast! This thing is a life saver. I prefer him thumb-sucking on a piece of cloth over a pacifier any day!

Noah loves his sisters! 

He has so much love to give and they in return give him time, love and affection! 

It's hard to believe Noah Michael is 18 months. It is interesting to watch the different things he is learning and doing at this age. I treasure each day being a mother to him and his sisters. Through the good and the bad, including the daily mundane. No matter how weary I become at the end of the day, I give thanks to the Lord in allowing me to live another day to raise my children, and to wake up to another day to begin all over again...with a smile. 

 Life definitely is an hourglass raising my children.