Happy Mother’s Day to all my fellow mamas! You are a rock star and warrior! It’s a hard job, lots of times without thanks. I hope today you felt uplifted and encouraged and thanked.

I’ll say it in case you haven’t heard it yet today: Thank you! Thanks for wiping those tears, putting a bandage on imaginary owies so the crying would stop, and for smiling and playing when you’d rather be napping! Thank you for getting up at night with the baby and staying up late to talk to the teen. Thanks for making lunches everyday over and over and then dropping them off at school when the kids forget them on the counter. Thank you for praying and disciplining and being strong and firm in your boundaries. Thanks for being you!

Today is always a bittersweet day for me. My mom has been gone 17 years now. I stopped at the grave today to put some flowers on it and just thank her for being an amazing mom. I know she would have said she was ordinary and didn’t do anything amazing, but she did. She was amazing and I’m so thankful for all she did for me.

But the day was so special. My family rocks! They showered me all weekend really. It started on Friday when I got home at almost 8pm with 12 very tired kids. Yes, 12. I had a few extras! I walked into the house to a very pleasant smell…Andrew had mopped all the floors. That would have been a perfect Mother’s Day gift in itself! But it didn’t stop there.

Last night Andrew took me out to Dairy Queen for a blizzard after the kids were in bed. It was so nice to just be he and I. Lately we’ve had a squirmy, noisy baby with us so for it to just be the two of us was a special treat. And, of course, I love ice cream! I mean, who doesn’t??

Then, today. Wow! I woke up to breakfast in bed made by Andrew and Jacob. I was showered with love and hugs from my kids when I got up. Andrew outdid himself this year and made me a sign for our farm! I am still in awe of it!

At church I was given so many treats and gifts: chocolates, a cupcake (man, was that a good cupcake), cards from the kids, and a card and gift from a sweet, sweet couple that was so heartwarming and unexpected. Even my son’s girlfriend gave me an awesome gift. I already have it hung in my dining room! After church was over, the pastor grabbed me on the way out and had all my kids give three cheers for me in the parking lot. What a guy!

Our afternoon was spent eating steak, playing yard games and cards, and just laughing and enjoying family. I love my in-laws and we had so much fun together today!

I think the best Mother’s Day gift I received though, was when one of my 17 year olds came to me and asked if he could take his 12 year old brother out for ice cream. He said, “I’ve noticed Elliot has been a little crabby lately and I think it’s because Samuel and I haven’t been around a lot. I think he misses hanging out with us. I want to make a point of doing something with him a couple times a month.” Oh, my. I had to fight the tears on that one! What a kid!

To top it off, Andrew made me a cheesecake with homemade strawberry sauce and whip cream. I am still reeling from an absolutely perfect day with my amazing family! I am so blessed and I try not to take it for granted. I know I forget in the midst of hardships how wonderful this life really is, but today I was reminded of all God has given me since he took my mom away. He has truly filled my life to overflowing and I wouldn’t want it any other way!