Mother’s Day 2011!

I have really vivid memories of the past three Mother’s Day…

Three years ago today was (appropriately) cold and rainy.  I went to church with a broken heart following a miscarriage.  It was an extremely difficult day.

Two years ago was much different!  We were waiting and waiting for baby A to arrive!  He was already overdue and I was scheduled to head to the hospital the next morning for my induction.  Asher was born 13 hours after Mother’s Day.

Thinking of the contrast of those two Sundays makes me smile as I can see the way the Lord truly made beauty from ashes! 

“…and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

Last year was my first official Mother’s Day!  Asher was almost 1 year old and my precious baby boy!

And then there’s this year!!  I was so blessed today by my sweet husband and favorite little boy.  Chris spoiled me with donuts for breakfast and cards, flowers, and a gift.  We enjoyed a day at the zoo and a yummy dinner out to eat.  It was a sunny, warm, day and just wonderful! :)  As I was giving Asher his bath tonight he turned to me and said, “Mommy, Happy Mother’s Day!”  (A phrase his Daddy had prompted him to say throughout the day… but this time it was completely unsolicited.)

 

Fun at the zoo!

He was WAY more interested in the birds than the Lemurs!

Checking out the “big goats” according to Asher.

The “Raffs” and their baby…

My two favorite guys checking out the warthogs!

* * *

I have to be honest, this is a really exhausting season of life.  Asher is testing us every day.  Keeping up with him and staying consistent with discipline is tiring in general, and only made harder in the third trimester of pregnancy!  Poor Chris is in a cast so lots of things he had happily ‘taken over’ at night-time have been put back on my plate since he can no longer bathe Asher, and things like putting on jammies are impossible with only one working arm. 

All this to say, I was overwhelmed today with some perspective on the sweetness of this stage of life.  I will never have my little two year old boy at this moment in time again and there is truly nothing or no one I’d rather be completely exhausted for each night than him!

I am also so thankful for a healthy pregnancy and another son to love, even if carrying him is getting harder each day.  And I’m beyond thankful for the man that I get to raise these two sweet boys with, even if I don’t always let him know. 

Walking down the memory lane of the past three Mother’s Days was a great reminder of the Lord’s Faithfulness in my life… and a humbling reminder that He is continuing to work in me.  The same God who turned my mourning into joy two years ago walks with me each day!

* * *

And finally, Happy Mother’s Day today to my sweet Mom and Mother-in-law.  “Everything I am, or hope to be, I owe to my Mother.”  Abraham Lincoln said that and I completely agree! I am so thankful for the godly example of my Mom and understand her love for me and my sisters more and more each day!