Bless Mothers, Everywhere

This Mother's Day was a blessed one! The night before Mother's Day, I got to hang out with some friends for a fun spa night. We did some facials (and tried out snail mucin!), parafin wax, foot massages, ate treats and laughed a lot. I am thankful for friends. Rachelle, KeriAnne and Calli are such awesome women. The day of Mother's Day, I woke up before everyone else to read my scriptures like normal. Then Dave woke up and made a yummy breakfast in bed with French toast, cheesy eggs, sausage and bacon breakfast - um, yum! I was so full I didn't even eat lunch. The kids never woke up to help but Dave was sweet and covered for them. Lucy got up in time to deliver it to me. Then we got ready for church. Sydnie was disappointed that it wasn't a sunny day and it was a little dreary and drizzly for weather. She said "Mother's Day is supposed to be beautiful!" Haha! The sacrament meeting was about being peacemakers. No mention of moms really though one speaker recited a poem about mothers. Then we got some Utah truffle candy bars. And I taught the lesson in Young Women about unity in marriage to the older class. It went well and I am grateful for the opportunity to be with those amazing young women. As soon as we got home, the kids couldn't wait to give me their gifts they had made. Sydnie made a shrinky dink keychain with a cute message and picture, a sweet kitchen towel with a handprint strawberry that said "You are the berry best!" Cov gave me a birdhouse he painted. And Lucy gave me a sweet card and origami tulip. The older two didn't give me anything physical, but Emma did the dishes and helped out, which she does a lot anyways which meant a ton. And Callahan was sick and didn't feel well until about 2 in the afternoon. He wished me a happy day though so that counts too though. The kids a few times quoted Agnes from Despicable Me when she said "She kisses my boo-boos, she braids my hair. My mother is beyond compare. We love you mothers everywhere." When Lucy said the prayer, she asked Heavenly Father to "bless the mothers all over the world." Truly, we need those prayers, Lucy! Being a mom isn't easy but it is so, so worth it! After Church, we made some food menu items, then drove to Lyman to spend the day with Amy's family, Mark's family and Mom and Dad Stoddard. We had some delicious ribs and yummy sides, and we made peanut butter brownie pizza and fruit pizza for dessert. We enjoyed visiting and the kids always love playing together. I am so grateful we are able to gather for things like these. Then, we drove back home and read the book "My Mom" by Roger Hargreaves, which is such a sweet read. Then we talked to Grandma Sue on video chat and wished her a happy birthday! I am so blessed by my Mom and all she has done for me, all she does for me now, and the things she will continue to do for me forever! I am also thankful for my mother-in-law Sue. She's always been the perfect balance of being involved, but not too involved and letting us have our space. Then there are my sisters and sisters-in-law, aunts, grandmas, and friends who have had great influences on me. I am blessed to be surrounded by giants among women!