Mother's Day Eve

As more of us become mother's and more of us gain mother-in-laws, spending the time with my mom, all together as a family, on Mother's Day sometimes is difficult. We decided this year, with so many conflicts, we would take today to celebrate loving my Mom! Whenever we ask my Mom what her favorite things to do are, or what things she may want, most times her answer is to spend time together with her family. Today her wish was granted. We enjoy many Sunday meals together as a family, and actually do get together pretty often, but today we had, as Chloe called it, a Mother's Day Picnic Party - and it was a blast.

We got together, had lunch and then just hung out, playing volleyball and ultimate frisbee, passing baby Hadlee around and talking about how we can't wait to hold baby Jack soon, watching the kids enjoy playing with their cousins and trying to figure out how to include them in playing the big kid games, it really was a great time. My Mom enjoyed having us all together and really, it is an easy wish to fulfil because we really enjoy getting together. Here are some pictures from our outing...

The woman of honor - my MOM! She does not love to have her picture taken, but I caught her. I think one of my kids touched the lens on my camera because all of the pictures turned out a little blurry, but this one seemed to highlight my mom and make her look like the angel she is (see her wings?!)!

Noah loves my little (at 6 feet tall and almost 17 years and I call him little) brother DJ and it was cute to see him head right for him and plop himself down. DJ is a great uncle and all the cousins love him!I love that the cousins look forward to playing together. They are the cutest little group of kids.

Riley, Camden, Noah, Hadlee, Raegan, and Chloe

When we were sitting down together Chloe looked at Raegan and said "This is going to be the best picnic ever!" Raegan's reply was "YEAH!" They are cute little friends and cousins.
Raegan and Chloe

We also finally got a picture with all the sisters AND DJ! I like that we have a more recent one with all of us. We plan on having entire family pictures taken i n the fall once the babies are all born.
Amy, DJ, Melissa, Me, Heather, and Christa

Another thing that I haven't had recently is a picture of Joe and I together. I often take pictures of him and the kids, or me and the kids, or just the kids, but someone took a quick picture of us, and because we get so few of them, as silly as we look, I had to post it.
We had a great day, and I was glad to get the opportunity to spend time with my Mom and my family. Most days, there are no other people I would rather spend time with outside my own little family. My Mom has been such a wonderful example to me in every way. She has shown me how to be a Mom and any success I have in raising my children is a direct result of her. She has such an ability to love and make people feel important, her ability to handle stress and laughter is amazing. I admire her testimony and faith and hope that I have learned enough from her example to be able to be a Mother my children will love like I love my Mom. Happy Mother's Day Eve Mom - I love you!