Mother's Day

Mother's Day was always awkward for me growing up. I loved my aunt but she wasn't my mother completely. Also her sister lived with us so I kinda was like "Yvonne has 2 moms" So anyhow I dreaded Mother's Day because it seemed to highlight my differences from other kids. Then as a grownup, I just kinda ignored Mother's Day. My aunt had passed away and my mother in law passed away just months after Jon and I were married so I really didn't have anyone to celebrate it with.

Then came my first Mother's Day as a mommy! Steve was about 6 months old, a happy fat little boy and Mother's Day became a happy celebration for me. I'm not one to make a big deal about holidays, I never have except for the kids. But my oldest, Steve, is a holiday celebrator even if it's not for him. He loves to celebrate! Steve is very thoughtful about buying gifts and he pays attention to things I look at in the store but don't buy for myself. Yesterday he bought me a Ped Egg. It's used to scrape the callous off your feet. He remembered me looking at it so he got it for me. Then today he wanted to get me pizza. Of course that benefits him also. So he took the whole family out to CiCi's for lunch today. Steve earns money by cleaning the church and mowing the church yard. A lady in our church felt moved to bless him for the work he does. It was so sweet of her and it encourages him to do the work cheerfully.

When Steve gets money saved up, he spends it but usually not on himself. A few years ago he had saved the grand total of $300. That year our district's mission project was building churches in Siberia. Steve watched the video and said he wanted to give all his savings. I tried to redirect him but Jon said to let him give it. So he did give it all at District Council and it touched the heart of the missionary so much that he included Steve in his sermon. Steve really like that! Although I told him that you're not supposed to get praises on earth but rather in heaven...

But that's his heart is to give. When he was younger, he'd try to give other kids his toys. I used to worry that he thought he was trying to buy friendships but we could really tell it was from his heart. I'm glad he's like that. We try to teach our kids to hold on LOOSELY to possessions/money. You really can't take it with you!

So being a mom is the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm so thankful that I have my boys. I always had such a hard time getting pregnant and maintaing the pregnancies but all the effort was worth it to have my guys! Life would be so lonely without the three of them. Although there are times I fantasize about being alone, I know in reality I'd be bored without my kids! They are worth everything to me. They've enriched my life and broaden my heart in so many ways. Thank you God for giving me my three "little men"