Happy Mothers Day Mamas

It's mothers day 5-13-2012. One year ago, on this same date, I found out our family was over. Today has been bittersweet. I woke up to the sweetest little 4 year old giving me flowers from the yard, a banana and a bag of gifts (Thank you, Mom for taking her out and letting her pick out gifts- so special.) and snuggles from my little. My cup runneth over. I always feel SO blessed and SO grateful on Mother's Day because I never thought, in a million years, I'd get the chance to hear anyone call me Mother/Mom/Mama. Each time I hear it, a little blessing bell rings loudly in my heart. I could not be more blessed. The past year has shown me what single parenting is all about but also shown me more joy as a mom than I knew was possible to feel. It has made me thankful for my own mom who reminded me to stand tall when I couldnt get out of bed, who reminded me to walk with my head up when I wanted to look down in shame and exhaustion and who reminded me that no matter how hard it is at times, that little girl needs her momma to be confident- even when I didn't feel very confident. 
Mothering is hard, mothering alone is exhausting and mothering in any form-is the most rewarding, profound thing I could ever fathom doing. I still hold hope that one day, I wont be mothering alone and the thought of that day brings both sadness and great hope. 
Not one night goes by that I do not thank my God for that sweet baby girl that made me a mama just 4 1/2 years ago. I never imagined a child so full of wonder and love and so full of energy! She's my side kick and my love. 
 So today, I am thankful beyond measure for two people in my life, my daughter and my momma! Thank you mom, for all your sacrifices and all your love! And to all the moms reading this- blessed are you!

We went to the machine shed for lunch with the whole fam (minus M & M- They were in Wisco) and V got to play on the tractors outside while we waited.

Preschool helped the kids do these for their moms. So sweet.

A mother's day photo shoot.

These were hand picked from our yard by my sweet girl. The note from her preschool had one more thing on it which said "what makes my mom the happiest?" and her response was "when she gets flowers." Sweet.

I even got to lay outside for a while why V rested. Ahhhh...relaxing.

The three moms....HORRIBLE pic of me (thanks dad!) but cute of the other girls.

More of our photo shoot.