Mother's Day...

Today is the day that is set aside to reflect on the title of Mother. I must say that I think about my mothering skills more on this day than on other days of the year. I wonder if I have done my children any severe harm by letting them have cookies or ice cream for dinner on some random nights during the year when we were just too busy to sit down to a homecooked meal with the correct portions of the various foods on the pyramid. I think about the remarks that I have spouted off the cuff that may have scarred them forever. Remarks such as, throw your laundry in the back yard and put the dog in the dishwasher. I know my kids will NEVER let me live that one down. I sincerely hope that when the time comes that my children look back on their lives and my skills as a mother they will not focus on the mess ups and shortcomings, but that they will know that I loved them with the love of Christ and that I did the best I knew to do. I hope that they will one day say, " One thing about it, she showed us Christ, she loved us, and she sure could make us laugh."



I also like to spend time on Mother's day thinking about the things my children have taught me. Each of my children have taught me so many things and each are so different.



Caleb and I have grown up together. I was a child bride you know. This year Caleb graduated from High School and left home to serve our country in the United States Air Force. I have never felt such pride and yet such pain all at the same time. This Mother's Day has been bittersweet. Caleb, Thank you for showing me that you can stand on your own two feet and be a man. I am proud to be your mother even if I do miss you like crazy.



Ethan has taught me that it pays to ask questions. He is always asking questions and doesn't stop until he gets a solid answer. As Ethan graduates this year it is my prayer that he never loose his thirst for knowledge and the truth. Ethan, Thank you for standing strong in your convictions and teaching me that you don't have to worry about impressing others.



Elizabeth is so full of joy and life. She looks into the heart of people and has such compassion. I love the way she makes people feel at ease and cares so much about hurting souls. Libby, Thank you for always making me smile. You sure do brighten even the darkest day.



Bethany is small in stature yet mighty in spirit. I don't know that there has ever been a thing that she has felt she could not do. In her mind she is invincible. Bethany Grace, Thank you for reminding me that God's strength is sufficient and He will enable us.



Jon David is the completion of our brood. Seventh in the family. He helps me to find the bright side in not so bright situations. Jonathan always looks at the positive. Jon David, Thank you for showing me that everytime there is a negative there has to be a positive.



To all of my children: Thank you for allowing me the honor of being your mother. I know that I have not done the best job MANY times. You have been patient, kind, long suffering, slow to anger, and so on more often than not. As I have said before and will continue to say....I'll love you forever. I'll love you for always. Forever and always my babies you'll be.



Mom