Happy Mother's Day!

I was spoiled this weekend.   I got to go away with friends overnight and shop.  Definitely spoiled!  We laughed and laughed and spent a little money.  Between my father in law, my parents, sister in law and Leah, the home front stayed afloat.  Even when you are gone, things always crop up that need to be taken care of.  Even though I was gone, I was still on the phone, figuring out their schedule.  I told Steve, I should've stayed home!  It's just easier when I'm here to get the girls where they need to be.  I don't like relying on others.  And when you have 5 kids, it takes a few others. But it all worked and Leah was texting on Saturday, "I have this under control. Take your time."   Gotta love that girl!

This morning I heard Ashley's alarm going off.  I kinda guessed what she was doing.  Steve got up and said, "yup she's making you breakfast, stay in bed."  She made a great breakfast.  Pancakes from scratch, smoky links, and really good coffee :)  Then she gave me this poem she wrote/made (revised one she had read to fit our family).

Yup I cried!  So sweet!  I love it!

From there we got to go to my parents for church and coffee with my family.  Then we headed to Steve's sisters to spend time with the Koeman's.  All great times with beautiful people.  

We got in the car to head home and everyone forgot it was mother's day.  Let the fighting begin.  Bickering, hitting, blah blah blah.  We got home and I realized a bomb went off in my house.  But no one else see's it except Steve and I.  What to do?  Such a Hallmark day of pretty pictures of mom's and their kids.  And it was crazy, as always, at the Koemans.  So after some discipline, a nap (for a few of us), I looked around and thought I better run before we tackle this.  As I was running, I calmed myself and had to remember.  I'm a mom, this is what I do. They are kids, why do I expect so much?  A "day" doesn't make it different.  Steve and I have never been big on Hallmark holidays.  I did come home, more relaxed, and explained to the kids their roles in the home and what was excepted of them.  They all did it.  It's cleaned up, all is well.  All my ladies are tucked into bed, where they belong, all cozy.  As I read Ashley's poem, she has hit it right on. Our patience are tried, almost daily.  But the joy that comes from them far exceeds the trials.  The life lessons I've learned because of my ladies is priceless.  Nothing I could ever learn from books or school.  Only by God's grace and being called, "mom."  Thanks Ladies for the good, the bad, and all the Love!!!