Mother's Day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I hope each of you had a wonderful day.

I love reading your blogs.

they are such an inspiration to me

as you share the joys and trials of your lives.

I am lifted many times by your posts

and am a better person because of knowing you.

My Mother's Day actually started on Saturday. My married children and their little families showed up at 6:00 AM to haul decorative gravel to my backyard. They had organized the gift, purchased the gravel, and then had it delivered. (I know it seems weird to give your mother rocks as a gift, but I promise, it was one of the items on my Mother's Day shopping list.) Michele's mother and brother even came to help. I felt so special. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I knew they were coming. I always know! It is almost impossible to surprise me, you know mother's intuition and all. (It also helps when younger children are so excited that they just have to tell someone and that someone is always me.) I had intended to take pictures of the whole process, but I got tied up in the kitchen making Cinnamon Rolls as a thanks for their thoughtful gift. (I will blog the recipe tomorrow.)

The gravel now covers the areas

between the gardens and the grass.

Later that evening I had a special delivery.

Brianna and her girls sent me these beautiful flowers.

On the morning of Mother's Day I was greeted with breakfast. Mar-Kay and the children had to get up extremely early because our church meetings begin at 8:30. They served me Breakfast Burritos, Milk and Orange Juice. It was quite a treat.

Thanks for the great breakfast!

After church we gathered at home for a special dinner, again prepared and served by my family, and then more gifts. What was even more amazing was that I did NOT have to clean up afterwards. I could really get used to all of this pampering.

The highlight of my day was my long awaited phone call from my missionary son. I have received a special Mother's Day phone call from my 3 missionary sons for the past six years. This is my last one until Kendrick is called to serve. Mother's Day just won't be the same without this unique call. It was so amazing to hear Elder Petty's voice again and listen to him speak Chinese.

He returns home in 15 days, but who is counting?

All in all it was a incredible day. With all the pampering and special gifts, the thing that gave me the most joy was being surrounded by my family. I am so grateful for each one of the children that Heavenly Father has blessed me with. I am truly humbled to have been entrusted with their care.

A Little Parable for Mothers
by Temple Bailey

A young mother setting out on her path of life was told that the way would not be easy but that the end would be better than the beginning. She taught her children that life was good. She gave them courage, fortitude, and strength. And finally she was able to teach them to look above the clouds that bring shadows of darkness into this life, to see the glory of God. Knowing how to find their Heavenly Father through the darkness and living by the light of his glory, her children could walk alone. The mother’s journey was over, but the end was better than the beginning because of what she was able to teach her children.

The greatest gift that I can receive from my children

is to know that they walk in truth.

I love being a mother.

A special thanks to my wonderful husband

and children for making me feel so exceptional

today and everyday.

Most of all a special thanks to my Mother

for the sacrifice, love and support

she has given me throughout my life.