Mother's Day Weekend

This weekend was a super fun and very busy weekend for us! Friday night, we enjoyed El Patron before James headed to Lowes and then Baby Girl and I finally got around to planting our garden. Since she isn't taking more than a few steps unassisted yet, I had to strap her into her red wagon to "draw" while I planted our seedlings. She enjoyed helping me water it when it was complete. Sadly, my Iphone had died and I didn't want to risk my nice camera getting soaked, so I don't have a picture of my little helper!

After Ellie Claire went to bed, I finished up the garden and got started cleaning the house. It had been on the back burner for a good two weeks and when James starts to notice, you know it is way out of hand. So, I was up until 1:30 but I felt very proud to have a clean house again! It was a super good feeling waking up to no clutter also.

Saturday morning, we helped move the children's department at church into its newly renovated basement. The de-cluttering and organizing part of the morning was right up my alley. Purging is a beautiful thing. If only I could heed my own advice at home.  We worked for a few hours and headed to lunch (back to El Patron!) with mama, Summer, and Barbara. (Insert forgotten picture here.)

Saturday afternoon, I came home to a pleasant surprise. Our awesome neighbors helped us out with some pine straw for our work-in-progress embankment. (I'll blog more about this later.) They knew we had been super busy and landscaping had not been our priority! What a blessing! After working outside with them for a few minutes, it was time to get ready for the Mother-Daughter banquet at Tom's Creek.

I had a wonderful time with Tammy and Mama and enjoyed being served by my dad. I also loved hearing my BFF Noel speak words of His Truth about the influence of a mom!

Sunday, I greeted the day by my handsome husband and sweet baby yelling "MaaaaaaaaaMaaaaa"! We had our normal Sunday morning ritual of cuddling, playing, getting ready for church, and eating breakfast at Dairy Queen. I was super excited to receive a Mother's Day massage gift certificate and a new purse. Just what this mama likes!

After a wonderful message by Pastor Paul "The Secrets of a Happy Home", we came home and enjoyed a little time with Daddy before he headed to work. (James had already taken me on a Mother's Day extravaganza  last weekend and I felt it was important to celebrate my mom today.) We enjoy our front porch so much. If Ellie Claire could, she would say it's her favorite place in our home. My parents came by to pick EC & I up and we headed off to the Dillard House to treat my mama for the day! We had a delicious lunch, followed by a tour of the property and of course, lots of pictures of Baby Girl enjoying the Farm-Zoo. It was a little chilly in the mountains, which explains EC's mis-matched heart jacket in a few of the pictures. My mom loved her Origami Owl necklace and flowers that we got her. Sadly, another picture forgotten.  We had the best day together celebrating my mom!

My heart is overwhelmed with thankfulness for my own mom's unconditional love for me and for the gift I have been given in becoming a mother. My heart explodes with love for our precious girl every day. Every time someone says "time goes by way too fast so enjoy it", I know how right they are. I'm doing my best to enjoy every day, even in the midst of the struggles, and soak up this time in my life! Today, I'm thanking God for the blessing of my mom and of being given the privilege of being one. Motherhood is a true gift, honor, and LEARNING PROCESS (for sure!) but by God's grace He will help me become the mama He desires me to be.