And now for Mother's Day. I don't know very many moms that like Mother's Day. It's alot of pressure all around and I, for one, don't need more pressure and expectation in my life. After all why celebrate ME when at the end of everyday the last thought in my head is "they deserve better" and "I am not enough". Today at the Baptism as the priest asked Jesse and I "do you clearly understand what you are undertaking" we answered yes. And in that moment I realized that I am NOT enough but God IS. We pass along our Faith to our children so that they will always have enough. There is nothing I can buy for them, no education, no vacations, nothing that will ever be the enough that God is. So while I never understand exactly the undertaking that we say yes to I do understand the message that we must get across. Don't leave God. He will never leave you so don't leave Him. Of course every child is different and needs to have this information shared with them in different ways. I do what I can. Often I'm learning with them and learning from them. And so my tradition on Mother's Day is to celebrate my kids. Each one with unique characteristics and attributes gifted to them by God. It's not every year that I get to see ALL of my children on Mother's Day so this is an extra special year (plus it's Owen's 19th Birthday!).
Sam (12) is the helper and the hugger. He LOVES his baby brothers and is always eager to volunteer for just about anything to help other people out (especially me). I'm so grateful for Sam!
Mary (10) is the oldest of the five younger girls. She's an avid reader and loves to sew and do other crafts. Thank you, Jesus, for Mary!
Cecilia (9 in July) is always the one to give up anything for a sibling or friend. If there's only one cookie left and it's supposed to be for her she always gives it away. What an amazing heart for Jesus!
Clare (7.5) is very persistent. She will try something until she gets it right and is one of my best students in homeschooling. She's my Christmas baby and I'm so grateful for the gift of Clare!
Jo, Jo Jo, Josephine (5.5). What can one say about Josie? She's one of the wisest people I know at only 5 years old. One must be careful what they say around Josie because she will remember it AND repeat it. Josie is a big helper and overall fun to be around. I love my Josie!
Frances (3.5) also known as Fran, Fran Fran, and Franny B. Frances was my easiest baby, by far, and has been nothing but a ray of sunshine over the last almost 4 years. She LOVES baby Jude and is very tolerant of Augustine, who is only 13 months younger than she is. I'm so grateful for Frances!
Hannah (20) is such an amazing teacher for me. She has amazing insight, a gentle way about her, and the patience of a Saint. I have messed up SO many times and she always gives GRACE. I'm so proud of all she has accomplished and cannot wait to see where God will take her next!
Brandon (25) keeps me informed of all things theological and Christian! Almost everyday begins with Brandon and I texting (often he is sharing a great song or book or sermon with me) and most days end the same way. When Jude was born he selflessly (with the blessing of his amazing wife) came to help me for many weeks. And that grace I mentioned above with Hannah, yeah, I've needed a load of that from him as well. So grateful for the one who made me a mom to begin with!
Jackson (14.5) will be Confirmed in 10 days! We play bananagrams almost every night and sometimes he lets me win. Jackson is growing into an amazing young man of God and I couldn't be more proud of all he has accomplished so far! I'm so grateful for the gift of Jackson!
Owen (19) is one of my favorite people to chat with about various subjects. He has amazing and balanced insight and sees things in ways I never have. Owen texts me through out his days to keep me informed on what he's doing and never have I seen a person work so hard at learning new things from math to yo - yo-ing. When Jude was born he kept me company in the hospital many times. I'm beyond blessed to have Owen for a son!
Katie (16) teaches me to find the good in all things and to keep joy in my heart. Her smile is contagious and her servant's heart is bursting. She rarely keeps a thing for herself and is always spoiling her siblings with treats and outings to the park. I am so grateful to have Katie for a daughter!
Augustine (2.5) wouldn't get a pic taken at the Baptism but here he is last week when we went to see Thomas the Train. Augustine has taught me about the power of forgiveness and redemption but that's a topic for another blog (maybe a book?). Anyway, everyday is a new adventure with this guy and I'm always excited to see what will happen next. Augustine is an amazing big brother and my little buddy forever. Thanks be to God for Augustine!
Last but not least, Jude (7 weeks!). Jude has reminded me that God always keeps His promises and that no act of Faith is without meaning. The circumstances surrounding Jude's pregnancy and birth and all that would come after will be bouncing around in my head for decades to come, I'm sure. That said I could easily give Jude twelve more names, I think, to represents all the Saints watching over our sweet boy. (Don't worry, I won't!). Praise Jesus for baby Jude!
So those are just snippets of my everyday adventures with my favorite people on earth. Hannah and Brandon have married amazing people who I love like my own and we have so many babies in heaven praying for us that my heart is overflowing each and every day! This life isn't without tears and trials and misunderstandings but the joy overshadows all of the heartache. I can most certainly never ever be enough for any one of those children much less all of them but today's Bible Verse of the day by You Version says it all:
"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
What a great God who can take my weaknesses and make me strong through His power. I am so very grateful for that! To my kids - thanks for your patience and understanding and tolerance. I love you all so, so much!
