Happy Mother's Day to my favorite moms

No Love like a Mother's Love
by Jill Lemming

There is no love, like a mother's love
no stronger bond on earth
like the precious bond that comes from God
to a mother, when she gives birth.

A mother's love is forever strong,
never changing for all time
and when her children need her most,
a mother's love will shine.

God bless these special mothers,
God bless them every one
for all the tears and heartache,
and for the special work they've done.

When her days on earth are over,
a mother's love lives on
through many generations,
with God's blessings on each one.

Be thankful for our mothers,
for they love with a higher love
from the power God has given,
and the strength from up above.
______________________________________

I was just thinking about how my life has changed over the last five years since I first became a mom. You don't realize when you're contemplating children the REAL effect it will have on your life. Sure you can imagine and plan; but the real effect isn't there. It's impossible to really get the feel for it.

I had no idea my heart would swell so much. And even more with my second child. I didn't know I could love anyone as much I loved my first son. I know it's not right to say so, but there's a special place in my heart for my first child because he was just that; my first. My first child to love, my first birthing, my first sight of what I'd been waiting nine long months for. With my second, the joy was there and it was actually much more "enjoyable" (if you can use that word to describe birthing a child), but it was more expected.

I had no idea I would feel their love for me so young; from the first time they looked into my eyes. I remember the first time Payton said he loved me without any prompting. I look forward to that in the future with Max. I remember how my heart broke the first time Payton bled. I remember the first time someone hurt his feelings and how I wanted to beat that child for hurting my little boy. I'm sure there are many more of those moments to come...

The future is full of things I don't expect and can't plan. Being a mom has taught me that no matter how much I plan and try to prepare for things, I can't be full ready for everything. I do my best and that has to be good enough. I'm working on teaching my children that. We often say "practice makes better" around here. We can't all be perfect at everything. I just do my best to make sure that my children are as ready as they can be for whatever comes their way.

The journey of being a mother has changed me so much. I have reconnected with God. I realize how important it is to have something to believe in when you can't explain things. I have a strong passion for protecting our world, because I want my children to understand it's a gift and that we should care for it. I find joy in little things, like the tree and robin's nest in my previous blog entry. I love being a "stay-at-home" mom. I would miss so many little things if I couldn't be here all the time.

I'm fortunate to have such a great group of moms in my life. My own mother, who is my best friend, is a huge role model and guidance in my life. My mother-in-law is a great supporter of mine and my family. I don't know where I'd be without these two great ladies in my life.

Beyond that, I'm blessed with an amazing group of women who are mothers, but more importantly friends. My Thursday playgroup that's been together four years, "my girls" who get together for occasional drinks and nights of chatting until 3am, my online and real-life mom friends who keep me busy (and sane) with meet ups, support and adult conversation...and so many more.

Thank you, moms, for your love and support.
Thank you for your advice and shoulder to lean on.
Thank you for your many moments of laughter.
You know who you are, and you can't be replaced in my life.
I count on each of you.
Thank you.
Happy Mother's Day.
I hope you get the recognition you deserve.