Happy Mother's Day!

Being as it is Mother's Day, I'd just like to say thanks to my mom for being the best mom in the world, for loving me when I am hard to love, for always being there for me, and for blessing my life in so many ways.
I'd also like to thank Christy for raising such a wonderful son. I am blessed every day because of your efforts as a mom.

I am also so thankful for three fabulous children that make this day so special to me. I sometimes stop and wonder why I'm so lucky to have the best kids in the world, and no, there is not a bit of bias here;)

My favorite quote/moment from each child today:

Bentley being so excited to give me the art he'd worked so hard to make.

Emma (whispering to me in chuch): "Mommy, my teacher told me when I get home to say I love her."
(later at home): "Mommy, I love you"
Me: I love you too.
Emma (evidently put out): "No Mom. My teacher said just me to say it."

Ali (while pushing at Tom's leg): "Move Daddy"

This is a poem that is in Bentley's baby book. (Emma and Ali's books are scheduled to be completed this year;) I thought today of all days would be appropriate to share it. For those with young children, I think you'll probably relate.

BEFORE I WAS A MOM

Before I was a Mom;
I made and ate hot meals,
I had unstained clothing,
I did my hair every day,
I had quiet conversations on the phone,
I slept as late as I wanted and I slept all night long.
Before I was a Mom;
My house stayed clean for more than five minutes,
I never tripped over toys while walking in the dark,
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous,
I had never been puked on, pooped on, spit up on, chewed on, peed on, or
pinched by tiny fingers.
Before I was a Mom;
I never thought about immunizations,
I never held a screaming child so the doctors could give shots,
I never looked into teary eyes and cried,
I never felt my heart break into pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt,
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
Before I was a Mom;
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down,
I never sat up late hours of the night watching a baby sleep,
I never got up in the middle of the night to make sure everything was okay,
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
Before I was a Mom;
I had complete control of my mind, my thoughts, my body, and my mind,
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside of my body,
I didn't know that having something so small could make me feel so important,
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment, or the satisfaction of being a mom.
Before I was a Mom;
I never knew that something so small could effect my life so much,
I never knew that I could love someone so much,
I never knew how much I would love being a Mom.