On This Mother's Day...

I'm sitting in the glider in my sweet baby boy's room.  He's not here yet, but he will be soon.  I'm reflecting on how thankful I am that on Mother's Day next year, I'll be a Mommy and how thankful I am for my own mother.

My mom has always loved me so well, but I have felt it more in the last two and a half weeks.  I've been on bed rest (more about that later), which means all the things that I normally do, plus all the things I need to accomplish before mAc's arrival, I can no longer do.  So, my mom has done so many of those things for me.  It's all the little things - she's done the laundry numerous times, she cleaned my floors, she washed my dishes.  Those are the tedious things - the things I don't really like to do, but they keep my house running, so I do them.

Then, there are the things she's  done for mAc, the grandson she hasn't met yet, but she loves him so much already.  She's done his laundry too - and the boy has a lot of clothes!  She has helped organize, put together, and decorate.  His room feels like a nursery because she has done so much to help.  She has made so many trips to the store to buy things that are must haves before mAc arrives - like diapers!

So, Mommy, thank you.  Thank you for loving me through all 27 (almost 28!) years of my life.  Thank you for loving Aaron like he is your own - your help around our house has helped him in so many ways!  Thank you for loving mAc - you are the best, Chela!

more excited than anyone else that mAc is a boy

Happy Birthday, Sharon!

After our Christmas festivities, we celebrated Sharon's birthday! Sharon's birthday is December 25, and her birthday is always celebrated in the evening.

I'm very thankful for Sharon and the wonderful mother and mother-in-law that she is. She is a wonderful example of a wife, loving Sammy so well. She is a caring, giving person. She always puts others first and is very selfless. Sharon shows her love by giving to others and doing for others. She is one of the most generous people that I know. I am so thankful for her and all that she does for Aaron and me. Happy birthday, Sharon! I hope this day was filled with joy for you!

Thankful

Thanksgiving came and went without a hitch!  I am thankful for so many things this year, I know I can't list all of them.

Aaron and I hosted Thanksgiving at our house for the first time.  I am thankful that we have a home that allowed us space for 16 people to gather and spend time together.  I am thankful that we only had to do Thanksgiving once this year since both of our families are in Dallas.  Normally, we spend part of the day with my family wherever they are, then the other part of the day with the Arnolds.  Our first Thanksgiving was spent at the hospital with the Arnolds because Brian was having surgery.  This year, I am thankful that everyone is healthy and doing well.

I am thankful for our families.  I love my sisters, and I was so sad not to spend Thanksgiving with them this year.  Adelina, Reed, and Claire spent Thanksgiving with Reed's family.  Monica and Matt headed to Lubbock to spend Thanksgiving with Matt's family.  I am thankful that my sisters have these wonderful families that they enjoy spending time with.  I am thankful for Brian and how much fun we have with him.  Since he no longer lives with Sammy and Sharon, we don't see him as much, but we always have a good time with him!  I am thankful for Claire, and for the joy that she brings to our family.  Adelina sent me a video of Claire laughing so hard at Reed making noises.  It was the most precious sound, and I loved hearing her laugh.  I am thankful for my parents and Sammy and Sharon.  Both my parents and Aaron's parents have been married for 33 years.  We are so blessed to have parents that show us how marriage works, and that it is not always easy, but it is so worth it to work through the tough times.

I am thankful that Aaron and I have jobs that allows us to have a home, our cars, and enjoy the things we love!  I am especially thankful that my job allows me to have a week of rest at Thanksgiving.  It has been a wonderful week, and I am a little sad to see it end.

Last, but absolutely not least, I am thankful for my little family.  Aaron is the best husband, and I could not have asked for more.  He is kind and caring, and a wonderful chef!  Brody and Lily are sweet animals, and they bring us so much laughter on nights when we are just sitting around.  I am beyond thankful for the many blessings God has given me.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and ate well!