Happy Mother's Day!!

Today we have an EXCITING day planned :)

First we will pick up our adopted Chinese daughter Weiling from college.  She and my 2 amazing kiddos E & J and Marty & I will head to church.  After that we will either head out for Mexican (my favorite!) or come home - not sure just yet!  In addition to Mother's Day - we'll celebrate Weiling's birthday!!   If I get real lucky and we have time - we'll head over to the botanical gardens for some pictures (the kids so hate this tradition!!).  I just realized while typing this that this is the last year E will be home for Mother's Day.

Okay, let's just move past that thought for the moment!!

I've said it a million times before and I'll say it a million times more - growing up - I had a dream.  I dreamed I would have a tall, dark and handsome Prince and beautiful children.  It's literally all I ever wanted.  I didn't care about schooling (and I was no good at it anyway) - I just wanted to create a fairytale life with a good looking man.  I wanted a white picket fence, a dog and kids.  It was all I could think about.  No matter how bad life got growing up - this was a dream I never let die.

Dreams really do come true - because look at me now!  I DID marry a tall, dark, and exceeeeeeeedingly handsome prince, and I have the absolute best kids in the ENTIRE world!!  ANNNDDDD - I have a white picket fence and not one - but TWO dogs - and even a cat :)  GOD IS SOOO GOOD!!

So let me say a few words to my kiddos and then to my Mom :)

Lysie - You are so special to me - and I can't even type your name without crying.  I can not believe you are graduating in a few short weeks.  Where has the time gone.  I still remember when you were that little tiny baby in my arms - all chubby and full of cuteness.  You were my life, my breath - and you still are.  I can not believe how blessed I am.  You have grown into a beautiful, Godly, talented, amazing young woman.  You are so ready to take on the world.  I am beyond proud of you.  People tell me all the time what an incredible girl you are - and they are so right.  How did I get to be so blessed?  I love you sweet girl.  You are my everything.

Little Man - You are almost 15.  It blows my mind.  It seems like just yesterday when you were climbing into EVERYTHING and scaring me to death.  Well, wait, maybe that was just yesterday...  Seriously though - I know this will embarrass you - but you have always been my little side kick, my little man.  Mommy's little boy.  You can always make me smile.  You are very funny and your heart for the less fortunate is something rare and special.  You are growing up into a young man who sees the world beyond himself - very rare for a young person your age.  I am so proud of you.  How did I get to be so blessed to have not one, but two, amazing teenagers?  Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for the wise choices you and your sister make.  I love you little man.  You are my everything. 

Mom - I'm 40 - and still need my Mommy!!  I am thankful for the time we have now that we did not have growing up.  I know I'm not good at remembering holidays or sending cards the way my amazing sis is - but that doesn't mean I don't love you very much.  I love the friendship we have - and if I know anything, I know my Mom has my back.  Whatever the devil tried to steal from us - God has given us back in great abundance.  We are so blessed.  I only wish we could spend more time together than we do.  Thank you for loving me the way you do.  Thank you for loving my babies the way you do.  You are a terrific Grandma.  Thank you for protecting me growing up the best way you knew how.  Thank you for having the courage to do what you did in the end.  Thank you for doing the right thing even though you could have lost everything.  I love you very much.  Thank you for loving me despite all my flaws.  Thank you for loving my husband, for loving my kids the way you do.  Thank you for always supporting me, always believing in me even when I don't believe in myself.  I love you.

Mom-in-law - Let's see, you've put up with me for how long now???  Happy Mother's Day!  Thank you for everything you do for us.  Thank you for being strong, for surviving all you have survived - for never complaining.  Thank you most for raising an amazing, strong, loving, compassionate, kind, caring, gracious, selfless son who always puts others before himself.  Thank you for teaching him how to treat a woman and how to be a father to his kids.  Thank you for loving us in our imperfections.  Thank you for putting everything aside whenever we need you.  Thank you for being willing to do whatever we need.  Thank you for showing me what it means to work hard.  You still, at 70 (is that right??) can work me into the ground.  I still can't keep up with you!!  Thank you for everything you have done for us over the years.  Words are not enough to show my appreciation.

For everyone else - Happy Mother's Day!  I hope you all have a great day!!