Mother's Day

Mother's Day started on Friday when James' kindergarten class invited us moms in for a little pampering. First James put cold cucumbers on my eyes, and gave me a gentle message around the eyes. Then he worked in berry smelling lotion all over my hands and arms. Next he painted my fingernails with sparkly fingernail polish. Then the pampering was completed with a back massage, and a muffin and special drink to share. James was so sweet and so gentle as he pampered me - that alone was "pampering" for me.

(Rebekah, who has been helping in the kindergarten classroom all year, got to be pampered by those whose Mom's could not make it.)

Sunday brought some nice gifts, some kind sentiments, and some nice surprises. Joseph took me on a treasure hunt to find his Mother's Day gift - the clues being uniquely "Joseph" (ie. Let's play a game together (game closet), Let's snuggle on the bean bag (bean bag), etc. Too sweet. The girls were kind in their gifts, and in helping their younger brothers with their gifts (a day I thought I would NEVER see!!!) The rest of the day (or the beginning of the day and continuing on) was filled with normal, everyday challenges and blips. Somehow I smiled through it all, cherishing some of the little moments of the day, but also wishing for the day to close so we could move on to a normal Monday. Finally, with dinner on the table, Erik arrived home from his meetings at church, and handed me a letter. 37 Things 

1. You lead our children, guide them, walk beside them and help them to find/discover their way back to Heavenly Father even if that means changing a diaper or two, dealing with potty training for 5+ years and making sacrifices for our childrens' learning and development.
2. Supports me in my callings - even if I spend most of my day at Chruch, on Mother's Day, you support me and have supported me.  That, often, is a great source of strength for me.
3. Hand-in-hand with that is:  you like having me on the 'stand' so I don't rile up the kids - but you also know that what I am doing is important and is meant for us.
4. Keep us well fed.  You are a good cook!
5. Your eyes!  Beautiful!
6. Your natural beauty.  I love to gaze on your face as you slumber in the evenings and rest from the stresses of the day.
7. Through lots of study and prayer, your increased spirituality and testimony.  You are a mother in Zion who is spiritually aware and prepared.
8. A comic - helps others (and me) to laugh in whatever situation.  You can find something humorous in many aspects of life - and humor that does not degrade or diminish others is refreshing in the world today.
9. Keeps our family organized, de-junked, clutter-free and our home as clean as 5 active children allow.
10. Affectionate towards animals, especially non-allergen ones like tortoises, fish, small bugs and spiders.  You're not afraid of creepy crawlers and embody a sense of adventure when it comes to such creatures.
11. You know the Star Wars history and can relate to young and old.
12. Taxi-cab driver extraordinaire - evey family needs one - and you are it! (Especially when it comes to sick hubbies!)
13. Well, speaking of driving, you are not afraid to drive on the highway.  Brave girl that you are.
14. Honest with our children.  Forthright!  Say it how it is.
15. I've told many people that we are open with our children regarding adoption.  You have a great understadning on multiple topics which I think we face more of those topics in our family!
16. Supportive in home, my work, my calling, my life, my worries and stresses.  Notice that this is #16 and not #1 - so it's not all about me today!
17. Everyone agrees and I agree with them that you write and deliver wonderful talks.  You just know how to get right to the core of your topic and how to simply state it so that it makes it even more meaningful.
18. A singer that touches my heart.  I also appreciate that as we travel or face stressful times at home, that we can turn to song; hymns, primary songs, in order to regain the spirit of love in our family.  I love that you are musically inclined.
19. There is the light of Christ in your eyes, in your soul, and others see your good works and glory in the Lord because of them.
20. I love your ability to energize and motivate children through use of primary songs, hymns, lessons and other media.  You have  a great talent!
21. Snickers binger
22. Worth 100 Grand!
23. I love how you plan family activities around time together as a family, like at museums, national parks, temples.  I can see that family, eternal family, is important to you.
24. You are the best Agency Rep I've ever known!  But in all honesty, you have been prepared for this opportunity in life . . . and it is a benefit to me as Bishop, as well.
25. Bishop's wife.
26. I love your obedience to the commandments of God and the desires for righteouseness in you life!
27. I am grateful that you are active in the Gospel and have a strong testemony of it.
28. A virtuous woman - important to teach to our daughters!
29. Stand for truth and righteousness in all things, all places, unto all people.
30. You love the temple and find such satisfaction in attending it.
31. "I love that you love me . . ."
32. You are a miracle worker.  You can ease a difficult situation by loving, understanding, hugging or talking.
33. You are a spiritual lifesaver.  Family History work is a passion and you are helping to bind our family together, forever.
34. I love that you are true to the gospel and know that is is true, and true to our family.
35. You are unique.
36. I appreciate that you have always been (mostly) steady and sure in your life - not only as we've been together and support our family; but as a young girl.  How did we ever find each other?
37. Oh yes, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ - I am glad that if we make right and good decisions together - that someday - we will rise up in the first resurrection a dwell together forever!

Thanks, Erik, for the laughs and the nods of recognition.  I appreciate them both.