"Mother's Day 2013"....

I just read my cousin's blog about Mother's Day, and I can relate so well!  Her husband is also in ministry, so a leisurely breakfast in bed ain't gonna happen in this family!  But, that is fine by me. I love my life, am beyond thankful for my marriage, my children, my family, my Jesus - nothing else matters.

Actually, my precious mother did what she does best on this day and that was serving someone other than herself. She is truly one of the most selfless people I have ever met. She is constantly "last", in everything - not because she isn't an incredibly strong, independent "go-getter"...., but because she constantly lays down her own life for someone else - namely her own family. Elijah was still getting over pneumonia so I wasn't ready to take him back to church, and didn't really want to take Ellison and just have her sit in the nursery for an hour, so my mom stayed with my kids so that I could go worship, hear my husband preach and support his ministry.

After church was over, we grilled chicken and enjoyed my parent's company for the afternoon. It was a beautiful day, so it was spent in the backyard playing ball, swinging, and soaking up the sunshine. 

Later that afternoon, Elijah wanted me to open a special present from him. I wasn't expecting anything, and didn't need anything that I knew of. But when Jay took him shopping and asked him what he wanted to get for me, Jay said he answered immediately and knew exactly what I needed. Jay agreed to his choice and my gift was purchased. He handed me a brightly colored gift bag that was really heavy - I was clueless as to what it could be. When I opened it, I saw a brand new, maroon colored ESV Bible.  He was so proud of it, and I loved it. It will be a treasure to me for the rest of my life. Jay said it was truly a gift from Elijah because that's exactly what he wanted to get me. That evening while I was rocking him before bed I asked him what made him think about getting me a Bible. Without hesitation and very matter of fact, he responded, "Aunt Elliot told me in a whisper that you needed one".  I gasped for a breath, and thanked him for listening to her, and told him I thought she was absolutely right. She knows that nothing else on this earth matters - she knows it full well now. I believe my sweet sister whispered in my son's ear that I needed this Bible, this year, right now, for such a time as this. 

He's feeling it, she's not so much 

After 40 pictures, he's done and she's loving it! 

Me and my boy - silly as always :) 

And, me and my girl 

A mom and her daughter, another mom and her daughter, and a grandmother with her granddaughter. This amazing woman to my right is so full of grace, of courage, of strength, of dignity, of service, and of love. I am so honored to call her my Mom. 

He wanted to be apart of this picture too - absolutely yes! 

And of course, can't forget E-daddy! Dad says every time he holds Ellison, it's just like holding me and my sister all over again. She is such a blend of the 2 of us. 

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