Happy Mother's Day

We've had a lovely Mother's Day celebration. It started with a nice Saturday evening dinner at my mom's house (we moved it to Saturday since Angie and Justin were in town). My mom made a delicious dinner (we ate later because we had a soccer game, but it was still scrumptious) and helped our children give each of us some useful mom stuff in a cute homemade basket (vacuum scents, magnetic clips for the fridge, a travel sewing kit, gum...) We splurged a little and did a combined mother's day/father's day gift for her and Barney and bought a new faucet for her sink, which Nate installed (I think it was Nate at least). It was a really fun evening with all the family together.

Sunday morning we got up early and got ready to go over to Amy and Esteban's for a Mother's Day breakfast. It was the first time we'd done something like this, but it turned out so good. We had yummy french toast, fruit salad, eggs, bacon and pasta frola (and Argentine pastry). The kids got along so well, the food was excellent, we had time to chat for awhile and still make it to church in time. My kids gave Mercedes a little photo box and photo album and the present from us is on its way (sh...I can't tell you yet). Mercedes gave each of us a beautiful book with quotes and pictures of mothers and a can of window and glass cleaning spray. She swears by the stuff - way better than windex. I can't wait to try it out! Anyway, it was a great morning.

Church went well. Preston was a little grumpy, but the song the Primary children sang in sacrament meeting was great. Singing time also went well (although of course I got misty-eye and totally lost it one time ... I'd blame the 5 hours of sleep I got except that I seem to cry more often than not. Seriously I'm such a baby!) The men came in and did closing exercises for us and the women went in and had a piece of cake and watched a movie. I ended up talking more than anything, which is why at 2:10 my family was nowhere to be found. I guess I lost track of time. It was so nice to have a moment at church without so many responsibilities.

This afternoon the whole family took a nap (even Dylan fell asleep for about a half hour) and then ate whatever was in the fridge for dinner and made some brownies and a card to take to our neighbors. They were so sweet and offered to come sit with our kids last night when our game got changed at the last minute from 8:25 to 10:20 and we couldn't find anyone to babysit. We have such great friends, neighbors and family. I cannot begin to express my appreciation to everyone in my life.

Anyway, I am so grateful for not only a good weekend spent with family, but for the wonderful mothers I have in my life. We are so fortunate to have so many wonderful women in our lives. I would not be the person I am today without all the love, kindness and teaching I have received over the years. My mother, my step mom, my grandmothers, my mother-in-law and Marcos' abuelas. They are all such great women who have helped show both of us the way. Thank you for who you are and what you mean to us. We love you!  

Here are a few pictures of some of the mothers in our lives.  Unfortunately I couldn't find a picture of Marcos' other grandma (his dad's mom).  I think they're on my other computer that's having trouble right now.  

Grandma "St. George" (my mom's mom)

Grandma Betty "GG" (my dad's mom)

Marcos' aunt Maggie, his abuela (his mom's mom) and his mom

Mercedes and her four kids (Laura, Tomasina, Esteban & Marcos)

My mom and her four girls (Melissa, Angie, Alicia & Maria)

Suzanne (my step mom)

It was hard to find a picture of the grandmas without kids in them so I gave up.  Here's a cute one of my mom (grandma) with Kenya on her 1st birthday.

A darling picture of Mercedes (abuela) with her grandkids on Milli's blessing last year

(left to right: Gabi, Preston, Leah, Milli, Diego, Dylan, Mylo, Kylie & Mason)

I didn't want to make this post any longer than it already is, but I found a story about motherhood that really hit me.  It's here for those who want to read it.