Thankful for the gift of Motherhood

This week I am thankful for so much in my life but I am especially thankful for the gift of being a Mom.  I love being a Mother and I do not take it for granted.  I will add though that it is the hardest thing I have ever done. 

Three years ago on Mother's Day weekend our Korean adoption fell through.  I will never forget that heartache.  A few weeks later, we decided to start all over again and apply to China which is what led us to our Kate Emerson.  

I know that many of you who read this blog are waiting for your angels to come home to you.  I wish you peace  and joy this Mother's Day knowing that in your heart you are already a Mom and that your day will be here very soon.

I am thankful for Will because he is so creative and clever.  He thinks outside the box.  Will, you taught me how to be a Mom and you are very forgiving when I get it wrong. 

I am thankful for Harry because he makes me laugh.  He is funny and artistic and modest.  He has a beautiful spirit.

I am thankful to Kate because of her tenderness.  She kisses and hugs and has so much compassion.  Just this morning I was getting my atlas (upper neck) adjusted at the chiropractor.  When I was on the table, Kate gently walked up, stroked my head and kissed me.

I am thankful to Dave for allowing me to be a better Mother.  Without his constant hands on help, I could not do it.  I also want to thank him for working so hard this week.  Dave picked up the slack this week while I went out to dinner twice with friends and went out of town one day for a photography seminar.  He not only cared for the peanuts but he also cooked, cleaned, painted porch furniture, folded laundry,  planted flowers and was just wonderful.  I love you, Dave!  You are a beautiful example of what a husband and father should be.  (He'll be so embarrassed when/if he reads this!)

I am thankful that we will spend Mother's Day with a family that is about to travel to China to meet their daughter, Becky (May 23rd).  Dave's best friend from high school, Karen and her husband and step-son will be flying out this weekend to visit.  We are so excited to spend time with them. 

I am thankful for my own Mother who taught me to be a faithful, honest and moral person. These values were very important to her and she emphasized them throughout our childhood.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

I am thankful for the beautiful peonies in my yard.  They are my favorite flower and I cherish them for the fleeting weeks they are in bloom.  My front yard is on the verge of bursting with peonies.  I am also thankful to my friend, Amie who thoughtfully placed two bouquets of them on my front porch this week because she knows how much I love them. Here are a few from my garden:

I am thankful for all of the tips/help with my MAC.  I am slowly figuring things out.  This post is the first one on my new computer and it has taken me twice as long as usual to compose because I am not used to the commands for things. A special thank you to Stephanie for sharing the copy/paste commands.  Without those, I would not have been able to post these photos!

I am thankful to Erin for the fabulous package last week. You have a kind and giving heart. Kate and I loved all the goodies!

I am thankful for two friends I have made on this journey who are both are celebrating special days today. Diana and her family are celebrating the anniversary of meeting Ruby Mei.  Lisa's daughter, Lindy is celebrating her 3rd birthday.  I wish both families happiness and joy today!

Harry has been a STAR soccer player this season.  Here is a slideshow of his last game!  I am so proud of you, Harry!