Mother's Day

It was a good day to be Mommy! This morning Josh and the girls gave me their present that they worked on last night. He printed off a little poem with their picture and then had the girls make their hand prints with paint. They even put it in a pretty frame so I can keep it forever. It was so sweet and thoughtful.. and of course, made me cry!

(And by the way, how cute are Jadyn's chubby little hand prints?)

We got the gang ready and Josh took me over to Maurices to buy a new outfit to wear for the day. I scored some adorable brown capris, a cute white shirt, and a necklace and earrings to match. It killed me to fight my bargain-instinct and just pick out what I really liked... but after all, it was mother's day. :-) I still have some "Mommy Spending Money" left over that I need to figure out what to do with. Hmm... some more clothes? Home decor? A day at the spa? The trick is making sure I spend it on myself and not the girls. (They are so much more fun to buy for... and don't require me having to try anything on!)

After my mini shopping spree, we picked up some lunch and headed to Fuller park. It's so pretty there! I loved just sitting back and watching my two beautiful little girls. I am so thankful for them!

It was a fairly warm day but pretty windy, which worked out well to test out Kaylee's new kite.

After our picnic, we went over to my Mom's house for dinner. My parents surprised me with a $100 gift certificate to Two Rivers Spa for being the mother of their grandchildren... are they just the best or what??

And since it is Mother's Day, I thought I'd include a little tribute to my own mom... and a picture of the two of us from when I was about 2.

(P.S. Don't you just love her 80s hairdo... sorry Mom, couldn't resist!

If there is one thing I've learned since

having kids it's that you can't truly appreciate

your mother until you are one.

There have been many sleepless nights -

rocking my babies to sleep or trying to calm a fever,

when I have thought of you and realized

that many years ago, you were doing the same thing.

I've learned to appreciate the struggles

and sacrifices that every mother makes,

and cherish the simple joys

that make it all worth while.

And today, I just hope you realize

how thankful I am for you,

and how much I appreciate all the things

that have gone unnoticed throughout the years.

You have taught me so much about life,

and been such a beautiful example

of what hard work and determination can bring.

I'm so proud of you,

and so proud to be your daughter.

Love, Malissa