This is your ever happiest Mother's Day ever.

That's what Knox said this morning. He is right. It is.

The other day a friend quoted something she had read that said something to the effect of..
raising children (toddlers) is like being pecked to death by chickens.
I think we could all attest to that one at times. Atleast I can.

As much as I have loved being a mother, this year alone I have found out exactly what it means to be a mother. There are no limits. It is not always fun. At times my heart swells, others times it breaks. Nevertheless, it always mends. I will walk through fire for my children. I have done just that at certain moments of this year. Not just for Ivey, but also for my two sons.

Last night Matt and I went to a wedding. I sat and wondered what their future held for them. I could not help but smile when I thought of today. What would the person from my wedding have said to the idea of entering into this life that we are now living? Most often, sooner than later, the wife becomes a mom.

I did not get 'it' growing up. Thus, I tested every imaginable boundary with my mom. There are days I guess I still test her. My mom has that same love for me and my sister, yet she loves us both the way we needed to be loved. She will walk through hell for us when she has to. There have been days that she and I have touched the flames of hell together in this past year. Neither of us would trade those day for anything. She laughs. She smiles. Sometimes I get a glimpse of how proud she is to be my mom. I hope she sees how proud I am of her. My mom is a tower of strength.

There are three women who also play important roles in the lives of my children. They are not family by blood, but family by choice. Two Sundays ago they stood together and vowed to love and lead my three children through their lives. Unlike times before, this time they knew the job at hand would have uncertainties, triumphs and at times would be just plain ole' hard work. I consider them brave souls. Each has her own great and unique qualities and personality. Knox and Walker each have one Godmother. Ivey has three.

I have done the hardest deed a mother can do. I admit my weaknesses. To be a good mother to my three children, I will not be able to do it alone; I need help. So Knox has a Godmother, Miranda, she is also Ivey's. Walker has a Godmother, Tasha, she is also Ivey's. Then Ivey has a Godmother that is hers alone, Traci. A circle is complete. Sometimes a mother's love extends well beyond her own heart. It is also in the hearts of her friends.


gwen