a beautiful mommy's day

Today was Mother's Day--my 11th one as a mommy--and somehow they just keep getting better.  From the time I opened my eyes until now, as I prepare to lay my head down, I've been surrounded by more love and joy than I could ever deserve.

I know that every day that I get to be called "Mommy," "Mom," and/or "Mama," is a special day, and one not to be taken for granted, but what a total treat to get a scheduled special day once a year.

The sweetness began on Friday evening, when I walked into our tiny room (still living at the convent, folks) and found a dozen red roses from my dear hubby.  Leaning against the vase full of flowers was a small index card that read "I want to celebrate you all weekend long.  Happy Mother's Day."  And while fancy roses are not really my thing (I'm much more of a lilly/tulip/grocery-store-bouquet kind of gal), the sentiment behind this act so warmed my heart.  Especially since it's not wife's day--it's mother's day, but I get cherished by my love anyway.  Thank God for him.

And then this morning, Madison bounced into our bedroom a little after 6am (she is very much our rooster), whispered something to her Daddy, then was out the door and down the stairs in no time.  Several minutes later, I was treated to a wonderful breakfast in bed by all three kids, as well as some beautiful handmade cards full of love.

And while the incredibly loving (and some rather profound!) words contained in these folded pieces of paper were so lovely and appreciated,    

this here is where my treasure lies.  Will you look at that sweetness??

I am amazed at how these children, who at times can appear to be so needy and dependent, today seemed to so fully delight in taking care of me, in honoring and treating and appreciating me...in reminding me of what total, self-sacrificial, joy-filled agape love is really all about.

Thank you, my precious babes, for educating me yet again.

And if all that weren't enough, there was a another special treat in store when, later this morning, we attended one of our last Sundays at the beautiful church next door to the mission house.  Just as we took our seats and looked up to smile at our two older kids who sing in the choir, Joshua mouthed something fairly incomprehensible to us.  I responded by mouthing back what I understood him to say, which was, "you want a Rolo?"  Which of course also makes no sense, because I haven't seen that delicious chocolate-caramel candy in years and seriously doubted that my kids had ever even heard of it.  Quizzically though, he nodded back a "yes."  Whatever--I figured he'd just tell me after Mass.

So imagine my surprise when, as I returned to my seat after Communion, I heard an angelic, beautiful voice coming from the choir loft.  I turned around to see my precious Madison Grace in the midst of a solo during the communion hymn.  Holy macaroni, if I hadn't cried yet, this was where the tears finally flowed.  What a surprise.  What a voice.  What a gift.

And, since it was my day as far as this little brood is concerned, I got to pick a destination for a special family lunch outing.  So we ventured into L.A.'s Chinatown and enjoyed some of the best dim sum I've had in years (okay, it's also the only dim sum I've had in years, but it really was so very good).  Metal carts of steamy deliciousness pushed through by little ladies who seemed to know little more English than, "shrimp an pok!  baba-cue beef!  you want??"  Yes ma'am, don't mind if I do.  I love that our kids are up for a little adventurous eating and that they are getting a tiny taste of the multicultural wonder that is our world.  

I love even more that as we continue to prepare for our big adventure in a few months, every one of our little people will benefit and grow from all the challenges and opportunities that we will encounter...and I remain in awe and humble gratitude that God has entrusted me and my husband with these most amazing individuals.

 
(a little baby bump shot for those who have asked :)

Don't you see that children are God's best gift?
      the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
   Like a warrior's fistful of arrows
      are the children of a vigorous youth.
   Oh, how blessed are you parents,
      with your quivers full of children!

Psalm 127:3-4, The Message