Happy Mother's Day!

The word mother is defined as the female parent; one who cares; one who acts maternally. But as we all know, a mother is so much more than this. A mother is a 24 hour a day 7 days a week job. Yet I almost don't like to use the word job, because many of us relate this word to an unpleasant thing and motherhood is far from being anything unpleasant. But in all reality, it is a job. Not a job that we choose but one we are given by God. It is an honor to be called a mother, and I believe that God blesses those of us who are mothers with the task of raising our children, whether we actually give birth to them, adopt them, or simply help in raising them. I thank Him each and everyday for choosing me to be Emma's mother. I know I talk about her quite often in this blog, but she is my whole life right now and I am CRAZY over her!

I've always greatly appreciated my own mom. We have always been very close and our relationship has only grown since I became a mom myself. But I don't think I fully understood how much my mom loved me until I had Emma. It is because of the love my mom gives me each and everyday that I am able to be the mother I am to Emma. I was fortunate to always have my mom there for me whenever I needed her and I always want to be there for Emma. My mom has grown to be my friend, and I already look forward to the days when Emma thinks of me as her friend (but I'm definitely not rushing it!).

I have a completely different outlook on life as a mom. Emma helps me to be an all around happier person as I watch how the smallest things in life enthuse her. She has taught me to not fret over the small things because at the end of the day, as you hold a sleeping baby in your arms, you quickly remember what's most important in life. She can smile and make all things better. She can laugh and make my heart melt. She can kiss me and make my eyes fill with the most joyous tears.

So my own definition of a mother...one who first loves God, shows this love in everything she does, loves her children unconditionally, and tells them all about the love God has for them. A mother always teaches, she always listens, she always gives, and she always cares . My mom is these things to me and I only hope that I am always these things for Emma and any other children I am blessed to call my own.

Happy Mother's Day!