The Hardest Job in the World

I don't have a nice Mother's Day post prepared this year. I was too busy doing that mothering thing and recovering from vacation to even think about Mother's Day. It caught me off guard and aside from talking on Skype with my mom and mom-in-law, I kind of dropped the ball this time around.

But that doesn't mean that I didn't take a few moments to appreciate the endless blessings of being a mom.

I spent most of the day trying to get Nash's burning fever to come down that spiked right as Blake was singing "Mother Dear, I Love You So" with the Primary children at church. 

Even though Nash spent the rest of the day in my arms or on the carpet sleeping, I can't think of a better way to spend Mother's Day than with my babe curled up tight against me.

Blake's handmade gifts and Troy's home cooked dinner were just extra perks.

I am always grateful for the chance to reflect on motherhood and resolve to do better, whether it be on Mother's Day or any other time of the year. 

Because the hardest job in the world

is the best job in the world.

Oh how I always need this reminder:

Venice Beach

We just returned from a trip to Southern California and our first item of business was to meet our new nephew. The boys were enthralled with their first cousin.

We took a Sunday morning stroll to the Venice Beach canals. The only thing that could have possibly made it better was if our nephew was in our arms instead of asleep in his dad's front carrier.

As we were walking I had Siri tell us all about which celebrities lived in some of the gorgeous homes.

The canals led us right to the oceanfront.

If I lived 15 minutes away from the beach I think I would take a Sunday morning stroll before church every single week.

Graduate

I'm so proud of my little brother for completing another chapter in his life.

The weekend before he ended his college career, we attended the film festival that he started as a new annual event at his university. We met a lot of his friends and roommates who thought his film work was pretty stellar. He was involved with the filming of more than half of the short films that were featured.

Since there are only two of us and my college graduation was seven years ago, my parents deemed it important to come out for the event.

Congrats, little bro!

Now That's a Hamburger

I think that may be the tallest burger I've ever seen. It was stacked with loving care by my dad, the best chef I know. Whenever we ask him what ingredients are in his gourmet meals, he responds, "My own special blend of 11 herbs and spices." Yeah, I think I if could cook like him I would keep my concoctions a secret too.

Field Trip

I love that I have been able to go on a couple of field trips with Blake's class this year, while he still thinks it's "cool" to have his mom tag along.

His final field trip was to the zoo.

My "group" that I had to keep my eye on was a piece of cake. Little girls are so different than little boys. Sweet Ava just wanted to hold my hand the whole time and occasionally point out a bird.

And the boys preferred to run off and climb up things like brass rhinos.

Blake claims that the giraffes were his favorite part.

But I think he was more interested in the animal fruit snacks his teacher brought than the actual animals.

I have to admit that the zoo isn't my favorite place in the world, but nothing is more delightful than watching a group of four year olds interact.

The best part of the day was when I was passing the school bus and could see Blake's little eyes peeping above the bench and his hand frantically waving at me. That sort of thing turns my heart to mush.