a letter to me, when i'm a mother.

Hi. See these pictures? These lovely little snapshots of motherhood can never show the totality of what it's really like, what it really means to be a mother. They don't show the overwhelming messes, the tears, the frustration, the whining, the scrapes on the knees and crayon on the wall, the moments when you wonder just how insane you really are. They don't show the thousands of doctor's appointments, and ER-visits, and arguments, and dirty diapers, and spankings you hate but have to give. They'll never show the untold prayers, the countless non-existent hours of sleep, the pleas for safety and protection, the having to let them go.

Instead, these pictures show what it's really all about. That life will never be a candid-perfect photo, but that motherhood is more than you will ever be able to see with your eyes. That the days are so, so long, but the years are far too short. So make the most of them. Give more hugs. Hold more hands. Have more fun. EnjoyEveryMoment. Choose your battles. Talk about life. Do your best. Say I love you. Don't sweat the small stuff. Your children love you more than they'll ever let on... So breathe.

You'll have your ups and downs, but there will never be anything like family. Don't focus on the messy-in-the-middle part, because life is sweeter than you know. Those precious moments spent doing and being with your children are the ones you'll want to remember for the rest of your life.

Someday, maybe, you'll be a mother.

And you'll probably need reminded of all this.

The real beauty of motherhood.

It's a little early yet, but Happy Mother's Day anyway...to the Mom who taught me everything. I love you.

What is going to be will be...

 

A fresh, new coat of paint on the floor, pretty and colorful linings, and gorgeous sunshine through my [clean!] windows [just overlook the unmade bed, k?] Sometimes it's truly the little things, the little moments, so often overlooked, quickly missed, soon forgotten... That's what life is made of.

I've been reading my way through The Happiness Project and Gretchen's blog, and I'm looking forward to this book in a few months...

Stefanie, Ethan, and David are here for a week-and-a-half. [yay!]

I have to work 30+ hours next week. [boo!]

The weather-man is calling for loads of sunshine coming up...just take a look!

Several of the kiddos have been sick with bronchitis and strep, and I think I'm coming down with something too...I can feel it in my head. [eek!]

Other than that, I'm just endeavouring to be here and enjoy each little moment with my family as much as I can, reminding myself that it is what it is and that what is going to be will be.

I'm still a little mad about all those extra hours next week though. Sheesh.

Off to make myself a cup of coffee, 'cause that just sounds reallllly good right now. :)

xoxo,

♥, Sara

35.

"Arise my love, my lovely one come,

Winter is past, and the rains are gone.

The flowers appear, it's the season of song,

My beautiful one, arise and come with me.
Who is it that appears like the dawn?
As fair as the moon, as bright as the sun?
Show me your face, let me hear your voice.
My beautiful one, arise and come with me.
Set me like a seal on your heart,
For love is unyielding as the grave,
The flash of it is a jealous fire,
No flood can quench,
For love is as strong as death." || Michael Card

Today was THE wedding day! I woke up extra early, making sure I had plenty of time to shower and keep my hair curly, make cinnamon rolls, help get everyone else ready, fix Suzi's hair...and make it to the church by 9:30am! It was a beautiful wedding... You can read a little more about it here and here. :) I'm so glad I was able to be a part of it all and help Kate.  Even if it wasn't at all to my own style or taste, it was still beautiful, because it was a reflection of Kate, and we share so many years of memories together... I'm so happy for her and Jeff. :)

xoxo,
♥, Sara