Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother's Day and as usual, my two loves made it very special for me.  The morning started out early with a certain messy haired 4 year old running into my bathroom as I was getting ready for church screaming "Happy Mother's Day" at the top of her lungs as she proudly waved her latest creation at me.  It was a picture she colored of a minion....Not exactly what I was expecting for Mother's Day but she was proud of it and therefore I loved it.  As with all "special" things that she creates, she wanted to put it on my nightstand next to my bed so that I can "see it everyday when I wake up.".  I have quite a collection of "treasures" on my nightstand---anything from rocks and jewels to pieces of  brightly colored confetti to little shards of paper that she has carefully cut out into teeny tiny shapes.  And now, I have a picture of a minion.  It's perfect.  :)

We went to church as usual and she made me a few more creations while she was there.  We opted for a low key lunch at Jason's Deli (my choice) in order to avoid the crowds and to ensure we didn't waste our entire day sitting in a restaurant.  I am also not so great with crowds these days and I seem to have developed some sort of anxiety when it comes to large groups of people.  Maybe it's the fear of germs, my fear of taking an elbow to the belly in tight spaces (it happened just last week in a crowded place--ouch!) or possibly just my lack of patience in general these days (thanks, prednisone!).  I'm not really sure but AA and crowds just don't mesh well.  So this was a good choice for us and we were in and out in no time.

At church

Lunch with my two loves

We love the free ice cream!  Definitely no denying she's my child!  This girl loves her junk food as much her Mama does.

The card she made me at church

A few pictures after we got home....

I'm not too thrilled over pictures these days because of my temporary prednisone induced chipmunk cheeks but I knew I would regret it later if I didn't take just a few.

These two made me a mother.  So thankful for my little family!

My entire world, wrapped up in one 35 pound little body

It was a beautiful day so we spent the entire afternoon outside

I wasn't supposed to have any gifts because I'm heading to the beach for a girls weekend tomorrow and I asked that the trip would be my gift.  But, someone didn't hold up their end of that deal!

We Skyped with my Mom and my sister and baby Wyatt for a while.....

Then it was back outside for more time spent in the beautiful sunshine

She did this.  So very typically KYNDALL.

Oh, those boots.  No it was not raining and no it was not wet outside.  She simply insists on wearing them anytime she's in the backyard.  I'll be glad when she outgrows them!  

I can't forget about my other two "babies", Cameron and Huckabee.  They were my first "children" and even though they drive me insane, I still love them.  Maybe not as much as I did before I had a real kid.....but I love them nonetheless!  :)

Thanks, Cam Martin for teaching her this trick!!

My sweet girl

Exhausted and HOT from a fun afternoon spent together outside

One of my requests for Mother's Day was that I didn't have to cook.  So Matthew grilled our dinner and we spent the rest of the evening just relaxing.  

We ended the night with a family game of Chutes and Ladders

This picture was taken last week when Kyndall brought home her gift for me that she made at school.  It's a tote bag and I love it!

Another great Mother's Day is on the books and I couldn't be more thankful.  This year was extra special, for lots of reasons.  I am so thankful to have been given the gift of motherhood.  I absolutely was born to be a mother and I cannot imagine my life any other way.  No career or fancy title in front of my name could ever fulfill me the way she does.  I am perfectly satisfied spending my days wiping noses, hineys and occasional tears.  I get fulfillment out of doing the simple things like making lunches and washing teeny tiny little girl clothes and cleaning up messes and brushing tangled hair and playing dress up and chauffeuring to dance, school, piano, church, etc.  She is my JOY.  I am so thankful that I am able to spend my days pouring into my daughter, spending precious time with her and creating lasting memories. This has been my dream life for as long as I can remember.  I'm living my dreams!!!

I love you, Kyndall Anne Hughes!  In speaking of you I have always said the same thing which is that you are my greatest accomplishment and what I'm most proud of.  That will never change, for as long as I'm alive!

As much as I love motherhood, every good Mama needs a break at some point.....which is why tomorrow I'm BEACH BOUND for a kid-free vacation with my Englewood girls!!!  I am beside myself with excitement!  Bring on the sun, sand, shopping, eating, girl talk, and quality time spent with some of my BFFs.  Best of all, my Glory is flying into town for the occasion all the way from Texas!  I haven't seen my best friend since September when she flew to Tennessee for my transplant.  (And really, that doesn't count since I was high on pain meds and not exactly up for girl time)  I'll be picking her up at the airport in Panama City on Wednesday and I really think I might just cry when I finally see her.  It's been too long.  

See you later, Tennessee!  This Mama is beach bound!!