Mother's Day 2014

Mother’s Day stirs up mixed emotions in me.  I’m grateful to feel appreciated and loved by my own children, but it is a day that reminds me of my mom’s absence from my life.  I try not to focus on that pain, but cherish the memories and lessons she taught me. 

One of the very last photos of my mom.  She passed away three months after this photo.

 

I love my children more than anything in this life.  They are truly the best gift I have ever had.  They are good hearted children who genuinely care about people.  I feel they respect me, value me, and yes, even appreciate me.

The only thing I wanted for Mother’s Day was to spend the weekend with my family, and I got just that. 

We took the entire family, including our canine children to San Diego.  The 2.5 hour commute (traffic) to San Diego on Friday afternoon was exhausting, but once we arrived, it was worth it.  Mia and I had a 5k race around Fiesta Island early Saturday morning so on Friday, we picked up our bibs at the tiniest expo I had ever been to.  We ordered take-out from Pizza Nova, and we spent the evening on the boat.  The kids watched movies.  It was wonderful.

Buddy and Bella cannot be away from their Daddy.

On Saturday, the boys and dogs dropped Mia and I off near the start line so we could run our race.  They picked us up about an hour later with the dingy, the Gryphon.  We spent the day cruising Mission Bay harbor. We stopped off at the dog beach so Bella and Buddy could swim.  They LOVE the water.  After an hour or so, we made the 2-hour commute back to OC (little less traffic).  The poor dogs were simply exhausted.  They are accustomed to napping during the day, but there were no naps during these two days.  They swam and ran both days.  They didn’t sleep too well on the boat either. Buddy felt the need to be on guard.  He was guarding the parameter of the boat.  Moreover, on both the commutes to/from San Diego, Buddy stood in the truck bed the entire time.  He did not sit at all.  He just stood on all fours.  When we arrived home, those two dogs were knocked out until Monday.  I had never seen them that exhausted.

Exhausted Buddy resting his head on the commute home

 

We spent Saturday night watching Brandon’s baseball team, the Pirates, win their first playoff game. 

So what about gifts? Lance gave me some walking shoes.  Initially, I did not really care for the shoes.  The style seemed more suited for an older person.  I may be 42, but my style is much younger.  However, when I put on those shoes, oh my goodness…..I have never felt anything so comfortable. I absolutely love them! So I guess that ages me….I’m now one of those women that choose comfort over looks.  Seriously though, the shoes are not that bad-.   My baby did a good job!

On Sunday, the kids gave me homemade gifts, which are the best.  Brandon made me a card with a 3-D flower.  Mia made me a bracelet that does not fit.  Dylan gave me a card with a gift card he recycled from his own Christmas presents.  It is actually so sweet.  I had each child tell me why they loved me.  Lance gave me one more present….another wedding ring. He told me he wanted everyone to know that I was married and that I was married to him.  I lost my other ring. It slid off my finger because my ring size is now a 4.5.  He spent a little more on this ring.  Normally, we go about $50 or less. I am cheap, and I take pride in that.

Lanced ordered lunch from Stonefire grill, and we spent Mother’s Day afternoon watching the OKC vs Clippers game.  I am very blessed to have such a wonderful family.  It was a simple Mother’s Day, but quite honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

these three guys are my greatest joy and greatest love in life!