Mother I love you. Mother I do...

We had a gorgeous Mother's Day this year. I couldn't describe more perfect weather. Mid-seventies, and sunny with a warm wind that I just loved breathing in all day. The day started with a delicious grits breakfast made entirely by my love. It was very satisfying, and was a great second breakfast. Then we were off to church. KC is in charge of bringing roses for all the mothers/mothers-to-be. Even the little girls got a beautiful red rose. They were quite tickled. There is a certain warmth in the air at church on Mother's Day, and even when I was struggling to become one, I still felt it and relished in it. I, after all, have a mother to celebrate for, even if I wasn't one myself yet. It was a lovely day at church with many friendly faces to chat with and wish a happy day.(Here you go Lili, and others that have been curious. My twelve week belly gets rounder by the day. KC took the one above before I ready, but it shows the beautiful weather, so I thought I'd include it too.)

After, we took an always looked forward to Sunday afternoon nap. We woke up and started preparing the meal we had planned. Sweet husband of mine did all the grocery shopping the day before (during which he also purchased and brought home a beautiful bouquet of assorted flowers for me-the picture below doesn't do them justice, and the rose from church is a little out of place) for this lovely meal (Sad to say we don't have many of those lately with the zero energy and food aversions, but I think they'll start to make their way into our lives soon again.) We decided on spice-rubbed pork tenderloin, grilled, and a spinach salad with strawberries, pecans, and feta, and some couscous to round it out. Much like our last Father's Day meal. It just sounded so good and summery. KC took full control of the meat, and boy was it juicy and succulent. And I haven't been able to say many good things about anything I eat lately. I guess I'm coming back after all. It was a very delicious meal, and our leisurely walk afterward made for a perfect afternoon.
We were delighted to be able to get in touch with our great friends (practically family, really) the Drapers, and were able to spend the evening with them. They were very generous, and invited us for their dinner, a couple hours after ours. Well, that worked perfectly with my eating schedule, so we gratefully accepted, and had a great time catching up with their darling family A wonderful day, that made my heart swell with happiness for the years to come.

So, I don't even know where to begin when it comes to my mom. She has done so many millions of things for me. I sometimes even feel guilty that I asked her to do so many things when I was younger, when she clearly had so many other things to do. I hardly ever heard a complaint, and that continues still. She sticks up for her beliefs better than I even would have the courage to do, she's one of the smartest and well-read people I know, she had a great sense of style and loves to shop, and everything in between. I have so much to learn from her. It makes my heart ache that she's so far away from me. I wish I could sit on her lap and everyday like I used to when I was little. When she came for Easter, it was mostly to take care of us while I was down with strong urges to puke in my early weeks of pregnancy. She constantly made me snacks and beautiful meals, always thinking of new things to create a variety throughout the day. She helped me shop, since I was in no shape to make decisions at the grocery store, and just talked to me throughout the day. When she left, I thought my life was over. Seriously, I didn't know how I was going to survive the next few weeks/years without her watching over me. I feel like I regressed to my childhood when she cared for me this exact same way. I guess my hormones were out of control and all that, but I still felt such a loneliness without her constant companionship. But she was needed at home, and has other responsibilities to attend to. One very pressing one is helping out with my grandpa who is very sick. I couldn't possibly keep her from that, which I knew she would be so needed, and so good at. And knowing she was going there helped me through her departure and to know that I will be okay, until I get to spend those golden moments with her again soon. She is a special one. I really wouldn't mind turning into her.

I also have gained so much love for KC's mom Janice. She has taken me into the family as if I was one of her own. She is always ready to help, even if we never ask. And she raised KC to be the way he is, for which I'll be forever grateful. He's always talked about his mom with high regard, and I understand why. She is such a kind person. She's always concerned for other peoples' welfare, and I can also learn a lot from her. I am so glad to be added to the family as another daughter. I got pretty lucky with my in-laws.
We love you Moms. It was great, and tearful to reminisce about how wonderful you really are. We never forget your love and generosity. Thanks for everything you do. Happy Mother's Day to all you girls out there, whether you are in the midst of Motherhood, or it's in your future.