Pinch me...

Yes. Pinch me indeed - because how is this life real? How was I chosen to the Mom of 3 beautiful, happy, healthy, loving, sometimes a mess, always MINE, kids??? From that moment at 2:14am in January 2007 to the minute I sit here typing this, my life has changed for the better. Thank you isn't enough to show my gratitude of these undeserved blessings. 

Yesterday was a delight from start to finish - we slept in, but still managed to make it to church. But not before being showered with love, a gigantic card, and a few tears (see bottom left pic). But hey - this is real life, people... 

And some sweet kisses from Landry to top it off. Y'all she gives the best kisses. 

After church we headed back home where Pops and Gigi were waiting to spend the day with us. We of course took more pics... 

Including some with Gigi...

and took the time to be silly and plant some smooches on this kid.

And one with Gigi - my momma. The best there is. She may be the mom of 3, but she has raised 100s of kids. She set a brilliant example of what it means to open your home and your heart to anyone that walks through our door. She is generous with her love, giving of her time, and has won over the love and affection of an entire generation of kiddos from Robinson, TX. 

Love you, Mom! 

And I clearly couldn't celebrate this day if it wasn't for this guy. So glad to share the role of parents with you, Ryan. Not a better person on the planet to be my better half. Mother's Day is extra special to us, since it's the last time we got to spend with Fely. What a rock my husband is - and what a special place she will always have in our hearts. 

We like to keep things simple on Mother's Day - last year we headed to the lake and this year we headed to the pool.The kids were ecstatic - and isn't that what being a Mom is about... seeing the joy on the faces of your kids?

This girl. 

Yeah - no words.

Landry couldn't wait to get in the water - Gigi was planning on holding her the whole time (and we wonder why she doesn't walk)... 

But she wanted in and she is fearless. She had a blast!!! 

Seriously - my {heart} personified. 

Emmy wanted to really go swimming, which means hang on to Daddy as he carries her in the deep water. I think he was okay with that. 

Gosh, I vividly remember summer's at the pool. Mom would bring her Harlequin romance novels, set up shop under a tree and let us go. 

Every.Single.Day.

It was $50 for a summer family membership. I had to wear my hair in a ponytail with those little plastic balls so she could see me. I wanted to only spend time with the big kids like Angel, Darla, Brian, and others. They carried me around like a doll while Jody and Jeremy jumped every which way off the diving boards. Pops was so popular among the high schoolers...they built pyramids in the pool and he was on bottom. Throwing those giant kids around like dolls. 

And here they now watching us do the same. What a new perspective I have on that moment in time. 

We only stayed as long as the kids became purple - how is that possible in May in Texas but the water still isn't warm!!! So we put the kids down for naps and started the grill. 

Just a slow and easy Sunday. Where we have nothing to do and all the time to do it in. Where the sweet smell of sunshine permeates the day and the blessings of laughter fill our hearts. 

Where a five-year-old boy worked up the courage to swing as high as he could and JUMP!! over and over again. 

Where that same little boy got his first ball and glove. And then declared he can't catch a ball - something to do with soccer players using their feet. 

Where a sweet younger sister wanted to do just what he did. 

Where a baby is being loved on by everyone.

And where a momma went to bed with a happy heart... filled with gratitude of His blessings.