Being a mother to my three children has been challenging, but in the end, always a joy. I usually tell people that being a parent is both the most difficult and most wonderful thing at the same time. If only they could stay little! Enjoy each and everyday! Cherish every kiss and every laugh. Be glad to be the one to give them nutritious meals they may not be excited about, and to be the one they want comfort from when they get hurt or are sad. These are the things running through my head when I’m tempted to be grumpy when tired. I don’t want to miss out on enjoying my kids for the gifts that they are to me.
Here’s my snapshot of my kids this Mother’s day:
Though I wasn’t quite as surprised as my dad was that Jenni and I were celebrating our eighth wedding anniversary, I felt the growth of eight years of learning how to live out our love since the magical day. There were two things that Jennilyn did this year that stood out for me. 
A perfect birthday. That’s the only way I can describe it. 
Besides Christmas, Thanksgiving has become my favorite holiday because it gathers our family together for a length of time longer than a quick meal, baby sitting exchange, errand, and the like. When I was growing up, I hated Thanksgiving because I always seemed to get in trouble during that holiday. In hindsight, I failed to see all the great times shared because all I focused, and even anticipated, on how I got trouble and scolded. But, a few years ago, when Jack started the initiative where he and I hosted the Thanksgiving meal, I’ve replaced the focus of getting in trouble with my parents to being a parent, and getting in trouble making up recipes in the kitchen Thanksgiving day.