Mother's Day 2014

Mother's Day was a day I longed to call my own for so long.  Last year was the most special Mother's Day, because it was my first Mother's Day as Millie Janalee's mother.  I certainly do not take for granted the joy that fills my heart as Millie Janalee's mama.  This year, we celebrated extra for another special mother as my sister and her husband dedicated Hughes.  We all gathered at Kristin and Lee's after church for a family cookout and to spend time loving on all the mamas and sweet Hughes. 

Susu showed up with a special surprise for Millie Janalee to help her feel special too. (Remember, we were in the adjustment phase.  Thank goodness we seem to be getting through that!)  Millie Janalee was so happy about her very first tricycle from Susu and Pawpaw!

Millie Janalee and Susu with her very first tricycle

I think this would be an appropriate time to talk about my mama...since she's the main one who taught me how to be a mama myself.  We are so different in many ways, but pretty much the same person in many other ways.  Ha!  Like mother, like daughter?  I'm okay with that!  I am thankful for the example she has been and continues to be as I work through this new mommy thing.  Does the "new" ever wear off?  Ha!

It was painfully obvious that Kristin put in many hours and lots of effort to make everything just perfect for her sweet new baby.  And, because I know what all has been going on since Hughes's birth, I can say with certainty that she did it all BEFORE he was born.  Thinking ahead!  That's what party planners do.  She created the door hanger, table runner, and the centerpiece for the food table by hand.  I'm assuming Lee helped her create the huge cross on the table.  He's pretty good with a hammer, saw, and nails!
 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippeans 4:6-7

Kristin and Lee dedicated Hughes Lee in front of our church family and presented his life verse.  He was on his best behavior and didn't make a peep during the dedication.  Since he was only a couple weeks old, Kristin and Lee took him home after the dedication part of the service, but he was still in his handmade dedication gown by the time we all arrived.  Isn't he sweet??  And so tiny!  It seems like yesterday, Russ and I were dedicating Millie Janalee to the Lord in front of our precious church family.

Happy Mother's Day to us!

My family (minus Dustin who was out of town)

As always, it means so much that our family travels the miles and hours to celebrate with one another.  My Uncle Howard, Aunt Patsy, Clancy, Jack, and Selah Grace made the trek from Jackson to be with Hughes on such a special day.  Many members of Lee's extended family also gathered with us for the celebration.  That's what life is about.  Being there for one another...in the good times and bad.  I am so thankful for my family and the way we were raised to "be a family."

Clancy's first Mother's Day also!

Since Millie Janalee was a bit clingy, we decided to swing together out in the back yard while Lee's family took some family pictures and everyone began eating lunch.  This seemed to be her happy place.

After I took her inside to change out of her Sunday dress, we tried out the new tricycle.  Uncie Lee came over to check out her new ride too.  She wanted to show it off to him too.  It was a very warm day, but it was divine in the shade!  The breeze felt so good on a nice, summer Sunday afternoon!

We all gathered in the kitchen to watch Kristin open Hughes's sweet dedication gifts.  He received so many sweet things.  We gave him a pewter baby cup with his name and life verse engraved.  Among the other special gifts were frames, a Bible, stuffed animals, lovies, a smocked church bubble, and more.  Such sweet reminders of this day.

Clancy and Millie Janalee watching

MawMaw spending some quality time with her only grandson

When the crowd died down, I took Millie Janalee back outside to play some more.  Susu and Pawpaw also brought her some garden tools.  She loves to "Dig dig dig"!  This was the first time Millie Janalee had worn any of the clothes I've been making her, and I'm pretty proud of it.  She looked adorable!  I wish you could see the pink ribbon casing on the bloomers.  So sweet!  And of course, her new bonnet.

This may or may not be how she really felt when I first put it on her...

In all seriousness, she doesn't mind it at all once it's on.  It is the perfect shade for a sunny day! 

We spent the rest of the afternoon loving on Hughes and spending time together as a family before Russ and I headed back to his parents' house for the night.  It was their turn. (It didn't take long in our marriage to realize we needed a "take turn" system for our visits.  Ha!  Any couple whose parents live in the same town will appreciate that a million times over.)

Millie Janalee finally acknowledging Hughes's presence that day.  Ha!

Some of the fun we enjoyed at Russ's parents' home was learning how to slide down the stairs.  I know I've probably mentioned on here that Millie Janalee would just run off the top step if I'd let her and think she could just fly to the bottom.  I FINALLY got her to cooperate with an appropriate way to go downstairs.  Hallelujah!

My second Mother's Day was a joyful one!  It was the first one I shared with my sister.  It was the second one I shared with Millie Janalee.  And it was just as it should be.  Full of smiles, joy, and love!

To all of you waiting for your Mother's Day - it's coming!  And I promise it will be worth the wait!!