Saturday, March 07, 2009

A Mother's Love...

There really is no place like home. I walked in the door several hours ago from spending the week with my sister, Sarah , Mike, and their new baby, Anna Claire. I was welcomed with hugs from my children and husband and kisses from our puppies. It is good to be home. We had an absolute wonderful week and it will be one that I always remember. Thank you again Sarah (and you too, Mike!) for allowing me to be there.


My sister and I are best friends. It's been like that since the day my parents brought her home from the hospital. Sure we had our moments but when it came down to it, best friends is what we were. I look out for her and she looks out for me. We share anything and everything. We can finish each other's sentences, know what the other one is thinking, and one of our favorite things to do is laugh. When we are together, everything just seems right.

We have been through a lot together and now we can walk the journey of motherhood together.

I think of where I've been (my children are ages 11, 12, and 18) and where she is. The cries in the wee hours of the night, the first words, first tooth, and all the other "firsts" that she soon will experience. The firsts in my children's lives are a whole lot different. The first time they didn't make the baseball team, first band concerts, and to top it off with firsts, we are sending our first-born off this Fall. A mother's love runs so deep no matter what the age of her children. I was reminded of that this week. As much as I would love for the days of my children being babies again, I want to embrace and celebrate where they are now. The time goes so fast and I want to make it all count.

One thing that I love about making the trip to Nashville is the time I have alone in the car. I can have quiet or I can turn the music up loud. A lot of the time though I end up praying and just thinking. It's a good time. Today, I found myself with a thankful heart. I am thankful for each of my children. For their uniqueness, their hugs, their gifts and talents, and their smiles. At times I feel so inadequate. I lack wisdom, patience, and understanding more than I would like to admit. It is then that I go back to what I believe. God HAS entrusted me to care, nurture, discipline, guide, and love them because He has found me able to be the very best mom for these children. Sometimes, that is something that I simply cannot wrap my mind around. I am humbled, grateful, and I think Him for the privilege He has given me. Lord, help me to mother the hearts of my children in a way that brings you glory. Help me to completely rely on your strength and the wisdom You give. When they look at me, let them see Jesus.

Now, I can't finish this post without sharing some pictures of this bundle of pure delight...







24 comments:

  1. Oh how precious.....and how wonderful to have a sister that you are so close to. I've only had sisters in law, who I love, but never a sister. I'm sure she's feeling lucky to have had you there!!!

    Suzanne

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  2. Wonderful post~Anna Claire is precious. What a great sister you are! Sounds like a wonderful week~great memories. I can almost feel the love you have for your own children as I read your words. Mine are still so little~I hope to be the kind of mother that you are~ Thank you for sharing with us.

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  3. Anna Claire is gorgeous! Christy that is beautiful to hear, too. So sweet. You all are super special and we all love your blogs. God Bless!

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  4. What a precious baby and what a great post!

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  5. I know what you mean about sisters...nothing like having your sister as a best friend! What a wonderful post. Thank you so much for sharing from your heart. Anna Claire is beautiful!

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  6. The relationship between you and your sister is so much like mine with my twin. She is my bestfriend. The funny thing is, I too had 3 children before she was blessed with her son. I even considered having one for her before she got pregnant on her own.

    Your little niece is just precious! I'm glad God finally blessed your sister and her husband.

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  7. I'm glad you had a great trip and are home safely - I've been praying for you, Sarah, Mike, and of course, Anna Claire. What a blessing to hear how wonderful that baby girl is doing! As I've told you before, I truly believe that God has a GREAT plan for her (and He obviously instilled in her a fighting spirit that will help get her through many tough times)! You are a great inspiration to me in how you speak of your children. I, too, do a lot of praying and thinking in the car; however, my thoughts never seem to be as focused as yours! Thanks for sharing! (By the way, you're going to have to share your blogging expertise with me; I "officially" started my own blog and have no idea what I'm doing! Of course, I can't imagine anyone wanting to read it so I haven't actually shared the address with anyone, but you never know!).

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  8. I have been keeping up with Anna Claire on your sister's blog. She is a beautiful baby and I know everyone is glad to have her home at last.

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  9. CONGRATS!! What a wonderful moment...meeting and getting to know a new life!

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  10. She is such a beautiful blend of Sarah and Mike. I wondered if you were traveling today; I prayed for you.

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  11. So glad you had a good visit! I wish I knew the joys of growing up with a sister! I love my brothers, but there is something special about sisters!

    I have to tell you (I think this nearly every time that you post photos of yourself!) that I hope I'm as cute and stylish as you when I'm a mom with 3 kids and one graduating from high school! You are beautiful and always look so happy...like a person other people would gravitate to be around. Not in a fake way, but in a very genuine way. (I know it's the Lord shining through you!) And, you are always dressed cute to boot! ;)

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  12. We miss you already! Having you here to enjoy the first weeks of Anna Claire's life has been so special and a time that I will never forget.

    You want a donut?

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  13. Welcome back home. I loved what you had to say about mothering, and being the "right one" God chose for your children.

    Anna Claire is beautiful. :-)

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  14. She is just precious!

    I always say the best part of vacations (or time away from home) is coming home!

    I have 2 sisters and I feel the same about them as well.

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  15. Glad to hear you are home and that you had a great time with your sister and her family!

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  18. You and your sister are something to behold! We can't praise God enough for how He has worked in your lives and molded you two into the Godly women that you are. He has blessed us with wonderful caring, loving daughters, sons-in-law and grand-children!

    Dad

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  19. Christy, I enjoyed your post so much. I know you enjoyed your trip and the time you spent with your sister. My sister and I are best
    friends too.
    Our children do grow up fast. My
    baby moved out June after graduation in May. I miss him soo much.
    Have a great day.
    Tammy

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  20. I have been far behind on reading, but so glad to hear about Anna Claire. She is precious. God's timing is perfect and I am glad to hear she is doing well. What a bundle of joy! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jackie

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  21. I want to invite you to the Mommie Daze Virtual Baby Shower I am hosting May 15 - June 8 on my blog. There are over 60 sponsors....and so many fabulous prizes for mommy and baby. Guest bloggers and games, too.

    Grab the button and link up with Mr. Linky...see my blog for details.

    Deborah

    comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com
    comfortjoydesigns{AT}gmail{DOT}com

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  22. She is such a cutie!
    Almost makes me want to have another... almost.

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  23. I enjoyed so much reading your reflections in this post. And those pictures...oh, they are just delightful!

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  24. Welcome Home!! I have been praying for Sarah and her precious Anna Claire. Praise God that she is home!

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