Mother's Day 2012

Mother's Day weekend started out with a school fundraiser — Vegas style!

Steve and I got a picture with Elvis.

We played Blackjack and Roulette with fake money chips.

This picture makes it look like I'm really partying it up. I promise, that red cup has nothing in it but plastic chips.

Saturday night, I played in my second official tennis match. My friend Christy and I were paired up. We lost. Actually, we got creamed. The score was 6:2, 6:0. It was pathetic. My confidence was shattered a little . . . and I came to the realization that I won't be asked to play in the US Open anytime soon. But we had fun.

Aren't we cute in our black & white team outfits?

When Steve asked what I wanted to do on Mother's Day, I told him I wasn't picky. My only requests were things I didn't want to do—no cooking, no dishes or cleaning, and no laundry. Other than that, I didn't care!

Sunday morning, Steve woke up early, quietly got dressed, and snuck out of the bedroom leaving me to sleep. When I came downstairs, this was waiting for me.

Breakfast was delicious, and I didn't have to do the dishes afterward! Steve and the kids gave me some colorful new tennis outfits, as well as a sign for my office, which I love. This motto is one I try to live by each and every day!

We took a walk after breakfast, then I told Grant that for Mother's Day, I wanted him to learn to ride his bike. He obliged, though somewhat hesitantly. After about 5 minutes of Steve running behind him, he was riding on his own!

Olivia and I went to see one of her best friends in a local play while the boys went to the park.

We went to our family favorite—California Pizza Kitchen—for dinner. Steve kept his word, I didn't have to cook or clean up all day long!

Being a mom is way harder than I ever imagined. Most days, I crawl into bed at day's end absolutely exhausted. And then, I wake up and do it all over again. And again. And again. But in spite of the challenges, in spite of the tests of patience, the crumbs on the floor, the incessant piles of dirty laundry, and the nonstop chauffeuring, cooking, dishes, and helping with homework, I can't imagine anything I'd rather be doing right now. I know in a few years, the kids will be grown, the house will be clean and quiet, and I'll miss the noise and laundry, so I'm trying to cherish it while I can. Being a mom gives my life purpose. Seeing my kids grow into capable, kind, thoughtful, and caring people is the best reward I could ever ask for!