Mother's Day came and went in somewhat of a blur, but that doesn't change the fact that I am thankful for my mom...........oh so thankful.

I know God knew that I needed an energetic, positive mom!

She inspires me daily with her constant smile and bright outlook on every situation.

When mom (better known as Mamaw) arrives at our house, everyone lights up and the simplest moments become special. Even Snoopy, Peppy, and Kandi go wild in the driveway when Mamaw arrives!  It is hilarious to watch!

She's taught me a lot about what it truly means to be selfless, and I still have so much to learn.

As I sit here tonight looking at my Mother's Day gift from our son Evan (a Yosemite Sam lunch box exactly like the one I had in elementary school that was so special to me) and awaiting the arrival of Erich and Mallory from Nashville, I find myself feeling so keenly aware that as the mom of adult children I have an even bigger responsibility to show them constant love and a spirit of optimism and faith that they will hopefully long to emulate.

Tomorrow Evan graduates from Morehead State University with a degree in Exercise Physiology.  We are so proud of him, because he pushed through his degree in four years even with the emotional challenges of watching Nick fight cancer and then leave us to go Home to be with Jesus.  Evan made an effort to come home every single weekend of his four years in school.  He gave Nick something to look forward to every Friday night as they would play video games and talk and laugh.  After Nick was gone, Evan continued to come home.  I think for me and Tim........................

As a middle-aged woman this Mother's day, I found myself neatly tucked between a wonderful mom and wonderful children.  In spite of the pain that still lingers in my heart and rears its ugly head from time to time, I can say with confidence that I have been blessed.

Before slipping down to the family room to probably doze off for a bit until Erich, Mallory, Hugo, and Phoebe arrive, I had to take a minute to say, "Have a wonderful weekend and love deeply those around you.......they are gifts.."

Here are a few pictures of my Mother's Day gift...........

  I can remember so vividly studying each side of this lunch box as a little girl and seeing all the details...........as I turned the lunch box from side to side, it brought back such wonderful memories of doing the very same thing as a small child!

As you can see, the lunch box has been worn a little ragged through the years.......a lot like me! :) 

Thankfully, worth is not measured by outward appearance but by what God sees in our heart. 

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Praying that my heart becomes more and more pleasing to Him with each passing day,