Graduation

Today, M graduated from seminary.

There is so much I could say. God's faithfulness has been the theme of our lives, certainly the theme of the past three years. At the commencement ceremony today, we sang a hymn, and the words of that hymn moved me to tears. They capture what I feel so perfectly:

What heights of love,

What depths of peace,

When fears are stilled,

When strivings cease!

My comforter, my all in all - 

Here in the love of Christ I stand. 

One of the most tangible ways in which God has demonstrated his faithfulness is through all of you, our family and friends. Thank you for supporting us, for loving us, for encouraging us. Thank you for walking with us through these past three years. It means more to us than we will ever be able to say. 

Lucy's Field Day

Last week, Lucy had Field Day at school, and it was pretty much the cutest thing ever. 

Afterwards, all the kids received a gold medal and a Popsicle. In a few short years, I think Lucy will be ready for the Olympics. 

Mother's Day

This morning, M made coffee and cooked breakfast for us, while Lucy presented me with a Mother's Day card. "Happy Mother's Day!" she shouted proudly. Alice waved her arms and kicked her chubby, little legs, which was her own way of saying, "Happy Mother's Day, Mama. Now, will you please put some of those eggs in my face?" 

Then, it was off to church and the usual Sunday morning chaos. After church, we walked over to Steuben's for brunch...

During brunch, Lucy had a little accident while going potty. Of course, being the supermom that I am, I forgot to pack an extra change of clothes in the diaper bag. Lucy (who is 3 and has been potty-trained for almost a year) ended up wearing one of Alice's size 2 diapers. Needless to say, she was not happy about it. Meanwhile, Alice decided that it would be the perfect time to have a diaper blow-out. I spent most of brunch in the bathroom, cleaning up poop. 

Even at the time, it was funny. I couldn't help thinking how completely un-glamorous motherhood is. It's hard, and it's messy, and some days I cry more than my kids. But here's the thing. Motherhood is beautiful. All I have to do is look into those little eyes, one pair of green and one pair of blue, and I am reminded that there is tremendous beauty in the messiness. Changing diapers, cleaning up spills, wiping away tears. One day, when they are all grown-up, I will long for these days. My heart will ache to hear them say one more time, "Mama, will you hold me?" 

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, old and young, expecting or longing. You are beautiful.