A Mother's Day birthday

Every once in a while, a year comes around where Mother's Day falls on my birthday.  This was my lucky day! Actually, though, I gave my family a pretty hard time over the last few weeks saying I wanted to get two separate days, not just one.  They really surprised me this weekend by making me feel incredibly special for two separate days, giving me two separate occasions to celebrate.  I felt blessed.

First, I had a long morning to myself on Saturday, which gave me the chance to sit outside and read for the whole morning.  I actually had the chance to finish the book that I had started a few days earlier in the week.  We all ate a late breakfast together, then I headed out to run some errands on my own while Mike took the boys shopping.  Besides squeezing in time to get a hair cut and grab some groceries, I wrote two whole blog entries and still had time to chill! (Getting time to myself is like gold to this introvert.) Plus I loved knowing that the boys were out shopping for me!

Early in the evening, they came home to surprise me with beautiful pink roses, a pink cake, and gifts (all accessories for my bike that needed upgrading).  I'm ready for the summer now so I can hop on my bike every morning before it gets too hot. 

Today, David got up early to take me out for a Mother's Day breakfast date.  We walked to the Donut shop together and had a really sweet time.  Mike and Juan David were still sleeping when we got back, so we made some chai (that my mom sent me for my birthday) and drank it together out on the porch.  David sat down beside me, wrapped his arms around, and kept telling me how much he loved me and hoped I was enjoying my very special day.  Love that kid.

When everyone else woke up, they presented me with yet another gift for Mother's Day.  A beautiful pink fold up seat to use on the bleachers at the soccer games.  Just in time for the tournament this weekend!  They know me well and know just how much time I spend at those soccer fields!  They also gave me a card that Juan David made with the sweetest messages written inside from each of them.  I will cherish it forever. 

We spent the afternoon out riding the trails on our bikes, and now I'm out on the porch enjoying this beautiful spring weather.  Juan David is sitting here complaining that it's hot--I think he's in for a miserable summer if he thinks it's already hot!

In addition to feeling so blessed and special these two days, I can't forget how wonderful my students made me feel all week for Teacher Appreciation week.  They showered me with the sweetest gifts, hugs, flowers, candies, and cards.  There's something mighty special about being a child's first teacher.  I am so blessed to be a Pre-K teacher this year. (BTW, my principal told me she really likes me in that position and is impressed by my professionalism.  Looks like I get to stay there for at least another year! :)  She said she really appreciated my going into it with such an open mind.) It was a scary change, but a true blessing indeed.  Love my kids.  Love my assistant.  Love my job.