Being a Mom!

I've been thinking of typing out this for a few days, but time has not been my friend.  I guess that's a good thing because it just means I've thought a little bit more.

I was recently on a website I frequent and I read something posted about "what we give up as mothers".  I don't think that is what it was really called but something about complaining that they don't think the dads give up as much.  They talked about giving up our bodies, our fun and all kinds of stuff.  I have to say that as I mother, I don't feel like I gave anything up.  I feel like I was given so much.

*I'm given unconditional love.  A love that never questions when I raise my voice or get upset
*All the hugs and kisses I could ever ask for.
*They joy of seeing my children smile
*The joy of being down and looking at my children and smiling
*Teaching my children things and them teaching me things

Those are just a few things.  It would really take entirely too long to type everything out.

Aside from Cody, my children are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.  They have made me a better person.  They have given the patience that I seemed to be lacking my whole life.  They have taught me that the laundry, dishes and cleaning can wait.  They can't.  They have taught me that it's ok to make a mess.  That one was a little hard for me to grasp because I still want them to remain perfectly clean.

I love my children with all that I am and I think God everyday for choosing me to be their mom.  I feel so blessed that he thinks a person who can raise them to be good people.  Sometimes I question that and I know I shouldn't.

13 Years!

It seems like just yesterday that I married my best friend, my soul mate.  And then at other times, I can't imagine what my life was like before him.

I remember 13 years ago, like it was yesterday.  I remember the storms and rain all week and worrying about having to move the wedding inside because that wasn't my vision.  I remember waking up 13 years ago to a beautiful sunny day.  The clouds left and the sun came out.  The day was filled with trying to make sure everything looked just right.  Go here and get the cake, go here and get the chairs, get the music together, make sure the food is ready, set everything up and then show time.

The butterflies hit me about 5 mins before I was to walk out.  I remember looking at my mom and saying "I can't do this.  I can't walk out in front of all these people.  Oh, we should have just eloped".  I really don't remember what she said to me, but it must have calmed me down.  I have to admit, the ceremony part is a little bit of a blur.

Cody and I have been through quite a bit in 13 years.  Boot camp, field med training, our first baby away from family, Iraq, a move, twins, officer training, did i mention Twins, and now CRNA school.  Wow, we've done it all and been beside each others side the whole way.  I'm not going to say it was all easy but it wasn't the hardest thing either.  I have the greatest man in the world to share all the adventures with.  I can't imagine not having him beside me.  I can't imagine not having this life together that we've created.  

I'm so glad I grew impatient and asked Cody out.  Of course, being soul mates we would have wound up together at some point.

Cody,
     Thank you for being my husband the last 13 years.  You have made me the happiest woman in the world and I'm very lucky to have a man who can put up with me.  I love you more everyday.
                                                          From here to eternity........Love, ME!!!