A Thank You On Mothers Day :*

To My Eight Children,

Today is Mothers Day and I just want to say thanks to you.
Never before I had kids, did I know how I would feel or how I
would be, having a family of my own...
Let alone, that I would EVER have two more than the Brady Bunch!

I knew I had the heart for it, and that I could love someone
with all I am.
But the journey of creating, giving birth, and then raising
them to be a good people...you just don't know, til you do it,
what it really entails.

You don't know, really know, how much love you will feel.
Because you never knew you could love something, more
than the word love...
You don't know the bond you will already have, even before birth, or
the feeling of becoming an instant human shield.  Ready and
willing to keep you safe forever.

No one can prepare you for seeing you walk for the first time, or
say mama...
Getting your first homemade gift from Preschool or taking you to
the bus stop and letting go of your hand to climb the steps
 for the first real time away.

Watching your activities-
From the times that you would wave and wave, over and over again...
So excited to see me, so happy I'm there...
To feeling that little pinch, as it turned into only a smile, and only, when
no one else was looking.
And then I catch glimpses of you getting older-
With not much of a warning
that I'd see you less, or become more of a bother.

Soon, the friends take over this child of mine.
The one that used to want to hug me, and lay with me-
I never knew it would come on so fast....and how much
I would miss you.
Within what felt like no time, I'm now forced to untie the strings
and be okay with no longer needing me for much....

But I am still here, and will be, forever...smiling through teary eyes.
Remembering all the years, the beautiful, most amazing years, that you
were small, and I got to watch you grow.

Lily, you are still our "baby"-
Our "Lils".  Our sweet, chubby Lulu...
I'm so glad we decided on "one more" or we would never know you-
You fit right into the madhouse and everyone loves you so much. 
Your smile is addictive, and never fades-:)
Sooo happy all the time,
the best baby anyone could ask for. 

Reese, you are a bright star in this family. 
You take on the role under four brothers like it's no
body's business. 
You win for the most stylist Hale, hands down.
With the cutest pipsqueak voice ever heard.
And, (drum roll please), you are the first child of mine, to look like me!!!
Do you know how exciting that is Reese??  SOOOO EXCITING!!!

Mason, I don't think anyone has made us laugh more. 
You are witty and charming. 
And have the best one liners ever. 
I know you get tripped and wrestled down most of your days,
but you hold your own very well. 
You have a lot of love in that heart of yours.

Max, you are our Yoda. 
You lived a long time ago and I really believe knew a lot and shared a lot.
You are a leader-very wise and kind. 
Probably more than you will ever know-
I think that is why you were sent to us on 9/11/01. 
You were a gift to the world on a very sad day, to give us hope for
a beautiful future. 

G-man, you are so freakin cute! 
You have gone from the peanut of the family, to "da man"...
So organized, so together-trying so hard at everything you do, EVERYTHING.
I love that I have a boy who
washes his face and brushes his teeth because he wants to. 
And always there as my date to watch action movies---
You're awesome.
 
Reilly, what do I say to the future's best mom ever? 
You have been a little mommy since birth and
my right hand woman. 
I love our talks-
I know whatever I think is adorable or cute, you will be just as excited
and emotional.
Someone who organizes while I'm out, just cause she wants to, needs
a business plan..;0
You are an amazing young woman already!

Gabe, I cannot believe I have a son that is taller (and bigger) then me. 
I never thought that would happen.
It was just too far away for me to imagine. 
You are so handsome and funny....and talented.
As much as I hear that everyone is annoying, I watch you with the kids
when you aren't looking and it makes me smile. 
You have a lot of love and will be an amazing dad one day.

Lexi, you were our first. 
I don't remember this love without you in our lives...we never experienced
it before.
I know you're embarrassed, we talk about your milestones a lot because
it's our first time at it all.
You were leaving for Kindergarten and now have 25 days left of Sr year. 
Almost done with our "first chapter",  please know we are so proud
of what your values have become, and that addictive spirit of yours...
Keep that with you forever. 

I love you all so much and thank God every day for the absolute
honor he gave me, trusting me
to see you through this life with us.
I hope that Daddy and I show you a life full of fun, and love, and make
you never afraid of choosing things that may seem scary or different. 
Being happy, and caring about others, will take you wherever
God's plan for you will be.
Love you!!!!!!!

And finally, to my own mom, who showed me every ounce of the love
that I have adopted...
Happy Mothers Day.

No one could ever ask for a better example of what to strive to be.
You were the definition of love for my sisters and me, and we miss your
face every single day.
I hope I make you proud with my traditions and unending promise to
make all the little moments in life, grand memories.
Even from heaven, you have reminded me of what truly matters and I will
love even better because of that.
Thank you for making me who I am today.
Without you, I wouldn't have any of what matters the most.

Happy Day to every mom out there!  Enjoy the best things in life~

Hugs :)