Happy Mother's Day

I wanted to share some thoughts and quotes that I have found on Mothers, family, parenting and children over the years.  I love searching for and finding good quotes and messages to lighten the load, lift the spirit and stretch the mind.

As each mother's day approaches, I am always amazed at how little I feel I deserve any recognition as a mother. Yes, I do the same things as most mothers: driving, teaching, healing, fixing, playing, snuggling, praying, laughing, crying, cleaning, reading, reminding, encouraging, supporting and yes, at times, even hollaring! But what makes me a good mom, if I am one? I know my kids don't expect perfection. In fact I am reminded on occasion just how horrible I am compared to other moms who let their kids go see Iron Man II the night it comes out...not that that issue came up recently....uhem.
Anyway, I am feeling very grateful that my children can find reason behind wanting to celebrate this day with me! I wouldn't be a mother without them so I am very grateful for their making me a mom.
They teach me so much that I am so very grateful for! They are the greatest examples of being forgiving, humble, submissive, patient, loving and faithful.  Everyday I am in awe of their ever growing talents and abilities. They are so giving and want to much to help others be happy. Including their mom.
They have put up with a lot in our family. A lot more than I ever wanted or expected that they would have to. But they are stong, both spiritually and emotionally and they are very courageous. I know they will be amazing men and husbands some day...in spite of my efforts. :)
I hope these quotes brighten your day, as they do mine.
"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." ~Rajneesh
"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." ~Abraham Lincoln

"Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children, and no theories." ~John Wilmot
"Children are a great comfort in your old age - and they help you reach it faster, too." ~Lionel Kauffman
"Insanity is hereditary; you get it from your children." ~Sam Levenson
"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." ~Elizabeth Stone
"Sing out loud in the car even, or especially, if it embarrasses your children." ~Marilyn Penland
"The world is as many times new as there are children in our lives." ~Robert Brault
"Children are unpredictable. You never know what inconsistency they're going to catch you in next." ~Franklin P. Jones
"Children seldom misquote. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said." ~Author Unknown
"A child is a curly dimpled lunatic." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Children find everything in nothing; men find nothing in everything." ~Giacomo Leopardi
"Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead ought to tell a child to go to bed." ~Robert Gallagher
"The real menace in dealing with a five-year-old is that in no time at all you begin to sound like a five-year-old." ~Joan Kerr, Please Don't Eat the Daisies, 1957

Happy Mother's Day!