I'm so very blessed...

I dreaded today, because I knew it was going to be a tough day. But, even though it was hard, I have also had time to think about how very blessed I really am. I have so many amazing people in my life who love me, and I'm so thankful for them!

I want to first tell my mom "Happy Mother's Day"!! We had brunch at their house this morning, and it was such a nice time with my sweet mom!

She is such a wonderful and incredible woman, and I am honored to have her. She is beautiful on the inside and out, and a true friend to everyone she meets. She is a woman of God, and a powerful prayer warrior. I'm so glad that she is now living here in Texas--I just love all of time we get to spend together! Momma--I love you so very much!!

I think this is where my mom likes to be best--nestled in flowers! Well, maybe she would rather be shoe shopping.... but I don't have a picture of that! =) Isn't she beautiful?!

Being silly in a fountain at the Dallas Arboretum--that we probably weren't supposed to be in, but hey, it was pretty hot!!

Again, by the flowers.

With one of my mom's closest friends, Debbie, who was like a mother to me when I was in college.

And today, on Mother's day, celebrating her!

~~~

I was also so blessed by my family and friends this week. I think God put it on their hearts to encourage them these last few days! My sweet husband had these flowers sent to me--such a wonderful surprise!

I've gotten so many emails, texts, and cards also. Today was so hard. As I was sitting in front of Jonathan's grave this morning, I had so many tears over the fact that even though I am technically a mother, it's sometimes hard to really feel it because I never got to "mother" him. I never saw him smile, changed his diaper, heard him giggle, kissed away a boo-boo, or rocked him to sleep. That is really hard...but, so many people have reminded me that, even though my babies are not here on Earth, I am indeed a mother.

I got this card, anonymously on Friday...such a special gift--from some sweet friend of mine. Thank you!

I also went today and had a pedicure with my friend Jolene. What a fun time we had--she is so thoughtful and always seems to know just when I need to have time together! Love you, Jo!

When she dropped me off at home, this was on my doorstep. Another precious anonymous gift from a sweet friend.

What a special gift!

Here is the assortment of wonderful cards that I received this mother's day.

So on a day that started out hard, God has blessed me so much with absolutely amazing people in my life. I am so very blessed, and on days like today, especially on days like today, I am thankful.

Mother's Day...

Oh, how I wish this mother's day was different...that these pictures were different...that I could somehow change what happened.

Oh how I miss you, my sweet boy.

I love you.

The Triathlete!!!

((Warning: LOTS of pictures!!! Hope you feel like you were there with us--minus the cold weather and drizzly rain at the end!!))

Here he is...the triathlete!!!! Sunday morning, bright and early, Justin was able to do his triathlon. All weekend, the weather was awful, and the forecasts said there was going to be nothing but rain all morning on Sunday. But, our prayers worked, and the rain stayed away!!!

Justin had to be there at 5:45 to get set up, and his cheering squad arrived at 6:45 and found him warming up in the pool. Isn't he handsome?!

Our friend Harry also did the race with Justin. Here they are hanging getting themselves ready to start!

A few more cute pictures--just couldn't resist!

I tried to get an up close picture right before he started, but it didn't quite turn our right!! Oops!=)

Here he is at the starting line--can you see him back there?

End of lap number one in the pool--he had to swim 12 laps, or 300 meters.

Here are Justin and Harry...they were number 184 and 186, so after Justin passed the guy between them, they were close together pretty much the rest of the race!

Here's a look across the pool. At times, it looked pretty crazy with everyone swimming. They swam up one side of the lane, down the other, then under the rope, and repeat...6 times.

Done!! (with part one) He did it in 6 minutes 12 seconds!!!

Now off to the bikes...

Catching a breath on the way to transition...

And off!!

Here goes Harry too...

Just the start of a 14.8 mile ride. It was originally supposed to be a little over 15, but because of all the rain, the road I posted about on the last post did wash out, and they had to re-route it that morning.

Here is the cheering squad...literally. I think we were some of the only ones really cheering!! Oh well--we're proud of our guy!!

Katie is Harry's wife, and she joined the cheering squad for the morning.

Here is Justin coming in after the ride. He did it 56 minutes and 5 seconds--wow!!

Ready to do the final leg--a 5K run (about 3.5 miles)...

There they go!

And here they come, 36 minutes 33 seconds later!

FINISHED!!!! 1 hour 42 minutes--pretty amazing for his very first triathlon!!!

He's a little bit tired, but super happy!

The triathletes

The moms were so proud of Justin as well--look how huge he looks next to them!

I was so proud of my man--Great job, Babe! Can't wait to cheer you on at many more triathlons!!

I love you!