Mother's Day 2010

We had a lovely Mother's Day at the Valentine house. We woke up a bit before Charlotte, which is always nice : ) Robby took some time to read Proverbs 31 aloud & spoke the most encouraging words to me about being a wife & mother. He gave me a sheet of coupons including: a trip to the finger & toe painter, 2 free dog washes, an all expense paid trip to Starbucks, 2 hours of playtime with daddy....not sure if that is for me or Charlotte ; ) and various other thoughtful things. He completely surprised me with a picture of the new laptop he ordered for me!!! Yipeeee! He custom built it to his liking and made it bright green to mine : ) It should be here sometime in the near future.

After a gourmet breakfast of eggs, fruit & pancakes (round for me & mickey shaped for Char) we went to church. Gregg took time to have men stand by their wives and pray over them. It was humbling time to stand next to my husband, holding my daughter giving thanks for what the Lord has done in our life. Charlotte was trying to jump out of my arms so she could crawl around....I took off her shoe & she chewed on it to occupy herself for a few minutes : ) Mom of the Year award right? ; ) Rob & I just smiled at each other knowing that moment was one we had waited for.

Through a time of waiting for God to provide a baby for us, Mother's Day was difficult. My emotions varied from feeling frustrated & jealous to hopeful & content over the course of time. It was only in the God's grace that he sustained us & provided Charlotte Grace in his perfect timing. There are more women in my life struggling through infertility & I continue to pray for the Lord to sustain them through their journey & plead with them for the Lord open their wombs. It is possible to rejoice in our suffering knowing what is promised.

"We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Sprit who has been given to us."

Romans 5:3-5

A little trip through time......backwards : )

Me & my girlie on Mother's Day

Mother's Day 2009- 33 weeks pregnant


Me & my beautiful Mother in 1983

One other special thing about this Mother's Day...Robby and I have gotten a little glimpse of how our own mother's were with us as we have seen them with Charlotte. They were and are loving, wise, energetic, kind, patient, selfless, funny, encouraging, nurturing & excelllent mothers. I am thankful for the example I have in them as I care for Charlotte & any other children God might give us.