.....adopted family.....

......Two of the last three Mother's Day Sundays that I have been a mother have been spent with our dear friends, The Waags....we have rejoiced in the occasion of celebrating the baptism of their children......my first Mother's Day was a celebration of baptizing our godchild, Ella and yesterday it was for her baby brother, Harrison.....

.....I can't think of a better way to savor the special day.....we are brought together with our "family" on the other side of the Hudson, surrounded at brunch with the chaotic buzz of happy children, champagne toasts, oozing omelets and crab legs, family in town from near and far, everyone dressed in their Sunday best and most importantly; we have all taken vows and oaths to share the word of God with our children....what a good reminder to us on Mother's Day that it's our obligation to teach our children of His love......  
.......it's been an honor to be with the Waags on such memorable occasions and it has made my recollections of Mother's Day thus far lovely....

.....the hotel restaurant was passing out favors to all.....and it was heartwarming to see my biological daughter and my god daughter share the same love for shimmery, sparkled wands....

......big sister Kendall didn't want to miss out on the fun......Ella and Elsie were casting spells on everyone that would walk by......

.....and our friends, Rich and Amy are who we go to when we need laughs, good conversation, sounding boards, perspective....... and they have been the closest thing to family for us the last 5 years we've all been north easterners......

.....they also are good for an eskimo kiss every now and then.....

.....and we all love each other's children like they are our own.....

.......making the days we spend together fond memories etched into our hearts.....

 ......and although the presence of Stefan was missed, we still kept the focus on family and commitment....

.....The man of honor couldn't get any shut eye after his big ceremony....everyone wanted to hold him, love on him, tousle his hair, take pics of him.....including me.....

....he just looked too irresistible in his all whites.....

....with his dedication complete, I am reminded of the beautiful baptisms we've shared on these Mother's Days....a chance to stop and honor the mothers who have raised us, the families who support us, the friends who intertwine their lives with ours and a God who loves greater than our capacity is to comprehend it.....

Be my rock of refuge, 

to which I can always go; 

       give the command to save me, 

       for you are my rock and my fortress.

Psalm 71:2