Today's Trip to Long Beach

I spent today in Long Beach with my children--visiting my mom and my dear friend Sarah Hull.

We started out at Sarah's house so Sarah and I could record a podcast that will be posting on Power of Moms tomorrow.  Our seven children played inside the house while we sat in my minivan and talked all about how mothers can use their voices for good. (Sarah's husband, Bryant, was kind enough to make sure everything was okay with all the kids!)  This was my first "official" car podcast, and although it started getting a little stuffy in there after 30 minutes, I had such a great time.

Then we went to my mom's house for a bit, and I sat on the couch by her and hugged and kissed her as many times as I could before we took the children to lunch at In-n-Out (my mom's favorite).

Sarah was able to meet us there, and our children were so cute together as they ate and played with their In-n-Out sticker cards.  And the hats . . . I just love the hats:

After lunch, we went to our favorite park, and my mom, Sarah, and I sat together on a bench while the children played together.

We talked about prayer, faith, and motherhood. I told my mom the same stories I tell her every time we get together, and she always smiles and says, "Oh, I'd forgotten all about that!"

Sarah told us about the time she won a student council election in fifth grade, and she skated home as fast as she could so she could tell her mom.  She remembers her mom picking her up and hugging her and swinging her around the kitchen (skates and all), to celebrate this huge moment for a young girl who was naturally shy (though you wouldn't know it, now). 

As I was telling Eric about the day, I said, "It was perfect.  It was one of those perfect days with sunshine and friends and happy children.  I got to be with my mom, and even though she won't remember it tomorrow, I'll remember it."

So tonight I'm going to bed grateful.  I'm grateful to the Lord for such a peaceful, happy day with ones I love.