The normal mother is a lie.

That’s what author Anne Lamott says in the book; Mothers Who Think: Tales of Real Life Parenthood. And I have to agree.

Pile on Mom!

I don’t think there is any such thing as a “normal” mother. When I watch my wife mother our children, I don’t think "normal". I think extraordinary. When I consider the mothers in three different countries who gave 4 of our children the gift of life, I don’t think of "normal"…I think of a sacrificial love that is beyond comprehension.

Anne Lamott writes;
“Somewhere along the way, we figured out that normal is a setting on the dryer. That there is only us-mothers who think and feel love, who do the best we can, struggling and laughing more than we thought we would, and yelling and learning and regressing and pleading, sometimes crying in frustration and then, a little later, in gratitude for the blessing of being mothers, as all the while, one day at a time, we watch our children grow.”

So here’s to my wife and to all of you mothers out there. The guts and the glory you show every day in the beauty and the mess of raising children is anything but normal.
Thank you.

Christel with Ty when he was just a little guy.

With Michaela when she was three.

With Amber.

A recent get out in the rain day.


Yes, that's Ty when he was young and sporting a fine mullet!

-Rob

Oh Mama!

If for some insane reason, you haven’t sent flowers or a card to your Mom yet, or to your wife on behalf of your little ones…here’s a last minute idea.

Love146 offers ecards that will change lives. Pass that gift to a woman who has changed yours or your kids in so many ways. It’s simple, follow the link below to choose your Mother's Day Ecard. You will be able to add a message and choose the date to be sent.

Your gift - in her honor - helping children around the world to know love.

Click here for cards.

Happy Mother’s Day!

-Rob

Make me a bird...

There is a scene in the movie Forrest Gump that shreds me every time I see it. When young Forrest and little Jenny are running to get away from Jenny’s abusive father, they hide out in a field and Jenny desperately prays; “Dear God, make me a bird. So I could fly far. Far far away from here.”

This week I had the staggering privilege of being with children who are getting their wings back. Wings that were once broken are being made strong again. While we celebrated the opening of our new safehome in the Philippines, I watched as children danced and sang. I watched them giggle and laugh like children should. I watched children fly. I live for these moments. I’m going home to hold my kids.



-Rob