Mother's Visitation

Today is my Mom's birthday!  It falls on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth.

My mom returned to Iowa two days ago after a five week visit with my family in Austria.  It was so special to have her here.  She arrived one week before my due date, but due to Isaac arriving 10 days late, her trip ended up evenly split with half of her time with our family of 4, and the latter half as a family of 5.

To say her being here was a HUGE blessing and help is an understatement.  Our home was cleaner than it's ever been, all of our dishes were washed in a timely fashion, our clothes were clean, and the kids were well worn-out after time spent playing with and being read to be their NeNe!  I was able to enjoy long, peaceful walks by myself (in the weeks before the baby arrived), time with just Brian, and lengthy naps to make up for loss sleep (after the baby arrived!)

During her time we traveled to several nearby Austrian towns - enjoying the unique indoor/outdoor pool, ice cream and boating on the lake, and pony rides and playtime at the petting zoo.  She got to meet my neighbors and friends, all of my wonderful student helpers, see the Austrian Ball and slap dancing!  It was such an enjoyable time to have her here!

With all the fun we had, and how much easier she made our lives as we transitioned to a family of five, the greatest blessing was the peace and joy that accompanied her presence.  It was all the little things that we often miss living a continent a way - hearing the daily family updates, listening to her sing and hum the kids to sleep, and just knowing that I didn't need to worry about anything because, well, my mom was here.  There's something undeniably special and unmatched to a mother's love and presence.

Thus, I think it is so fitting that my mother shares her birthday with Our Mother's visitation to Elizabeth.  Who better to have visited Elizabeth during the final months of  her pregnancy with John the Baptist than Mary - carrying the peace and joy of Jesus Christ within her?!  So thank you, Mother, for having visited us and for all the joy, peace, and love of Christ you bring on a daily basis - no matter the distance!  Thank you for all of the wonderful memories we made here in Austria!  We love you!

Surprise Baby Shower

Pool in Gostling

Austrian Ball with Slap Dancers at Kartause

Pony rides at the petting zoo

Pony ride

Mother's Day at Ellie's Kindergarten

Procession of Our Lady of Fatima at the Kartause

Boating at Lunz am See

NeNe holding Isaac a few hours after he was born

NeNe and Francis, Isaac, and Ellie

Happy Birthday, Mom!!