My Mothers Day was beautiful. Time with the Willis family, time with the Hodge/Weaver family, time with Chris and the kids.

Time with the DeHaiis, too, due to a little unexpected water heater incident. Thank God for good neighbors who let us use their shower in our time of need. And thank God for good friends with heating and cooling businesses who take care of us when we’re forced to exist in a cold-water world. I’m anxiously awaiting the Godby Heating and Cooling truck this morning. After all, we don’t want to wear out our welcome at the DeHaai’s before we officially move in during the “Couches Across Indiana” tour.

You’re welcome, New Homeowners, for the brand spanking new water heater. May all your showers be toasty warm.

Although our Mothers Day celebration was a bit delayed due to the water leaking all over the basement storage room, it turned out to be a fun and relaxing day — one filled with Mimosas, Bloody Marys, red wine, and enough food to sustain us throughout the remainder of 2011.

In addition to the new water heater that I get to enjoy for two whole weeks (no, I’m not bitter about that unexpected and last-minute expense — really), I also received a lovely Lesley Jane dress from my hubby and kids and two of my all-time favorite presents — a letter from Gus and some poetry from George.

Apparently, the propensity to pen haiku is an inherited trait because Geo gifted me with four Mothers Day haikus that I will treasure forever. And here they are for your reading pleasure…

You write the best books.
You are very kind and nice.
You are the best Mom.

You are barely mean.
You are so amazing, Mom.
You are a greete Mom.

You are so friendly.
You are a wonderful Mom.
Mom, you are the best.

You are so funny.
You are so kind and nice, Mom.
You are amazing.

I love that I’m “barely” mean. I guess all my “funny, kind, nice, amazing-ness” overrides my crazy, screaming moments. Whew! That’s a big sigh of relief. And I’m assuming that being a “greete” Mom means that I’m “great,” not that I tend to “greet” people. After all, it’s been a long time since I’ve been a greeter at church. George probably wouldn’t even remember those days since he’s been home-churched most of his life.

Mothers Day haiku. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Gus’s letter all but brought me to my knees. My sweet, quiet, quirky Gus doesn’t say a whole lot to me. He hugs me every night at bedtime with all his might, but sharing his feelings? Not so much. I expect sappy drama from my girl. I mean, she is my daughter. But when Gus handed me his heartfelt and emotional letter, I couldn’t help but cry. Here’s a little excerpt…

“Mom, I love you more than anything else in the world. You are my pride and joy. I cherish your love and wish that it will never go away. You love me and I love you no matter how bumpy the road is…”

It makes me sad to think that Gus recognizes the bumps in my road right now. Perhaps I should make a more noble attempt to rein in the crying and fretting and falling to the floor in the fetal position and just get on with this move. Perhaps.

However we approach this next phase of our journey, though, I am so grateful to have the loves of my life by my side. Chris, Sam, Gus, Mary Claire, and George, you make me a happy, fulfilled, and ever-so-grateful wife and Mom.

I could not ask for anything more.