Mother’s Day for me wasn’t your typical relax and put your feet up kind of day, but that was okay by me.

We met up with my family for lunch.

I mean, all of us.

You see, my parents are divorced and both are remarried.

https://wordpress-563276-1891071.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_9561.jpg

I spent a good part of my growing up years with parents who couldn’t be in the same room.

https://wordpress-563276-1891071.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_9566.jpg

Look at us now.

Mom and Richard (who by the way is doing fabulous!)

https://wordpress-563276-1891071.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_9570.jpg

Dad and Sue.

https://wordpress-563276-1891071.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_9576.jpg We have never all done Mother’s Day before, but I love this new normal.

https://wordpress-563276-1891071.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_9546.jpg

It is not forced or done begrudgingly.

Everyone really does get along.

https://wordpress-563276-1891071.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_9548.jpg

And for me to be able to give this type of family to my children is beyond words.

https://wordpress-563276-1891071.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_9549.jpg

I hope this is all they ever know.

And although the day was about Mothers, I could not help but think about this man.

https://wordpress-563276-1891071.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_9594.jpg

I have always said the best decision I have ever or will ever make is to choose this man to be the father of my children.

https://wordpress-563276-1891071.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_9554.jpg

All that he has taught me about fighting fair, not holding a grudge, treating people fairly – he has made me a better wife, mother and person.

https://wordpress-563276-1891071.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_9558.jpg

And my Mom, of course I had to thank her for all that she has done for me and the Grandmother that she now is to my children.

https://wordpress-563276-1891071.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_9584.jpg

I think a lot about doing right by my children, I take my job as a mother quite seriously and want so much to teach them well.

https://wordpress-563276-1891071.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_9595.jpg

And then there are moments when I realize that they have so much to teach me.

https://wordpress-563276-1891071.cloudwaysapps.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_9619.jpgI am 41 years old and don’t think I have ever sat on my Dad’s lap – I thought this picture was worth sharing.

I never would have seen this coming, but I am so thankful for our new normal.

May 15, 2012 — Laura Putnam