To My Mother

So, I missed a Mother's Day blog.  It was kinda a busy day.  But, I don't want the year to pass without paying tribute to my own blessing in my life. 

Last night as I was sewing my curtains for the Master bedroom (the 5th set of which I have done) I realized again what a blessing my Mom is and was to me.  As a kid, I remember playing with my Fisher Price Little People at her side as she sewed some thing or another--smocked dresses or suits, ballerina costumes, etc.  Then later on as a teenager, I had an interest in making my own clothes and I had to learn to use the sewing machine anyway before I could drive.  She taught me how to take measurements, layout and cut patterns and sew all sorts of things.  (Zippers on the other hand, I watched her do.)  This skill has saved me thousands of dollars.  And, yes, I mean thousands. 

I also just discovered I had ants all over my bell peppers in the garden.  As I sprinkled 7-dust on them, I was again reminded of my mother.  Growing up we always had a small plot for vegetables.  She mainly and  always planted Better Boy tomatoes.  This year, I finally had the place and the energy to put some of my own tomato plants as well and only because of her, I knew exactly what to sprinkle the plants with and how to pinch off the suckers. 

Since my mind had been there all evening, I began to think about what was the main thing that my Mom taught me.  Immediately, I thought of Sunday evenings.  They were laid back dinners and usually not eaten at the table since we usually had a big lunch of roast beef, carrots and potatos.   That evening without a hint or suggestion she would make a roast beef sandwich for my Dad as he watched something on TV, 60 minutes I think it was.  I remember several times asking her, "Why can't he make it himself?"  I don't really ever remember her exact answer and I never really understood it because I was too self-centered, but it was unconditional love.  Love that is sacrificing and filled with the desire to serve others out of love.  Not because she had to, but because she wanted to and it wasn't for her own personal gain or a "look at me and how much I do" attitude.   It's the best lesson she ever taught me, but I never understood it until I had a family of my own.

So, when I feel like I don't want to match one more pair of socks, heat up one more plate of chicken nuggets, put away 5 pairs of shoes or pick up thousands of tiny LEGOS, I remember my mother and how she did it for twice as many kids as I have. 

There is a beautiful crown covered in jewels waiting for her in heaven.   For not only does she have faith that can move mountains, she also has the heart of Jesus in Mark and Isaiah--the Servant. 

"Whoever wishes to be first among you shall be servant of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."  Mark 10:44

Yesterday as I was reading Dietrich Bonnhoeffer's biography in a chapter on leadership I came across the perfect quote.  He said, "The good leader serves others and leads others to maturity.  He puts them above himself, as a good parent does a child, wishing to lead that child to someday be a good parent."  Absolutely, my mother did this and still does.  I know that I am a better parent because of her. 

I love you Mom!  Happy Mother's Day again.

Highlights from the Week

I know I haven't been posting lately.  I just didn't have the free time and I just wasn't pulling out my little camera.  I've been spoiled by Stephen's work camera and I can just see such a difference in the quality, that tend not to take pictures with my little one.  But, maybe that will change now.

Monday we were given the most gorgeous full double rainbow at 8:00 pm.  After we had put the kids to bed, we headed back to the living room and noticed it in awe and decided we had to get the kids back out of bed to witness it.  Kendrick has been wanting to draw rainbows ever since.

Tuesday is usually my "clean the house day."  But, we threw caution to the wind with a small hint from my boys, packed a lunch and headed to our new favorite park that is near Cavett's new Kindergarden school.  There we made a new friend and hung out until naptime. 

This Mother's Day was the greatest of greats!  My boys are super sweet and incredible!

• I received sweet cards that my kids made at school saying things like "My mom is 25 years old.  She looks the prettiest when she is getting ready for church. I love you." 
• I enjoyed so many hugs and kisses from all three of my men. 
• I was woken up by my boys with a breakfast in bed, even if it was a protein shake (I asked for it.) 
• My Mom was able to join us for most of the weekend and she even braved a class at the gym with me. 

• We ate a great Sunday lunch at home off my great-great grandmother's china and use the silver of Stephen's grandmother. 
• I played countless games of Sorry (an all time favorite of mine), Chess and Beatles Rockband. 
• I was wished greetings from many folks.
• And, my gift was a housekeeper to come once a week!  Hallelujah!

From here until the end of the summer, there will be much hostessing.  College girls weekend, Memorial Day get-togethers, a baby shower, and friends and family visiting.  Bring on summer!

Mother's Day

Last Wednesday Cavett had a Mother's Day Picnic at his school. We had a grand time visiting, eating PB &J's and the kids even sang a little program for us including "You Are My Mommy" to the the tune of "You Are My Sunshine." He also gave me a picture frame with the acbsolute most adorable picture in it. Good times...

Stephen on the other hand had a rough weekend. WHile I was visiting Marion, my college friend in Virginia, he took the boys to spend the night in our new house for the first time and accomplish a few tasks. Lets suffice it to say that Kendrick's blanket was lost, nobody slept the first night and in general, Mom was missed. But I so appreciate Stephen and his hard work in trying to get it all done. He managed and was even able to get all the "honey-do's" done. I'm so very proud of him.

We rounded out the weekend with our traditional "Breakfast for Dinner" Sunday night--blueberry waffles and bacon. Yum!

A Mother's Day Picnic

Today was the Mother's Day Picnic at Cavett's school. I hurriedly dropped off Kendrick in the nursery and ran with my blanket and lunch to meet Cavett in the gym. When I arrived the floor was full of mommies and blankets. I found a spot and made the spread. Unfortunately, in the hurry, I left the camera in the diaper bag with Kendrick. So, we had to capture the moment afterwards, but I think I might have even gotten a better take.

They paraded the kids in straight lines at the front of the gym. Each kid was looking for their Mom, Cavett included. Of course, I was on the wrong side. He was desperately looking for me once he realized what was going on and his teacher helped to find me. I blew him a kiss and he blew one back to me. They sang several songs with their music teacher--two of which are featured below. After each one, he looked to me for approval. I cheered for him and blew him more kisses.

He presented me with a "hand" made corsage as seen above and a basket. We then had a sandwich lunch and tickled each other after each bite. (He ate the whole sandwich and it was most fun!) Cavett had made cookies at school for our dessert. The sad thing that I noticed about other Moms was that it was a visiting session for them with their friends. For them, it wasn't about their child. For instance, one kid in Cavett's class wandered over to our blanket and just stared for a while, while his Mom chatted it up and didn't even notice her son was gone. My heart broke for him. This is not a new phenomenon to me either though. I see it happen in my SongPlay class. I try to explain, but some just don't get it. Pay attention to your child!!!! They desperately seek your approval and attention. I know you can't be there at every moment. But, be present when you can be there. I digress, sorry. I'm stepping off my soap box now.....

After we got home and got Kendrick fed, I put Cavett to bed. We talked about our lunch and how special it was. I told him, "Thank you for making me a Mommy, Cavett." His response was, "Awwwww" and he gave me a big hug. He's a sweet kid.

Happy Early Mother's Day to all the Mothers and Mother's-to-Be in my life!

P.S.-Pictures are updated on our website.