Happy Mothers' Day and the little things

This year I've totally slacked for Mothers' Day... Last year I posted a little something as a kind of cautionary tale and unsolicited advice. 

But this year, I just want to say thanks. Even though "thanks" doesn't do it. 

Thanks or thank you or ohmigosh thank you so so so much still doesn't do it. 

There really aren't words to share the deep deep appreciation I have for the moms and grandmas who have taught me so very much. 

They've made me feel loved and valued and like I can do anything I set my mind to. 

And that's a gift I hope to share with my children. 

Recently, I've noticed something else. As a child, it was the little things my mom did that really stuck with me and my sister. Things we adamantly declare are a "tradition" but, at the time, were just the things my mom did to keep us busy or the things she needed to do so she could keep our household moving.

Things like eating cookies on Christmas morning instead of breakfast were just a way to keep us out of the kitchen so she could get dinner goes and we could get to wrapper ripping pronto. But now, we think of it as a tradition. (And as the coolest breakfast of the year!) 

The same thing happened with Robin's Pizza. Just a quick dinner that was ready in time to get us kids to soccer and dance practice -- now something I make for my family. I think Robin was surprised I even remembered it, let alone thought of it as such a great idea.

There's a quote that says to enjoy the little things in life, because some day, you'll look back and realize that they were the big things.

Truer words were never spoken.


Happy mothers' day everyone. Remember to enjoy the little things.

Today I washed...

Today I washed:

• Laundry
• Dishes
• My kid
• A wheelbarrow
• My driveway

...but...

I never managed to wash myself. Ahhh... such is life as a homeowner and a mother. :)

That said, I had a fantastical Mother's Day. Just wonderful.

I slept in -- until 7:50 a.m. -- and woke up in a cabin in Hocking Hills. This morning was the morning after a fantastic bachelorette party for a fantabulous woman who'll make a supurb wife and a stellar mother herself some day. I know that's a lot of superlatives, but she's just that lovely. And so were the other women at the party.

I came home to a husband, mom and dad working in the yard. Mulching and weeding and making it look wonderful. Just so wonderful! (Have I mentioned I live in my dream home? I do. I LOVE our house.)

Speaking of that husband, he and Benjamin gave me the most thoughtful cards and gifts of chocolate... and a free pass to go on a fabric spree at JoAnn's. Woo hoo!

So at almost 11:00 p.m. on my third mother's day (yes, I count the one when I was pregnant), I am declaring this my best mother's day ever. And I'm certain I'll sleep well tonight. Mulching (and eating chocolate) is hard work!

Mother's Day ...

Unless you are new here (and by "here" I mean "the world") you know that each May, we celebrate Mother's Day.

If you are, have, had or are married to a mom, this post is for you.

First things first: pregnant women are moms.
I was preggo on Mother's Day 2008. There was a tiny human being inside of me, and about one month later he came out. He was VERY much my son and I was VERY much his mommy. I could feel him kick, turn, hiccup. I was taking care of him, and he was already bringing me so much joy (and sleeplessness).

That year I received two cards wishing me a happy Mother's Day from two very thoughtful women -- two of my very closest friends. They both made me cry. I knew I was a mom, and it was amazing to know someone else thought so as well.

I'm not saying you have to buy your pregnant friends cards, I'm saying wish them a happy Mother's Day this year. (But if you want to make them cry-in-a-good-way, send them a card. There are special Mother's Day card for the preggos, and it means a lot to know you searched for one.)

Second, if you are a dad, your wife is a mom.
Many people, usually female people, think this goes without saying. But sometimes, male people need reminding that they need to wish their own mom and the mother of their children happy Mother's Day. Males, take note: "But you're not my mom," sounds even worse when spoken aloud than it did in your head.

Third, she doesn't mean it when she says,"It's just another day."
This usually applies to birthdays as well.

Fourth, it's the thought that counts.
Really. It is.

Some women really do want jewelery, lavish gifts and being showered with roses and fine chocolates. But most women want something that shows you thought about the day, about her and about her children, then came up with something that shows you care. Think: a handmade card with the hand prints of your children. Or a meal that she doesn't have to prepare -- even if it's just grilled cheese and tomato soup. Or a two pet chickens and a coop. Ok, that last one was pretty specific. But you get what I mean.

Finally, Mother's Day is also for remembering moms that are no longer here.
If your mom is gone, honor her in a way that she would have liked. Hug your family a little tighter. Share a mom memory with a friend, your dad, your siblings, your dog. I'm sure she would like that.

Disclaimer: This post is not directed at any one person who may or may not be married to someone whose name rhymes with Shmyonada Shmomas. It's just me writing because that's what I do. However, if you are looking for Mother's Day gift ideas for a woman whose middle name rhymes with Shmolanda, think: fabric and gardening.