An Early Mother's Day

(A week early is better than a week late...)

On this mother's day it feels especially important to me to honor the generations of women in our lives. It's incredibly special that Maxwell and Ella have relationships with their grandmothers and great grandmothers who nurture, guide and love them. It's beautiful to watch the multigenerational passing on of heritage, stories, and traditions. Even the simple recognition of quirks and mannerisms become significant when we match them to older family members.

Ella clutches her hands together, close to her body, just like Blano does.

Maxwell gets withdrawn and sad when visiting company leaves, "Just like Mike used to," Grandma Judie tells me.

Their influence is immeasurable to me as well. They affirm me at my best and recharge me at my worst. I take note of how they make me feel and tuck it my heart. Let me treat our children and their children this way! I SO value that they respect our boundaries and support our authority as parents.

I'm a big believer in, 'It Takes A Village To Raise A Child.' Because I don't think anyone can be too loved. So thank you to our mothers and grandmothers who love our children, uniquely, with all they have.

Happy Mother's Day to Nana, Blano, Grandma Judie and Noni.

Please don't be offended when the kids describe you...and say that you are all old and have dots. Kids say the darndest things ;)

Big Girl, Little Toes

Mother's Day morning Ella and I snuck away to get our nails done. She had a gift certificate for a mani/pedi from her friend Landrie. Another first for little girl. I felt pure happiness watching her experience something new: the big comfy seat, itty bitty toes in warm water, choosing two paint colors because, why not? She couldn't stop smiling. I was beaming.

The nicest man took care of her. His four year old son sat patiently at the register as his Mom and Dad spent mother's day taking care of others. The boy came over to peak at Ella. They made eye contact and started giggling.

My pedicure was pretty nice too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mother's Day, Lake Day

My family gave me the perfect Mother's Day. At my request, we took the boat out and spent the day in the sun. Leaving our house I was kind of disappointed because it was cool and breezy. But by the time we were on the water it was perfect weather. Mike and the kids fished and I sprawled out on the back of the boat. Maegann and Zack met us after she got off work. It was just as I wanted.

Happy Mother's Day to Mom and Mama Judie. Thank you for showing me what it is to be a good Mom. I love you both.

 

 

Maxwell fished the WHOLE day. We moved from spot to spot and he was so patient and into it. It's so fun seeing my kids develop hobbies and interests.

Ella preferred sitting on the back step with her feet dangling in the water.