Promises to Keep

I realize that I foretold that I would blog about our Utah jaunt and also Seth's day of birth...it sort of haunts me from time to time when I am glancing about the internet looking at other blogs that I enjoy. I actually downloaded a number of pictures carefully chosen from the many that I took in Utah--and when I came back to blog, they were all gone. I didn't realize I had to finish the whole thing in marathon fashion or lose it all...so I haven't quite had the gumption to get back to it.

In the meantime, we'll take a break from our regularly scheduled program to bring you a special 

Motherhood Moment:

I got a card in the mail yesterday from my firstborn--he's a Chemical Engineer by degree and an award-winning Dow employee by trade. He's married to the amazing Nicole and they have two darling little girls. Not the one I expect to wax poetical and hand-write a Mother's Day message...but that's just what he did.

"I set out to write you a ballad or sonnet.
Maybe to gift you a bracelet or bonnet?
The gift of life isn't easily repaid,
nor the sturdy foundation on which it was laid.
To stick to the basics and do what is right,
is the sure way to bring my Mother delight!"
          Happiness on your day!
               Love you,
                Scott

Why yes son, you are so right--and writing a sweet poem also brought me delight!

Her Children Shall Arise Up and Call Her...

...Crazy

Another Mother's Day has come and gone. This morning Sam asked me,
"Wasn't that your best Mother's Day ever?"
I wasn't sure how to answer that. I'm not really one to Rate the Holiday.
I'm a very blessed Mom and for the most part my kids make sure I "feel the love" year-round.
I have always treasured their little tokens of affection--even when they are coerced into making them by
persuasive Primary Presidents. Shane handed me a tissue paper flower yesterday
on the way to the car after church--
handcrafted with care by my reluctant artiste.
I read the poem attached to it--just a printed piece of paper--nothing original,
and I burst into tears. When he saw my reaction he looked a little befuddled.
It's just that, this is the last Mother's Day that I will have a child in Primary.
I realize there are a lot of "lasts" coming up so I'm trying to buck up and keep it together.
I have loved all of the stages of mothering and look forward to all that is ahead.
Besides, I have grandchildren here and on the way and many more
 (that's not pressure--that's just arithmetic!)
still to come who will more than fill in the gaps.
But for now, I have to say, each Mother's Day is the best one ever.
Because that's another year I got to be the Mom to 8 amazing kids.

This Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother's Day. The sky was a brilliant blue and the sun shone.

As usual. But my special day actually began early--the day before when this little

surprise turned up in my dryer. My new "Tuscan Chestnut" dryer.

It's gum.

Luckily I have this--
A mom's best friend:

Spencer worked so hard digging out a pine tree for me,

He got blisters on his hands:

He's got a style of his own--let's call it

"California Hick"

We don't have a pick-ax or even a pointed shovel.

But he's an Eagle Scout you know, so he found a way to

make it work with his camping hatchet.

Here's the pear tree he planted for me in place of the pine.

On Sunday, Scott gave Bailey to me during church and I got to enjoy my

sweet granddaughter during the meeting. She was adorable, as usual.

Scott and Nicole also gave me a beautiful yellow rose plant and

a sizable chocolate bar...both much appreciated.

Shane sang with the Primary children in Sacrament Meeting--

or rather, he stood at the back and mouthed the words. I'll take what I can get.

After church, I got out a favorite file of mine:

Kids Creations

My file cabinet has been packed away in long-term storage and to tell you the truth

I hadn't looked in that particular file for many years before that.

It was like a time capsule of Mother's Days Past.

We all had a good time reminiscing and laughing over the pictures and sentiments.

There were coupons for chores and promises of good behavior.

A coupon from Shanna (when she was 7 and he was 1) said:

"I will keep Seth busy for one hour"

Scott noted that there was no expiration date.

"Call Shanna and tell her you need her to come and keep Seth busy for an hour."

A beautifully drawn flower with a note from Siara said:

"Happy Mather's Day"

Each little note and drawing is precious and I'm glad I saved them.

I can't believe how fast the years go by.

I enjoyed long phone conversations with Siara and Shanna later in the day.

Seth made a beautiful Mother's Day dinner for me.

(Note the beautiful bouquet of flowers on the table--that

was from Dad along with some very yummy

chocolate-covered strawberries!)

And Dad took a nap for me.

All in all, a lovely day.

I have the best job in the world.