Happy Mother's Day!

Mother’s Day is this weekend, which I’m sure all you mothers are keenly aware of. Last year, I did a weeklong tribute to all of the mothers in my life. You can see it here. I’m definitely blessed to be surrounded by some great women.

This year, I kept debating what I was going to do on my blog to acknowledge the holiday and celebrate these women. As you know, I’m pregnant with my third child. But, still every day I’m learning something new from the other mothers in my life. So, anyway, I had been debating what to write about when I came across a post {contest} from the Totally Desperate Mom. The former child actress and author has a great contest going that requires you to answer four out of five questions about your mom.

I thought it might make for some good reading. So, here goes!

1. What is your best childhood memory with your mom?
I have a ton of great childhood memories with my mom, but the things that probably stick out the most are Christmases and swimming in the summer. Christmas was always great at our house. They were filled with tons of excitement, good moods, Christmas Eve mass and of course, lots of presents. We celebrated with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and it was always a long, fun-filled day.

Swimming in the summer was terrific. Almost every day after mom would get home from work at 3 or 3:30, we’d load up and drive to the swimming pool. We would have a great time swimming until it was almost dark and buying penny candies in the little general store. Those were the good ‘ole days.

2. Was she consistent in her discipline?
Not really. I’m sure she tried her best, but it’s hard to be consistent all of the time. We three kids turned out pretty well, so I know she doesn’t have anything to hang her head about. My brother and sister may disagree, but I was the oldest so I definitely got the brunt of the discipline. The younger two got away with EVERYTHING!

3. Did you ever make your mom cry because you were so unruly or disobedient?

Haha, I’m sure. I hope we can both look back on these times and laugh now. Raising children is not easy. I’m sure most of you didn’t realize that when you were a teenager. I know I sure didn’t. It’s amazing how your perspective changes with age. I probably took a couple years off of my mom’s life with some of my shenanigans. Although I regret that now, I’m proud to say that we made it through the rough patch and have a great relationship today.

4. Do you remember any of the special things your mom did for you?
I can’t begin to name all of the special things my mom has done for me. She’s always been a selfless mom, giving all of her time, energy and love to her children before herself. She’s always been there for me and I can’t imagine that will ever end.

5. Did she teach you anything really significant?

Yes. She taught me the importance of family. She has nine brothers and sisters and they’ve all been a big part of each others’ lives. She taught me about God. Thankfully she always drug me to mass on Sundays so I could realize its importance. Now, I get to do the same for my kids. She also has shown me how to sacrifice. After having a child, it’s no longer about what’s important to you or your husband, but what’s important for that child.

Happy Mother’s Day to everyone! Kudos to all of you who are raising a business along with your family. I know it’s hard work! And, if you want to enter the contest and join the fun, there’s still time!

Wordless Wednesday:: His First, First Day

Who am I kidding, this post isn't going to be 'wordless'. My baby oldest son {age 4 1/2} got on the school bus this morning for his very first, first day of school.

Wow. Pre-school. Where is the heck did the last five years go? I better watch what I say, next week it will be a driver's license and FAFSA.

I must say, though, he made me extremely proud this morning. He is a little bashful and can be a bit timid, but this morning he was a totallly different kid. He was SO excited. He literally bounced out of bed {without me waking him} and went full-speed the entire morning. He even RAN to the bus.

So as I sobbed blinked back the tears, he waved like crazy and rode off on that big bus. His little head barely reached the window and I saw him stretch to look out as they drove off.

I'm sure he's having a fantastic day and I can't wait to hear ALL about it!   

 

WW:: Hotel Pool Time

 

      

                     

Father's Day Tribute

My site and blog are obviously mom-centric. Most of my readers are female and most of my readers have children. But, I bet a lot of us can say that we wouldn’t be where we are without our fathers and the fathers of our children. I’m lucky enough to have been surrounded by great fathers in my life; my own dad, my grandpas and now my husband and his dad.

My Dad
My dad has always been my biggest cheerleader. My dad is the one who always said “you can do and be anything you want to be.” As a child that was very encouraging. And, since it was told to me, I’ve never thought any different. I can be anything I want to be. Any goal I’ve ever set, any venture I’ve ever tackled, any idea I’ve ever had has been attainable in the eyes of my dad. At times I’m pretty sure he has more confidence in me than I do.

My dad and I are a lot alike. We’re dreamers by nature. We’re creative, adventurous and inventive. We’re not necessarily detailed but rather fly by the seat of our pants type people. I like that about us. I make myself write lists to keep on track, but otherwise I like to see just see where the day takes me.

I look like my dad and my kids look like me. Everyone asks my little boy where he gets his red hair. Papa.

No matter what, I know that I have my dad’s unconditional love and support. And, I know that my happiness is of true importance to him. I value that and truly appreciate that about him. I hope he knows that it goes both ways.

I love you, Dad! Happy Father’s Day!

My Husband
Every woman needs a great support system, and mine starts with my husband. My life truly could not function without him. I feel as though we are partners in the true since of the word and I would not want it any other way.

He is an awesome husband and an awesome father. I really couldn’t ask for better. He spends quality time with the kids and never complains about helping out around the house. He works hard to provide for his family. He is honest. He cares for me and knows how to make me feel loved. He is truly my closest friend.

And, he puts up with a lot! Sometimes I’m crabby {I know I’m not alone ladies}. Sometimes I nag. Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I’m rude. Sometimes I work too much. Sometimes I’m late {ok, I’m late a lot}. Usually, he doesn’t let it bother him. He’s accepting of me, even with my faults, and loves me unconditionally.

Without him I would not have this wonderful life, two beautiful children or even Market Mommy. I am beyond appreciative of him. I will love him today, tomorrow and always!

Happy Father’s Day, I love you Craig!

Mother's Day:: My Mom

In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m spending this week writing posts dedicated to the mothers in my life. I’ll have a different post Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Sometimes I struggle to wrap my mind around the mother-daughter relationship and all it means. Especially now, being a mother myself, I spend every single day in awe of the awesome relationships we as women share with each other and our children! Kudos to all the mothers out there for all you do!

Today, I’m writing about my mom. Since there is literally so much I could write, I’ve decided to do a top ten list. So, here are the top ten memories that I share with my mom. Trust me, it was hard to choose just ten, there are many, many more. And, these aren’t really in any particular order. I apologize in advance for the length of today’s post!

#10:: Long locks. I love looking at pictures of my mom when she was young. She had long, dark brown hair. I’ve always thought it was beautiful. I remember it mostly from pictures, but when I think about times when I was very young that’s how I envision her. Then, I look at pictures of when I was three-years-old and had long, beautiful blonde pig-tails. Everyone always says that I look like my dad. But, when I think of ‘our’ long hair, that’s when I think I look like my mom.

#9:: Splash! Every summer when we were kids, mom bought us a family swimming pass to the local campground. It was just one country mile over and we went nearly every day. As soon as mom got home from work we’d load up and head over. We’d often get a quarter to buy a pretzel or some penny candy in the store. She usually didn’t get in, but she sat there evening after evening watching us swim for hours.

#8:: Smile :o) From kindergarten to my senior year, and every year in between, mom took my picture on the first day of school. These days are burned into my memory. I can see my five-year-old self in a dress, clutching a pink book bag and a Rainbow Bright lunchbox with all my might. I can see my teenage self in cut-off shorts and holding a large cup of Mt. Dew, heading off on my last first day of school. I had my best friend take my picture before the first day of class when we moved away to college. Something about it just wasn’t the same, but yet I still needed and wanted that picture taken.

#7:: Supper’s ready! My mom isn’t Betty Crocker {as she so often likes to remind me} but she has always fed us well. We weren’t raised on fast food. I remember my mom cooking almost every evening. Sometimes on Fridays, after our weekly trip to the grocery store, we’d order a pizza. But, for the most part we got a home cooked meal every night. I especially remember Saturday suppers. It was our big meal for the week, mom would put a roast in the oven or bake a chicken. Now, some of my favorite days are spent having supper at mom and dad’s house.

#6:: Amen. Each and every night as a kid I remember mom and us kids saying our prayers and asking God to bless our family. Before she’d tuck us in and give us our last drink of water we’d always say an Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be and our special intentions. Sometimes we’d try to drag it out and ask God to bless every single person we knew, but mom tried to keep it relatively short. We went to mass weekly, even on the days when I would try to pretend to oversleep, we somehow still made it on time. I’m grateful and am now doing these same things with my own children.

#5:: Sweep, dust, fold …. Every Friday was clean house day. Mom always would say, “this way it’s out of the way and we can enjoy the rest of the weekend!” I wish this is something I was still doing. My main responsibilities were folding laundry and dusting, both of which I loathed. Even though mom had worked hard all week, she still came home and worked even more. This taught me a lesson. Sometimes I really don’t know how she did it.

#4:: Discipline. I’ll be the first to admit I wasn’t a perfect child. I got in trouble my fair share, that’s for sure. I’m sure at times my mom wanted to pull her hair out, but she never did {that I know of any way}. She’d get mad, I’d get punished, I’d try to weasel {beg} my way out of punishment, and the cycle would continue. These definitely are some of my fondest memories, but they are evidence of mom’s unconditional love.

#3:: Co-workers. One summer in college I got a temporary job at the factory where my mom had worked for 20+ years. We were even put on the same shift, third. We ride-shared to work and talked on breaks. I got a first-hand view of the job my mom had been doing for so many years. Sometimes thankless, she always worked hard to provide for us.

#2:: I do! My wedding day holds so many special memories, not only of my husband, but of all the important people in our lives. I put my mom through a lot planning that special day and she was always very accommodating, never saying a bad word. She gave of her time, her money, her energy and patience to ensure that I had the perfect day. And, we did!

#1:: Pink! The two days in my life that I have given birth are by far the best days of my life. My mom was by my side throughout pregnancy, throughout labor, through surgery recovery and very helpful and supportive the following weeks with a newborn. She is a terrific grandmother. I will never forget, as long as I live, my mom’s reaction when I {finally} gave birth to my daughter. We were attempting a hospital vbac 16 months after my son’s c-section birth. I had labored for 29 hours never knowing if it was a boy or girl, but always suspected a boy. When I finally delivered her successfully and we realized it was a girl, I thought my mom was going to hit the ceiling jumping up and down! What a moment.

My mom is definitely one of my best friends and I wouldn’t trade her for the world. Happy Mother’s Day, I love you Mom!