Mother's Day

Wow, all the elements converged yesterday to create a really exceptional Mother's Day. I've learned go into these celebratory days (Mother's Day, my bday, Xmas, etc) without expectations because then there's no room for disappointment and thus everything is a pleasant surprise. It's really helped to simplify life and allow me to soak in the moment. Of course, it's not like I have a lot of time to just sit around contemplating how things will go anyway, "big" days tend to sneak up on me now that I'm in the radiography program and I have to sort of fly by the seat of my pants. Oh well, it's worked out so far, thanks to a very supportive and capable family.

So yesterday morning as we were getting ready to go to brunch at my mom's (soooo nice of her to plan that and do all the work), Juliana came into the bedroom with a pretty little package for me and said in her sweet little girl's voice "happy mother's day mama". I sat down next to my husband who was trying hard to assume a pose of nonchalance and ignorance of what could possibly be in the little white box I pulled out of the bag. I opened it to find the prettiest little delicate pearl necklace. As I smiled and let it run through my fingers he said quietly "do you like it? The pearl is Juliana's birthstone..." I assured him that I did, and knew I would treasure it always, knowing it symbolizes not only my children's love, but my husband's appreciation for all that I do as a mom. Gotta love a man like that.

The day followed along in that pleasant vein, with good company, good food and my mom and mom-in-law loving their gifts of Talavera pottery animals filled with flowering plants. It's very easy, on days like that one, to feel that life is incredibly full. I'm so grateful for that feeling, for knowing I can hold onto it when I'm struggling and feeling overwhelmed (which will definitely happen when school starts again, lol!)

But to summarize, I have to say I'm most grateful for the examples of motherhood I have in my life. I couldn't do this whacky, bizarre, painfully fulfilling, excruciatingly blissful job of parenting without them. Oh, or my sidekick, Mr. Kelley. He gets a big dose of Mother's Day nookie for shopping in the jewelry department unsupervised. ;) Happy belated Mother's Day to all the nurturing, amazing women I know!