Happy Mother's Day?

I am so blessed with a wonderful mom AND step mom.  Looking at the weekend ahead, I have a lot to celebrate.  In addition, I have two beautiful step daughters, one amazing son (despite the fact that he cut his own hair today and has a weird pattern of holes on his head) and a precious and precocious baby girl.  That is a day worth getting excited about, and believe me when I say I know just how lucky I am!!!

For my husband, while he can celebrate with me, there is a sober tone to the day.  He has lost the two women who mothered him.  His grandma passed away about 17 years ago and his mother passed away just before we had our youngest children.

My husband isn't the only one paddling in that boat.  I have friends who have lost a child and miss living their role as mom; I have seen beautiful friends lose their moms to cancer or some other tragedy and the fact is, this holiday can sting a bit.

Mother's Day isn't a quiet holiday.  Last year our country spent  $21.2 Billion on Mother's Day alone. Mothers deserve celebration, most people have a mom;  76% of single parent households are led by mothers.

My mom and my step mom have been two of my biggest cheerleaders.  They support me in my high and low moments of life.  When I felt alone as a girl, my mom was always there for me.  Even just 6 years ago, as I faced the challenges of a new baby, having my mom present in those first two weeks gave me courage to press on.  It was as if she was my very own security blanket.

 My mom, unlike anyone else on the planet understands me.  To be known the way she knows me feels amazing and being near her is like being home. 

In addition to that phenomenal woman, I have had my step mom around since I was four years old.  In high school when I moved to another country and lived with my her and dad for two years, she would come out to watch me cheer on the basketball team, she mediated my disagreements with my dad, helped me get ready for dances and even stayed up with me when I got the stomach flu.  

Mothers are the ones that often shape who we are, moms love us, encourage us and are there for us.   When a role so crucial is missing in one way or another, there is a void that makes a day like Mother's Day hard to handle.

I wanted to take a moment to recognize these people.  As trivial as it may be, I want to say I see you. My heart is with each of you on this national day of celebration.  Who am I talking to?

To those who have lost their mom, grandma or any other woman who filled that role.

To those who had your mom walk out on you.

To the woman who has lost a child.

To the woman who has experienced some other reproductive grief through infertility, abortion or miscarriage.  As someone who has experienced miscarriage and abortion, I have been in very similar shoes.  

Please remember these people as you celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday.  Send a note of encouragement, give a hug, sit and let them be with someone for a moment.  Love on those who mothered you or made you a mother, but also take some time to look after those who can't celebrate.  Remember those who feel the spotlight on their grief and want a giant hole to crawl into until the pomp and circumstance has passed.

Matthew 5:4 says,

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."  

We can be the comfort for someone who mourns.

It is important to recognize the flip side to every coin and while many who mourn are grateful for the years they had with the loved one that is not with them now; the truth remains with great impact comes great loss.  

If you need a hug, please feel mine today.  I would love to hear about the role or person you mourn.  Comment with your story and let others hear from you as well.  

God bless.

My Week In Photos

My week started with a trip to the zoo with my little man and sister, Alex (newly in town to prepare for her wedding in a few months). We had a great time, feeding the giraffes, watching the monkeys and elephants and seeing the sea lions swim about. 

 The next day started my preparation for yard sale Saturday. It started in my closet, as suggested by Erin Rooney Doland in her book,"Unclutter Your Life In One Week." I took it all out, cleaned the closet, then figured out what would go back in, and what would make its way to a trash or yard sale. 

 This picture captures my victory. My son is fighting naps, even though once he gets to sleep, he sleeps for several hours. This particular day it took me 3 hours to get him to take his nap, thus, my victory! 

 Thursday was a difficult Mommy day. My son was cranky and demanding, so by bed time I was spent, but it was this time before bed with giggling boy that made it all worthwhile. 

 Friday was a crazy day as was Saturday, Saturday holds no pictures as my phone was stolen. I was not a happy camper, and still am not adjusted to life with no cellphone! 

 Today is Mother's Day, so happy Mother's Day to all the moms reading this!! Here is my Mother's Day orchid :)! 

 My husband has been busy around the house today, but I was able to do a little kitchen experimentation with this pasta salad. It was super yummy and I want to share it with you! 

 Here's the recipe(ish): I didn't exactly measure :) I used a mix of Farfalle & Ziti pasta that I cooked to package directions. Then I poured some olive oil on it as it cooled. I then added minced garlic, grape tomatoes (halved), chopped fresh spinach, sliced back olives, sliced string cheese, artichoke hearts (poured just a bit of the juice from the jar onto the mix), added salt, pepper & italian seasonings. I then mixed 3 tablespoons of cottage cheese, cream cheese and half a cup of grated parmesan and microwaved for 30 seconds. I mixed it together with 2 tablespoons of pesto and folded it in with pasta/veggie mix. I then poured a half cup of parmesan on top then mixed it all up. Try it out!  Enjoy!!!