Just Because

Take a look at the photo of my boys over there to the right. Then come back. You back? What sweet little creatures, huh? Add about 15 years to that photo and that's what I deal with each day. Let's zero in on the tallest, and oldest. How could that face ever cause consternation to his mother? Hard to believe, isn't it? Well, today I think if either one of us could have traded the other in for a different improved model, we would have. For about 20 minutes. And then our senses took over. Or God took hold of us and showed us what idiots we were both being. Apologies exchanged and we were good to go again. Mother and oldest child ~ a mighty precious bond. Unbreakable. Golden. Go hug or kiss or phone or e-mail your oldest. Tell him you love him...just because.

~ Maureen :)

"The Best Mom in the World"

Enjoy this Mom Moment from Karrie McAllister:

My children are always reminding me that I am either "the worst mom in the world" or "the best mom in the world" at the most obscure and irrelevant times. Like the day that there was only one lemonade Capri Sun left, and my son grabbed it. My daughter informed me that I was "the worst mom in the world." But thankfully I hear the alternative much more frequently and even though I brush it off when I hear it, it really does hit all the way down in my heart. They praise me for the little things--not the fact that I drive them all around town and pack their lunches and wash their clothes. They don't notice that the floor is clean or keep the car stocked with Scooby movies for the long trips to Grandma's house. And they really don't notice that I've gone too long without a haircut because I can never seem to find an appointment and sitter and a free hour all at the same time. What they do notice, however, is not anything I really work at. Tonight, in a hurried frenzy, I gave them a smorgasbord of leftovers and instant mashed potatoes for dinner. But then I sprinkled the entire plate with our garlic-salt-pepper blend, which quickly earned me "the best mom in the world." After dinner, they needed a bath, and because I was too tired to give them bubbles, I chose the little fizzies, which again earned me "the best mom in the world." And while tucking them in, we all read "Everybody Poops" (an eternal favorite) and because I pointed out all of the little poopies, I was again awarded with "the best mom in the world." While I'm not really sure what qualifies me and what doesn't, I'm happy to have a collection of trophies, all in the form of high praise and hugs.

Thanks, Karrie!
~ Maureen :)

I Remember Mama

For days I have been writing in my room stealing as many hours as possible. I place a sign on my door to scare off would-be intruders, you know, my family. It's been going quite well. I've been accomplishing very much and I'm still doing all the "mom things." I haven't abandoned them.

Well, do you know what my dear darlings said this afternoon? "The computer stole my mom," and without missing a beat another chimed in with, "I remember Mama!" What rats! It really was pretty funny, I must admit.

~ Maureen :)

The Battle of the Dishes

I'd like to share with you two notes: one written by me to my youngest son, aged 18, and his clever reply. Most days I leave little "love notes" for my boys - translated - chore lists. My love note: "The way you can contribute the very best today is to systematically attack the dishes."

Dear one's reply: "Mom, I tried attacking dishes but they won...so I attacked the living room, dining room and bathroom, and needless to say, they lost."

I did enter a much cleaner house than when I'd left, and didn't seem to mind washing those dishes myself after all.

Laundry calls right now, in fact. Do you hear the socks screaming my name?! Care to share a similar chore story? I'd love to hear it.

~ Maureen :)