Mother's Day 2011

Growing up, Mother's Day at our house rarely went off without a hitch. I remember me and my siblings spending a few of these special occasions in our respective rooms, where we were sent due to squabbling. I remember my mom telling us - every stinkin' year - that all she wanted for Mother's Day was for us to get along. I remember my dad sitting us all down and begging, in desperation, to please stop whining, arguing with our mom and each other, and to help out.

Looking back, I wonder if my mom has any fond memories of Mother's Day, or just us fighting and the frustration she felt in constantly disciplining us on her special day... the one day out of the year that was to celebrate, well, having had us (ain't that ironic?). Personally, I think the  best part of her day was probably when we were sent to our rooms, at which point she truly enjoyed her day in real peace and quiet.

Ah, Mother's Day.

And now, today, I think she's getting the last laugh. While I have received the priceless gifts made at school (a decorated flower pot and hand-print hot pad), along with the sweet hugs and kisses of my children, I can safely bet that throughout the day I will also get ignored, yelled at, attitude, thrown a dirty look or two, crossed arms, stomped foot, and tears. I will be used as a human tissue, break up squabbles, clean up messes, and become frustrated when I have to tell my children something for the umpteenth dozen time. And through it all, I will 1) remember I chose to have these children, 2) remember this is what parenthood is all about - and I signed up for it, 3) remember how sweet these children are when they're not squabbling, and 4) hope that I will one day get the last laugh, too.

Mom, I am sorry for the squabbles and the times I swore off Mother's Day... and the times I swore on Mother's Day. I'm sorry I didn't appreciate all that you did for us, and hopefully I recognize and appreciate all that you currently do - though I'm sure I don't as I should.

And my beautiful children, I'm sorry that I'm not as patient as I should be, nor as understanding... especially when I'm telling you something for the umpteenth dozen time. I love you and feel so blessed to have you in my life - to be your mom.

I think that I will look back on Mother's Day and remember that I was loved, cuz while it may not manifest itself on the day that celebrates motherhood, I sense it the other 364 days of the year.

And now, pictures of my beautiful children on our annual Texas wild flower pilgrimage... which almost didn't happen. We're in a severe drought down here, and the flowers were around long enough to bloom and then shrivel up. So though the fields are not as colorful, the kids are as colorful as always. And yeah, I went a little overboard with the pictures, but I just love them all.