Monday, May 9, 2016

A Lovely Mother's Day

I had a lovely day yesterday. Mellow, relaxing, calm, lovely, and nice.

I slept in, got cuddles with my puppy, and even an unexpected breakfast in bed (toasted chocolate chip muffin with butter along with a dish of fresh raspberries and my daily vitamins and cup of lemon green tea). Kate greeted me with a pretty homemade card and I got hugs and snuggles and "Happy Mother's Day" wishes from everyone.

We hung out leisurely that morning and then my family took me to the movies to see "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2." That was a fun movie to see all together - same lovable characters and a lot of heart and laughs.

I'm the short one in the middle
My kids made me a delicious dinner of cheesy grits and shrimp and sausage. Restaurant quality goodness! Mark made Butterbeer cupcakes for dessert - a very fun treat.

Yummy dinner

After dinner, my kids presented me with such a thoughtful gift. This is so the kind of present I love to get so much more than "stuff." They wrote things they love about me on hearts - 16 from Kate, and 13 from Max - and arranged them in a frame with Mark's help.

Me with my human kids and furry baby
I think I really needed the boost. It was so good to sit and read their thoughts like that. I know I have a great relationship with them and that we all get along, but sometimes I find myself wondering what they think of me, or I find that I'm doubting myself as a mother and person. Reading their hearts really gave me a lift. I especially love that, though they didn't discuss or coordinate what they were writing beforehand, several things overlapped, so I got to see what really stands out to them in their minds. It reinforced to me that I spend quality time with them and that they appreciate me and that we love to do things together. They feel safe with me and loved. I'm their parent and their friend. And they apparently both think I'm funny! They both wrote about my sense of humor - who knew??

I'm looking over these pictures and seeing that we didn't get a picture of Mark in the mix, but I'm very grateful for him as well as my kids and Scout. I love our family and nothing in the world makes me happier than all of us together and enjoying one another. Thanks, family, for a lovely and memorable day.

11 comments:

Dr. Mark said...

I'm glad you had such a nice day. You are the mother to some pretty incredible kids, and the "pretty incredible" part has a lot to do with you. And no pictures of me necessary--it was your day. You're a terrific mother. I love you!

Boquinha said...

Thank you. My nice day was much thanks to you. Thanks for these kind words, too. I really needed this boost this year. I love you. <3

Jimmy said...

Sounds like a great way to spend Mother's Day. In the spirit of Sally Field's Best Actress Academy Award, I think they really, really like you!

And I'm here thinking "Butterbeer cupcakes?" Love that about you guys!

Boquinha said...

Thanks, Jimmy. I think they do, too. :)

We found 3 recipes - Butterbeer milkshake, Butterbeer cupcakes, and Butterbeer cookies. The shake was mostly vanilla-tasting. The cupcakes are delicious (though they're supposed to have toffee bits and the store was out of those). And cookies are up next to try!

The Magic Violinist said...

There's a reason why all our friends want you to adopt them!

I wonder how each of the different Butterbeer recipes will rank once we try them all. My guess is probably cupcakes just for the taste, but I'm curious about the cookies.

Siths and Jedis said...

I love you, and I am glad you had a good Mother's Day.

Boquinha said...

TMV, Ha! Seriously? I've always wanted a slew of kids. And bonus, they're already potty trained! :P

Max, I love you, too. Thanks for helping to make it so special. :)

LMW said...

Your relationship with your kids is sweet and enviable. When you worry that you don't have family around to help take off some of the load, just think of how many people there are who long for the kind of relationship that you have cultivated with your awesome, willing children.

Boquinha said...

Thanks, LMW. Your timing is impeccable. I think I really needed to hear that, be reminded of that. That's a good point. I've been having a hard time emotionally for a while and this was a sweet reminder comment to get.

LMW said...

Oh, good! I hoped you would take it in the spirit in which I intended it. I was worried that it would come off as dismissive of your sadness about not having family close by, which would definitely not have been my intention.:)

Boquinha said...

Nope, didn't take it as dismissive at all. It's a good perspective and a good reminder. And so timely, too! I'm so glad you read my blog and I always get especially excited to see comments from you and Jimmy and my family. :) Thank you!!