Mother's day =)

Family gathering at my Mom's about 1992

 Since there are so many blogs and articles about Mother's day, I wasn't going to write one here. As you can see, I changed my mind. I realize that most mothers are the ones who shape the family and keep it running, although-not always as smooth as we would like it to be.
My Mom was raised in a home with a stay at home Mom and a hard working Dad. They stayed married through many trials and triumphs. Family gatherings were always held at their home, and we knew when it was cramped, it meant the food was ready :) We were taught to have respect for our elders, to have manners and to let the adults have all the good seats around the food table.
  My Mom brought us up as mostly a single, hard working parent. My two brothers, sister and I grew up knowing things were tight and yet we always had Christmas and big birthday celebrations. Mom always celebrated our birthdays with cake, ice cream and a special cake =)
   My Mom's parents were from two very different backgrounds. Grandma was English,her maiden name was Winsor(the 'd' was dropped when they emigrated) and she was Protestant. Grandpa's last name was Larue, and was from a very French background. They spoke only French when my Mom was young and had to learn English as they grew up. He was  Catholic, but he let his wife do all the religious duties in the house. She was very tall and blond, he was very short and had very dark hair.slicked back with some sort of sticky stuff.It's funny how opposites really do attract. One thing we all knew, they loved each other very much and told each other each and every day <3

an impromptu web cam pic <3

Mom tried being fair and didn't show favoritism, (much) I also have tried being fair, which doesn't really matter anyway. No matter how equally you cut the cake, someone is going to complain they got the smallest piece. My motto has been 'Stay cool and calm', 'Unflappable'. When the kids went out the door, I usually said,"Have fun, and be safe. I love you." I tried welcoming them home when they got back and let them know I'm glad they're here. I tried keeping dialogue open by asking questions about there day, or commenting about my own. They often replied with,nothing. or, a really brief reply. When it was time for them to go to bed, I tried giving them a hug and told them I love them. But, I almost always said,"Sweet sleep. Love ya." and kissed them on the cheek.
 My oldest daughter loved it when I sang lullabies and prayed together. My second liked it when I sang, but preferred it when I read a story, such as The Cat in the Hat, or The Three Bears. My son never liked my singing and occasionally liked me to read a story. He just wanted me to rest with him , tuck him in and give him a kiss on the cheek. I always pray for them but usually by myself.

we surprised middle child with an early birthday party =)

I absolutely love being a Mom and celebrate my kids on Mother's Day. Even on the toughest day, I know the trial will pass and it will be the way we get through it that they will remember and treat their own family. No argument is worth tearing the family apart. I always try to use kind words and avoid the trap of accusations. The times I get into it, it's hard to get out.
  I still call my Mom on Mother's day and other times just to say I'm thinking of her. Even just a few minutes talking to her is nice. I know there will come a day I won't have the opportunity to tell her I love her, so I take the time to do it now. My Grandma used to say,I'd rather get one flower when I'm alive than a truck full when I'm dead. She knew the importance of seizing the day.
  That is becoming my motto,too =)
I hope you have a great day, and try telling someone in your family that you care about them, then show it by being extra kind. as it is written, Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.Mark 10:45

Love and blessings,
Lori LC