Mother's Day 2009

Yesterday was Mother's Day. Not the easiest day of the year for me, I'm afraid. First, we go to church and hear all the beautiful tributes to mother's and that makes me feel guilty because I think I could have been a better mom in many ways. Despite their mother's debatable example, my girls have turned into good homemakers. They all like to cook, I think, and are good housekeepers. They are wonderful mothers, but I KNOW that they can't love their kids more than I did. It's also a hard day as I still miss my own mother very much, even though she passed away almost 40 years ago.

So many people comment on how great our kids have turned out, so we must have done something right. I often joke that we brought the wrong ones home from the hospital. (I wonder how my own biological children are doing?) Yes, the Lord just blessed us with special GOOD kids who turned out regardless of how their parents raised them.

Daran taught me to always look on the positive side of things. I recall his comments when coming home after school to a mom who was "couch-ridden" because of complications of pregnancy with my youngest......"Hi, mom - have you had a good day?" He even remembered to call and wish me "Happy Mother's Day" last night.

Daralyn - actually the child that I do claim. She went to school for the same reason that her mom did.....to have fun! Daralyn is beautiful - inside and out! So sweet and willing to give to and help her siblings and friends in many ways.

Kelly - the child we wondered if we'd live through raising - and now probably our most loving child. I think Kelly finally decided it was okay to be a girl. She hated getting her hair done and loved to climb trees. She had us worried sick at 2:00 a.m. when she was out delivering cookies to ask a guy (Bob) to MORP. She "didn't think it was that late."

Jaime - our resident blonde. Always good for a laugh with her comments. A 4.0 student at school with the nickname of "Not So". Brandon literally "robbed the cradle" with this one - she stayed for free in our hotel room the night before her wedding - but the only thing I'd change about her now is moving her closer to home! I miss her!!!

Then there is baby Jeff - the one the siblings say was spoiled rotten and got away with everything! They are probably right. A harder worker there never was, though. I used to say he was his father's slave-driver. He didn't like to stand around not working while his dad talked! He now has a clone, his nephew Matthew. But, Jeff turned out great and is soon to be our first doctor in the family.....too bad he didn't go out in geriatrics!

I love these kids!!! Being their mother has been the greatest gift in my life. I only hope they remember this tribute when it comes time to put mom in "the home". All I require in their homes is a room of my own with a t.v., bathroom handy, regular meals, and no stairs!!!