Multiple Favorites by Violet

I would just like to point out that my mother always tells whatever child that is in front of her at any given time, said child is her favorite. This could not possible be the case because favorite in definition, singles one person or thing out as being a step above the rest. You CANNOT have all members of a certain group be your favorite. Multiple favorites is an oxymoron.

Sidenote: My mom calls every literary play of words a double entendre, whether it is an oxymoron, alliteration, allegory--you get the idea. She thinks she is hilarious.

Although I make this observation of multiple favorites, I would not want her to make a final choice …because we all know it would be Harrison anyway. We all have our good qualities, Ace is funny, Anabeth is nice, and I am a type-A go-getter. But Harrison is the perfect, well-rounded child. (I still love you just as much Anabeth) Not only is Harrison productive and efficient, but he is also the peacemaker, making sure that no one at home is ever fighting or ever raises their voice too loud. He does all these things with a huge smile on his face, he is a HAPPY HAPPY boy. Mom always says that she practiced on the first three and then made the perfect child. I’m sure there’s something to those birth-order books she always reads about the baby learning from the others mistakes and accomplishments- but he really does carefully watch situations and is always learning and attentive to different life lessons.

I know it sounds like I worship my little baby brother, but I can’t help it, I admire his ability to be just as driven as I am, but still be completely laid back and adored by those around him. Anabeth would totally agree, we have had many a discussion of how cool he is. Maybe my next couple blogs can be a worshipping bio just like this one on the other two. I just never can say enough about my siblings- they are so important to me and although I am 5 years older than the oldest one, they are still very much apart of my life. I’ll depart from the sappy though and try to come up with some funny stories next time.

A Little Levity...PLEASE !

Violet has informed me that I need to "write something funny" for the blog. She says that the past blogs have been far too sappy and sentimental for her taste...and thus the taste of HER readership. Heaven forbid!

And she, of course, thought of me when she thought of FUNNY. I take that as a compliment. My life is and will always be...funny. That is if I have anything to say about it.

My children look to television programming and movies to site the latest funny phrase or action. SNL, 30 Rock, The Office, and anything featuring Seth Rogen. I tend to look a little closer to home.

As the kids grew, my husband and I were constantly fascinated with every little thing that our children did. We would spend our date nights away from them sharing stories of the latest cute thing that our three year old said. Guffawing about how attending yet another dance recital was truly mandatory... though destined to be a miserable evening. Many times we paid a babysitter just to sit in a restaurant and exchange stories about the same children that we had just left in the capable hands of a 16 year old.

Silly things crack me up. Like the time Ace was about a year old and found the container of baby powder and proceeded to empty it all over the floor of his room. When I found him sitting in the center of his room, he was giggling in a cloud of dust and looked up proudly to me as if to say, "Look what I just did!" Without skipping a beat I grabbed my camera and snapped away. This picture is displayed on my nightstand in a silver frame as the important memory that it is.

Anabeth is constantly lightening the mood in our household simply by breaking into dance at a moment notice. Dance was important to me as a child and neither of my girls chose to follow that path. However, Anabeth will dance with me at a moment's notice and make me laugh at the things that her body can do and mine no longer can. I see myself in her youthfulness and freedom of spirit and giggle at the fact that this remarkable young woman is mine.

Although, Harrison would seem to be the serious child he can certain entertain us (his family) with quotes and impressions from his school lunch table. I don't know if his friends are actually that funny, but we seem to think so when he regales us with the tales of his friends' latest possum hunting trip or jet ski accident --seems you CAN drive them on land! His reactions to life are unique and I appreciate his take on things.

Hilarity always ensues when Violet and I are together. She is such a combination of her father and I that I am confident that our gene pools where perfectly divided between her. What makes me frustrated about Violet always helps me remember that she has the good qualities of her father and that there is a reason I married him 25 years ago. She loves her siblings and is continually asking for stories about their lives since their occasions together are rare. She seems to thrive on the funniness of our lives. And there is plenty of that. So we share.

Funny is all around us. Funny is in our homes. Funny is what you make it.
Laugh at me or with me... just keep laughing.

Exhortation and Affirmation

Two things which neither my mother nor I can get enough of. These are truly how we work--- in explanation of my mother’s previous blog. But I think the reason she begs for affirmation (albeit in a pitiful manner) is because she constantly gives it out to those she comes across. We are definitely talkers, and while a lot of our words are idle, the rest is spent on people around us. One of my favorite pearls of wisdom given to me by my mother is that everyone’s favorite topic of conversation is themselves, so talk about them and you will be known as a brilliant conversationalist!I don’t think she ever even taught me to encourage others, but I began to emulate her exhortation of others at an early age. Her optimism is cast upon others when she encourages, and it’s a constant circle because then their feedback feeds her optimism. But enough about us- I was simply just trying to explain her need for affirmation of the blog. It is tough writing for an audience that may or may not be there. This is why I could not keep a journal for more than a few days- we simply have a need to be heard. Mom dreams of being the next Perez Hilton, for she thinks anyone who is anyone should read and keep up with her hilarious stories--- that and the flamboyant behavior they have in common. So don’t think of it as an outcry for attention- just a simple request to read and give feedback- we just need a little encouragement for our painfully witty banter.

If I blog in a forest and no one is there..........did I really blog?

I need feedback. My love language is "words of affirmation". Since I have begun this blog I have spouted forth my form of wisdom to all who will hear. I have told and retold stories that illustrate the way that I think and views that I hold on various subjects. All of these stories have long been absorbed or deflected by my children. They have had their chance. Thus.... the blog.

Violet assures me that we have followers, she hears from friends about certain posts, my own children and relatives will comment on posts which include their names. But who else am I writing for? I need to know. Are my words falling on deaf ears? Is this a pitiful cry for acceptance from an anonymous audience? Maybe I need a cause to fight for. Maybe I should just shut up! Let me know either way. I want to feel loved.

THE CLIP ART QUEEN

Okay, so generally I get the jobs that no one else wants. I do the grocery shopping, laundry, painting projects, etc. If nobody wants to do it I will pick up the ball and get the job done.

So my new found "gift" is searching Bing or Goggle for clip art to illustrate the posts of this blog. Again, not a glamorous job, yet I see it as a creative outlet well within my artistic realm. Others have come up with the art, labelled it with a few key words, and I am able to rescue it from cyber space to give visual definition to whatever words we have to say on any given subject in this blog journal. Although I lean toward the vintage black and white photos (they seem to reflect my vintage perspective) I find many images to represent whatever Violet or I have on our minds at the time. My image of a woman standing on a soapbox has been my personal favorite -- it so describes my way of presenting my ideas to the world. And anything with a blond little girl in a tutu pretending to be a grown-up anything seems to represent Violet to me.
I am a visual learner,therefore it seems natural that the clip art and images of this blog would be most important to me as a way to draw the reader into what I am trying to communicate. I want you to feel what I am saying before you even read the text. Maybe I could start a "visuals only" blog... reverting back to the toddler picture books I used when the kids where little. With pictures only you could interpret the book in any way you wanted. There was no right or wrong story to go with the pictures. You could make it happy or sad, good or bad.
As I read the blogs that Violet posts I get an insight to her life and the way that she feels about certain parts of her life. By adding the images to her posts, I am able to help lighten the mood and place a little levity to stressful grown-up parts of her day. Believe me I hear about it if the image does not accurately reflect her thoughts.
Besides, I am ALL about the crown. If there is a sash or scepter included...all the better. So until further notice.....I am the Clip Art Queen.

Drive breeds Anxiety. by Violet

It’s completely settled-- I carry anxiety from school to work. Something in my little brain always gets in a tizzy when I can’t figure out a problem and then I stay in a tizzy until I realize that I have written ten pages in a memo and have figured the problem out just by writing for two hours.
I don’t really know what it is that I am fearful of, but I get so anxious when I cannot figure out the answer to a legal problem- or in school the answer to an academic question. Perhaps its my lack of human interaction throughout the day that feeds the anxiety. Staring and reading all day long is my idea of fun, but might not be completely good for my psyche. I enjoy work so much, but every now and again I stress myself out with the small things. You think by now (after law school and MBA) I would have learned how to take things as they come. I blame genetics and birth order, for being a type A first-born mess. Maybe, I just blame my mother.......

Cramming for Summer 101 by Violet

As I said before- this is my first time working a full-time job during the summer--- if you can even call this summer. I just spent the whole weekend fitting things I normally do in the first week of summer into two days. There are so many things that I didn't even realized I enjoyed wasting time on until I started working.

First of all- there always has to be a couple days of summer to just sleep and relax in bed- now that I work from 7 to whenever, I have started compensating the summer relaxation need by going to sleep as early as my grandparents- or mother for that matter. It's really not that bad going to sleep at 10 or earlier- except for the fact that people sometimes think you are a loser. which I am not debating.


And speaking of loser- usually summer is a time when I am actually SOCIAL. That's right, I do have friends. And I thought, now that I am not in school, it will be a great chance to catch up with them- like I usually do in the summers. But again, there's the circular argument of whether or not I stay awake long enough to be able to hang out with anyone, and I do loooove my sleep.
Anyway, I got my social fill by going out with friends on Friday night after work and had such a fun time just talking for two hours over dinner with a group of couples from law school.

Being lazy- also a thing that summer must be filled with. And this brings us to Saturday. Besides eating I am not sure I could actually tell you what I accomplished on Saturday. I woke up at 7:30, went to bed at 11, but I am not sure what filled the usually-productive hours in between. Lots of tv shows that I have been missing during the week and breakfast burritos and thats about it. Oh and I think I watched some human interest stories on CNBC for a while. I blame Nick Taylor for the laziness, but it was thoroughly needed and enjoyed.

Good food. Summer is filled with good food- mostly I think because there isn't the constant rush from activity to activity, so you can enjoy making food and eating it. I loved the leisurely meal we had at Baris on Friday night, and enjoyed going to get burritos from Crispy Taco for breakfast/lunch on Saturday morning (Ace still owes me for getting him some). But most of all I enjoyed making a beautiful summer salad with grilled chicken breast and fresh berries for dessert on Saturday night. Summer foods are so much better- whether it's a hot dog by the pool or fresh anything- I think it's those rose colored glasses.


Then of course there is the need for constant sun. This is a Fullard must- if we don't have skin cancer by the time we are 50- we are doing something wrong. Since I was young I was taught to lather on the SPF 4 or 6 depending on how safe Mom and Cindee were feelin' that day. What in the world does SPF 4 protect you from besides dry skin?


Besides the wonderful view of sunlight from my work desk- I also got to be cram my sunlight hours all into Sunday. Not only did I spend three wonderful hours and the pool with my family, but I also played outside later with Nick- throwing around a football and frisbee and running sprints in the hot texas heat. Sunday was my absolute perfect summer week- all rolled into one day. First church, brunch with friends, the pool for three hours, athletic activity and a nice sushi date to end the night. I absolutely love summer... weekends.

Now I just have to be thinking all week of how to make my next weekend stuffed full of the perfect amount of summer activities so I don't feel as if I was missing out all week. It's kinda like waiting too long before a big test and having to cram for finance the two nights before- I want to make sure that I get all the laziness, relaxation, sun, good food, friends and family that I require for a successful summer all into the weekends that will be my entire summer break. Is this what it's like for grown-ups?

SUMMERTIME

We have a neighborhood pool. It is officially open this weekend and the Fullards (Fullers and Millards) could NOT be happier! We wait all year for this time.

Since our children have been very little my twin sister and I have lived two blocks from each other. She lives right across the street from the neighborhood pool. The children all took swimming lessons there when they were little and many a luau pool party was given. We love the pool.

But as the kids get older, I think that maybe it is the time spent together as families that is the true draw. Sunday afternoon is the Fullard Pool time. We come together with snacks or full lunches to share with each other and talk about the week. The kids rarely even get into the water these days but they do all stake claim to a lounger for their towel and sunbathing time. They only grumble slightly when we remind them to reapply sunscreen. They know the drill. Every hour on the hour.

The time we have together is enriched with stories from each of the children. Some will tell of a summer camp they will be attending, some will tell of summer classes dreaded. But we all share thoughts, we share dreams, we share LIFE. And isn' that what family is all about?

We only have these kids for such a short time. Let them know what you are thinking, what you are dreaming for them, your goals for them can be a jumping off point for major life discussions. Do not underestimate your influence on your own children. Use every moment you have with your kids. They are only little for a short while.

If you need me, I'll be at the pool!

Update on the roommate situation:

Yesterday when I got home from work- Ace was sitting in the living room- watching T.V. Although this sounds like nothing- it means he taught himself how to switch the TV from DVD to Cable (because I had last watched a movie on it). I’m not trying to demean his electronic knowledge- after all he is a film and digital media major- I just wanted to point out that he is finally making it his home and using the community spaces to his benefit. Also- he has contributed ice to the freezer as his first major purchase. Who knew that “rich” ice would be the first thing he would purchase for the kids house- he calls it “rich” ice because you actually have to buy it and it’s apparently much better than ice made in ice-cube trays. We are making huge steps here. But the good news is- I have hardly seen him because we keep such different hours.

Big Girl Job by Violet

This summer is my first big girl job, and I am very excited about it- but also anxious. I have always been a work-a-holic, dating back to when I churned out friendship bracelets to sell to family members. I begged my mom to let me work as soon as I got a car, but didn’t wear her down till I started working at Outback Steakhouse senior year of high school. Since then, I have only worked in restaurants, first hostessing, then waiting tables, and finally bartending and waiting at fine dining establishments. I learned an incredible amount from those people-based jobs in a service industry. I continually use my experience in job interviews as a way to describe my stellar client interaction and ability to deal with conflict and cantankerous personalities. It has transcended the 45 minute meal time one gets with the restaurant patrons into my perspective on dealing with people in general. Waiting tables for 5+ years has greatly shaped my people and social skills. At the time, I would pick up as many shifts as possible because waiting tables was the best way to make cash money while still in school. And the hours were perfect- I would arrive after I was finished with class, and I would be through by the time my friends wanted to go out for the night. I could have waited tables for a lot longer, if it wasn’t for the demanding study schedule that law school brought.

So I guess now that I have my MBA and am almost done with my JD, I should put my newly obtained skills to good use. My new job is to “clerk”, a term I have had to explain to my mother over and over again, at a law firm in town throughout the summer. “Clerks” are basically researchers for the lawyers. While the lawyers meets with clients and represents them in court, clerks stay in the office all day and read case law and statutes to resolve the issues that come up in specific situations. So basically I get to read all day long- which.is.heaven. I get to write about my findings and research on LexisNexus all day long. Plus- I us
ually get taken to lunch- and free food is always a good thing. They only adjustment for me is staying in the same place for 10+ hours a day- I am used to hopping from business school to law school and running errands all day. This “clerkship” is my job for the entire summer, and I look forward to learning from my practical experience and hopefully making an impression in this legal community. Without boring anyone (mom would say- impossible), I will continue to keep everyone updated on my progress and funny stories that I gather.

My Roommate, My Brother. by Violet

No Mushroom clouds yet… but it is very strange living with my brother again. I haven’t lived with a blood relative since I moved out of the house for the dorms- close to six years ago. My roommates since have been all shapes and sizes- and I have learned a lot from each one of them. I enjoy having roommates- never a dull or lonely moment.

So I knew for a long time this moment was coming- when Ace would pack up his polos and claim the territory which was once my second living room. But now it’s a reality- living next to my brother- having to go through his room every night and every morning just to get to my room. It has definitely put a damper on my style. I leave every morning earlier than he does and usually come in later, so it’s not frequent yet that I see him. But when I do see him, we have strange interactions. So far they have consisted of eating, quoting Home Alone constantly, eating, and giving him the number to the Mexican breakfast burrito place down the road in our barrio.

Well-last night, I made dinner for him and Nick, even after Ace had already had a full meal with my family at 5:00. But hey, 3 hours later- that boy needs sustenance. So once the chicken casserole is out of the oven, I dish him up a plate and knock on his door- trying to go forth with the roommate situation with a servant’s heart (ha). He promptly opened the door as if he had been waiting behind it for my knock and announced that he would be served at the dining room table. Well of course! I should have known he’d rather be served like a prince- silly me, I really am an awful slave of a sister. Well after he finished his 7th meal of the day, he proceeded to lay his dishes on the counter while I was washing.

Here comes the life skills training for the day: I told him the least he could do was wash the dishes that he used. He tried to tell me that he wouldn’t have used dishes if it was him- he was perfectly fine with eating straight out of the casserole dish. He reluctantly scrubbed off the plate, fork and knife… in a manner that a monkey would .. and placed them right back into the dirty water. “Why would you put them back?” I asked, and he said “What else do I do with them?”. Without yelling somehow- I explained to him the concept of drying off dishes and putting them back in the cabinet. How many times do you think I can go through episodes like this at my house without pulling my hair out? Or much less pulling his hair out? Anyone ready to place some bets?

The Kids' House

Ace has finished his first year at Baylor! Hurray! After one year living in the dormitory and eating dormitory food (quantity, not quality) he will be moving into the "kids" house with his sister Violet.
This is a rental property that I keep for the kids. When Violet moved out of the dorm five years ago, she and I had mother/daughter bonding time remodelling this cute little house. Yes, we swung hammers and refinished hardwood floors. We painted every inch of that house and hung mouldings and blinds until we were cross eyed. This little house emerged as a darling property for her to live in and to use as an income property while she attended college.

Fast forward five years. Ace's turn to move in. The bathroom had to be remodelled to accommodate his 6'4" frame (shower head and mirrors raised). The back den/bedroom had to be repainted, carpets cleaned and clutter removed so Ace could move his stuff in after he moved out of the dormitory. Ace and I had some fun mother/son bonding moments while fixing up this room. He has dubbed it as Extreme Home Makeover -- College House Edition. Hanging drapes, painting furniture, building closets have never been so much fun. So Ace is ready. His queen sized bed (he had a twin in the dorm) will be delivered today and he will probably sleep his first night in the same house as his sister for the first time in five years.

So, the house is ready for the siblings to live together again. But are the siblings ready? I seem to think that they will get along just fine. They each have strengths that will enable them to make a good roommate. Each will bring something to the table that will enrich or infuriate the other. Time will tell how this plays out. I have alerted the local police.

Violet is strong willed and wants things her way. Ace is strong willed and wants things his way. Both have first born characteristics that stress control. But, oh what a learning experience this will be for them. To learn to live with someone who can scream at you to turn the music down, or demand that it is your turn to buy the toilet paper is priceless. None of the niceties to get in the way. "I love you, you love me, now stop messing with my DVR!"

Ace will bring calmness and serenity to Violet and Violet will assist in teaching Ace general life skills. Violet takes things way too seriously and Ace doesn't take anything seriously. There must be a middle ground in there somewhere and hopefully they will find it. This is a great training opportunity for life. Their future spouses will appreciate me.

So, if you see a mushroom cloud over South Waco please steer clear. There are life lessons being learned and hopefully an adult sibling relationship beginning to take shape....they can thank me later.

17 reasons why I'm turning 17 this year. by Violet

“I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.”
Oscar Wilde quote

He never said simplest wasn't attainable!! I am starting to agree with my mom on this birthday thing- you have to make it your own, especially if your expectations are like ours. First of all- notice how my birthday blog was allll about mothers day. But I can't say anything, because I normally make it all about me, and will continue to do so. I always turn a year older after finals, and year after year it's become more and more uneventful. My family does birthdays right- but it's not much fun getting older once your past 17.


When I was little, I had many questions of heaven, and I wanted to know exactly what it would be like- down to what age I would be when I got up there. Of course my mom said that I could choose that, something that I have continued to hold to be true. So when I was younger- that age was 7- carefree, yet still the boss of my siblings, and minimal responsibilities (no dishwasher duty yet). My desired heaven age stayed 7 for a while, until I turned 17 (Who knew I was a biblical numerologist at such a young age?). 17 was and still is the perfect age to be in Heaven.


But why stop there?

If my mom can make her own party all week/month long for her birthday, why can't I turn 17? Blondes? - Hell- 17 year olds have more fun, and being a blonde 17 year old also helped. I'm not sure what it was that I remember loving so much, but being 17, especially that 17 year old summer, seems to be the best time of my life. The birthday itself was uneventful, but even more reason to re-do that this year. Now I will REALLY know how to make the most of my 17th year of life.

17 Reasons why I will be turning 17 (again) this year

1. Well-rounded education: I miss high school, there's too much concentration with this whole MBA/JD thing. I wanna go back to calculus, english, chemistry and just learn the skim part off the top of the subjects. This masters/doctorate thing is digging a lil' too deep for me. Instead of stressing out to much like I did in high school, I would listen intently to my teachers and learn without the stress of cramming for tests- a 98 is still an A.

2. Tennis: This was the height of my sports-team playing ability. I had never been part of a team like I had when I was on a varsity sport in high school. I enjoyed the mandatory play every day. Sure I work out very often now, but it's on my own time, and not required by class or coach.

3. Boys: Man, if you knew me back when I was 17, you would understand why all of my best friends are guys. 17 year old boys are the most fun people to be around... ever.

4. High School: Alright I didn't like high school all that much, but there is no other time that you are going to get to truly be involved in friday night lights and pep rallies and homecomings. How I miss Friday night football games and mingling around the stadium talking to my band friends, my chemistry friends, my too-cool-for-me friends, my tennis friends, etc.


5. Naivete: I had never had a drop of alcohol at 17, never seen an R rated movie, and had barely kissed a boy. I miss the Naivete real bad. Sure it might seem amish to revert back now, but Scarlett O'hara played up the naivete real well and we all know hers was fake too!

6. Wearing Abercrombie & Fitch : Just after I stopped wearing "mommy" outfits and before I started wearing "mommy" clothes again, I entered into my normal 17 year old girl Abercrombie stage- although I mostly had to wear litttle "a" abercrombie, for kids. As my mother always said, you don't have that body for long baby, show those legs. So maybe for my birthday I will don the pleated two inch skirts once again and the tanks with the built-in-bras (because I didn't need one & still don't).

7. Forgetting I have siblings- I never remember anyways, but especially at 17 the world was ALL about me.

8. Meeting the parents: I miss going over to peoples houses and meeting and chatting with everyones parents. Most kids are on their best behavior in front of their parents, I wish we still all had that accountability.

9. Repeat College: Now I could re-do baylor, which is the second best period of my life. Who wouldn't want that? I would still probably do all the same things, just study less and have more fun. which is what my mother told me in the first place

10. Hyatt Hill Country- Our families favorite vacation spot was a very good memory every year of our 15 plus years of attendance, but especially 17.

11. Panther patrol- cheerleading sans the flips and coordination, perfect for me.

12. Academic UIL- I loved being a geek in high school, and if traveling with an academic team to meets was how I wanted to display it, then so be it. I also loved having those friends that I couldn't meet anywhere else, that would teach me about all the nerdiest things you can think of. I do so love to be out-nerdied.

13. "At Seventeen"- It would match the wonderful song by Janis Ian. This is one of my favorite songs to listen to when feeling sorry for myself.

14. Car-tagging: Although most people say that car-tagging/ shoe polishing was their least favorite part of being a high school football player or cool person. I LOVED when my car was tagged... once. I knew you had to be loved for someone to write "HAWTTTIEEE" on the front of your car windshield and then circle where your face would be. So I thought I was cool- real cooooll.

15. Listening to pop music without being judged- All of my mixes were so bubble gum- I loved it- everything I listened to was happy and reminded me of summer. The summer of 2003.

16. 17 year olds have the best bodies. No- not me, at 24 (going on 17) I'm in the best shape of my life right now, but 17 year old boys have the best dang bodies I've ever seen. I remember all of my guy friends who sprouted 6-packs over night, and who now have beer guts. But man when they were 17....dammnnn. And what's not fun about looking at that?

17. Seventeen year old birthday weren't about what you got or where your friends took you, it was about how they treated you and what they did for you to make you feel special. I remember getting a picnic with a boyfriend and homemade cards from friends that I still have. Even the greetings in the halls were a wonderful birthday celebration.


And if simply declaring it won't work (which it usually does), I will simply demand to "freaky friday" with my sister, the closest 17 year old for the moment.

Violet's Birthday/Mother's Day

Alternate title: Motherhood is like the Marines -- The Hardest Job You Will Ever Love!

Violet made me who I am today.....a Mother! As my first born it was her distinct honor to usher me into the role in which I feel I was born to play. Granted my subsequent children have allowed me to continually rehearse and perfect the part, put it was Violet who made me the loving, caring, controlling, neurotic mother that I am today. Thank you my darling daughter.

She was born on May 8th and Mother's Day was May 11th that year. We were still in the hospital on Mothers Day Sunday. My husband Roger left for brunch with my mother and father who had come to celebrate the birth of their granddaughter. I was left alone with Violet to celebrate and reflect on my new little angel. Her bassinet was pulled up beside my hospital bed but she was rarely in it. I held her at all times and just could not believe that she was mine. She was a tiny 6 lbs. and I thought that I might forget that I was holding her and drop her. There were so many things to worry about. I was afraid.

My life had just changed, for the better...but forever changed. I don't think I even grasp the responsibility that I held in my hands. I still don't. God has a way of showing us only small glimpses to keep from overwhelming us. If I had known how terribly hard it was, emotionally, intellectually, and physically I would have quit before I ever started. But I'm glad I didn't.

Motherhood is a gift. Not to be taken lightly, but for the immense responsibility that it is meant to be. Our children are given to us to raise and direct and impart values. There is a reason that Mothers Day is such a celebrated occasion. Mothers are special, they work hard to insure that the next generation is prepared for the future. Their job is great, rewards are generally few. But I challenge you to find a mother that doesn't love her job and doesn't grudgingly relinquish any aspect of it.

Celebrate Mothers Day this year with your mother, mother-in-law, or any mother you know. This is a day to recognize all they do for us. Honor your Mother.

Of all of the hats that I wear, my mother hat is the one that fits the best and is my favorite. Wonder if the kids will get me a hat as grand as the monkey is wearing above? I can only hope.

Thought it was time for another one.......