Some thoughts...

Mom (and Dad) have been here helping me after the birth of Emily. Dad was in New Mexico on a mission trip for a large part of that time. He did some amazing work! But my mom has been here almost the whole time. She took Katherine to Mexia on July 9 only to turn around on July 11 when I called her to say my water broke.

Before that, she had been here to accompany me to my doctors appointment. We were both soooo excited when Dr. Arbabi scheduled me to be induced on July 14th. Both Mom and I were sure that Emily would never come before that...based on both of our histories of "birthin' babies". I was 2 weeks late and they induced her for Michael. A week after my due date, I was induced for Katherine. So imagine our surprise that Emily came earlier than expected!
t is stated in the Bible, I am sure, that one must bawl helpless tears when her mother leaves after the obligatory "2 weeks after baby is born" stay. Being the holy one I am, I bawled. It wasn't as hard this time. It was time though for my parents to go home. They have to go home at some point. As Katherine said, they have to leave so they can come back to visit. I've said that to her countless times, I guess it sunk in!

My mother's birthday is tomorrow. I refuse to post her age...that would just be tacky. As a well-raised Texas woman, I would rather not send thank-you notes (gasp!) than reveal my mother's age!

Having Mom around for 2 weeks and thinking of her birthday, got me to thinking....what have I truly learned from my mother. Sure, there are the basic things. I've learned patience and kindness and her chocolate chip cookie recipe. But what else? So, because I am a list maker, I decided to just sit, think and list.

So here goes.

1. Keeping your house clean as you go is so much easier.

2. Unconditional love.

3. It is possible to never say an ugly thing about another person.

4. The benefit of the doubt is powerful.

5. The love for your parents never ends, especially when they are aging.

6. Patience is a virtue.

7. Singing cleanses your soul and quiets a fussy child.

8. Decorating your home little by little is a plus.

9. When making crafts, you just have to start and hope for the best. If you mess up, you can always throw it away or paint over it.

10. Grief can be conquered but not forgotten.

11. A glass of wine can a long way for your mood.

12. Letting me decide to become a teacher on my own time took love, patience and MAJOR self-discipline.

13. Stay on top of your laundry!

14. It is possible to fall in love over and over with your husband, your children your grandchildren.

15. Pay your bills on time.

16. Put your husband needs before or next to yours, and you will have a successful marriage.

17. Put an ice cube in your coffee as your pour that first cup and you can drink it right away.

18. Doing nice things for people when they don't expect it can be very rewarding.

19. ALWAYS write thank you notes.

20. You will always love the child more that is hurting the most at the time, but you other child never feels unloved.

And finally....

I am strong, wonderful wife and mother because she has taught me all of these things and more.

Happy Birthday, Mom. I love you.