First and foremost, I want to say thank you and send all of my love to Mother. This is the fortieth year she’s celebrated today. Four decades. A lifetime. She’s devoted herself to being a mom every minute of every day and, even though her birds have left the nest, continues to do so with Sister and me and our littles. I am so grateful for all of the sacrifices she made for us, for the self confidence she instilled in us, and for the wonderful example she gave us to model.
I also want to thank Honey’s mother for raising such a fine man. He’s gentle and quiet and loyal and honest and hard-working and loving and giving beyond belief – qualities he learned from his mom. She keeps out of the spotlight, but is so very loved by our family, her sons and her grandsons.
I became a mother myself ten years ago. It seems like a lifetime and a second all at the same time. They have taught me so much about life and its adventures, have led me to do things I never knew I could, showed me simple, obvious things I never saw before and, most of all, have loved me wholly and unconditionally. What an amazing blessing! I’m so proud of my boys and I don’t regret a single choice I’ve made in loving them BIG and crazy and silly.
Speaking of regrets, I was thinking this morning in the shower how I have lots of regrets on things I’ve spent money on … but I have never once ever regretted the trips, the outrageously over priced frozen yogurt with all the toppings, staying up late to make an entire breakfast… from a fake ELF, ice cream dates, late night movie nights or after-school forget-the-homework lets-play-Clue days. There are so many choices and decisions to make in life, and I know I don’t always make the right ones. One thing that always remains true is that I never regret choosing time with and doing things for these boys.
Before I close, I want to wish all of the other moms out there a wonderful Mother’s Day. To my dear friends and “besties” and one and only Sister, you ALL inspire me every day to be the best mom I can be. THANK YOU! I want to send all of you hoping and praying to one day become a mom love and hugs. Whether you’ve just started trying or know that it cannot happen for you, I know that wanting to be a mom is a hard place to be. I’ve been there. And, I want to say how very sorry I am to all that have lost their mom, especially a few of my dear friends. I know how hard it is to see the whole world celebrating a holiday that just breaks your heart into pieces.
Sadly, we had to divide and conquer our sports today, with Honey and John headed to the other side of the city for lacrosse, and me staying close to home for the baby’s baseball tourney. Since bestie M is also without her hubby and oldest, we’ll be headed to Waffle House together for breakfast!! Then it’s baseball games and a yummy Big Green Egg dinner prepared by Honey!!
xoxo
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Amanda,
This was such a beautiful tribute it made me cry!
I made the same choices, chose to be home to raise the children, buy an older home with an excellent public school, and drive used cars. Never regretted it. I loved it all so much I couldn’t bear to see it end so when my littles were in junior high, we went to Russia and adopted two more littles!!! Two blonde beauties. I was then so crazy busy I let my house just be. I am new to your blog and have the greatest respect for you and appreciation of your decorating gift. You have inspired me to begin many new projects. I found you this week on Pinterest because I was painting our home Revere Pewter and plugged it in and up you came. I just wanted to give YOU a little tribute today to let you know you are lovely and fabulous and there are other girls out here on the web who are affected by your good choices. Happy Mothers Day!
Happy Mother’s Day to one of the very best mom’s I know. You’re truly a role model– I look up to you and aspire to be even a fraction of the mother you are to your two lucky littles. I’m blessed to call you my friend. XOXO
Your eloquent words made me tear up and could not be more true. Being a Mom is such a privilege and an blessing but we can be so hard on ourselves about it sometimes. It’s the best job in the world and totally worth all the sacrifices. Thank you for saying it so beautifully. I too don’t regret all the money spent or rules bent or giving up my career to stay home. We also bought a fixer upper in an amazing neighborhood because of the schools. It’s all worth it to see my babies smile and laugh and be carefree. It goes by too fast and we have to soak up every second. Happy Mother’s Day! You are an inspiration to us all.
OH! And how adorbs is your Honey’s prom pic with his Momma!! John looks so much like him. He was (and still is) such a cutie.
Happy Mother’s Day again, Amanda. I can’t say it enough! And many thanks to your sweet mother for her message to me this week. It touched my heart. Kathleen’s note above says it all. Your blog has been an enjoyable and inspiring part of my days since I, luckily, discovered you too. Your words are true and your intentions well directed. You are an amazing role model. Have a glorious day and thank you for thinking of those of us who don’t have children and no longer our moms. I have big bouquets in her honor today and cherish all she taught me. God bless us all.
PS When I saw the beautiful photo of Honey and his mom, I thought I had slept through eight years and JOHN was off to the prom! Wow!
Happy Mother’s Day, sweet mama! I have made many similar choices and likewise have no regrets. You are an inspiration to me everyday to live this life to the fullest! xo
Thank you so much for the honesty in your post! I’m pregnant with my fourth, and my first will be five when the fourth is born. I’m an attorney trying the part-time gig, and keep wondering if it ever gets easier or if I’m just not as competent at pulling it off as others, like you! I’m still pretty sure you’re considerably more productive than I am, but I really can’t tell you how nice it is to have read what I just did in your post. Thank you again!
Loved the photos and hope that your Mother’s Day was filled with being with the ones you love…that is what counts…and as far as regrets…never regret spending time and money on experiences with your family…for it is those experiences that create wonderful memories that you will have forever…bigger houses, fancy cars do not create memories…experiences do…so carry on and have those wonderful times with your family…the kiddos grow up way too fast!!!
Happy Mother’s Day Amanda!
You expressed your thoughts beautifully, Amanda. I admire the way you are so aware of what really matters in life and how you make every day incredibly special for your family. As I have gotten older, I realize more and more how fast time goes. Being able to give our children memorable experiences is truly priceless. You inspire me all the time with all your stories and adventures. I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day…and I love the pictures!
Cheers,
Shelley
Hi there, I never comment but I have read your blog for years and so enjoy everything you do! I love how much you celebrate with your boys and you have really inspired me as a mom in so many ways. Every post you write is spot on for me. It seems so strange to say happy Mother’s Day to someone I don’t know, but you have made me a better mother in what you share, so thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I’ve been reading your blog for a long time. This is my favorite post yet. Happy Mother’s Day! :)