A glimpse of mommyhood . . .

After a crap day at work, a car dying and needing to buy a new one this week, worrying about money, etc. etc., it was a blessing to have a reminder of what is really important last night. My sister took me out to sushi, which was SO at a needed time! I love having some family close. They really are the best friends and the ones who are there all the time. Sometimes its difficult not having super close friends near you, though partially that's my doing working at the usual social times. But, a girl has to work. Anyway- though I do have some AMAZING friends who live cross country (wish we lived closer). Wow, I'm rambling today! ok, back on topic: I've always wanted to be a mom, and there are moments I have a difficult time coping with the fact I have to keep waiting for something that I consider of most importance. But, I have some sweet moments that keep me going as an aunt. Last night, after having sushi with my sister, I watched my nephew and niece so she could go to a movie with her hubby. They had an early bedtime and headed to bed fairly soon after my sister left. We were having fun playing, and I was actually really sad to send them to bed so early. They both went without a fuss, which is rare. ;) much to their aunt's surprise. My nephew got ready for bed and fell asleep as I was getting my younger niece ready, so I didn't get to give him a hug. But, when I put my niece down, she called me back in, because she just wanted to "talk" in her year-old talking with me while she settled in.(She calls me "Manna" and I love it <3)  She was falling asleep so I said goodnight and "I love you." She said "luv too," and my heart just MELTED. I love being an aunt. LOVE it. It was the easiest night babysitting and made my night. It reminded me that all the junk I was stressing out about wasn't important. Family is important. 

Mother's Day- celebrating the most amazing women

My mom is my best friend. Literally. She and I are ridiculously alike. She is the most kind-hearted, generous, and loving person. The truest friend anyone could ever know. She is classy and spiritual, and makes the best cookies you'll ever have. She taught me how to care about people and how to always use your talents to enrich other's lives. She is my heroine. 


Playing in a pit orchestra currently . . .  especially a Roger's and Hammerstein one reminds me of some of my favorite moments of playing with my mom. We always got to be stand partners and would enjoy the bonding of sharing laughs and the joy of music. Usually one of my siblings (most of the time Missy ^^) would be up on stage in the play while we were in the pit. I have a dear love of playing in the pit for musicals and I believe that is part of it: sharing the experience with my mom. 


Mom cries at beautiful music, and feels deeply. I'm getting more and more like this, and as annoying as it is to be a cry-baby, we see the world through unique, emotional, artistic eyes. She is extremely creative, artistic, and multi-talented. 


She's had to deal with a lot. Raised seven kids, lost her own mother and best friend too many years ago, and still has to deal with health issues. She understands and is empathetic, and deals with the health problems better than I deal with mine . . . by far. 


Mom has touched so many lives. Not only her seven children and her husband's, but thousands of students, friends, and countless animals. I love you, Mom. I am so blessed to be your daughter. Thank you for your lessons, love, and friendship.