our new normal: week 9

The week of May 10, 2020

With Scott on crutches from his surgery, the kids have picked up the slack, and they are excelling at it. I've always thought we've been good about doling out chores, but I see that they are more capable than I've pushed for. That, and the fact that we are home 24-7, means they are rocking the extra work. It never would have happened during a hectic school year with sports, piano, etc.

Mother's Day was different, but nice. The kids and I went for a walk in the woods. I was pampered at "the salon" and even had my nails done. I made my own dinner and dessert (and coffee!), but the kids set a nice table with china and cleaned it all up. Scott's parents stopped over for a driveway visit, and we had our weekly Zoom with my family.

Our yard work began, and it was impressive. We are thrilled with how it turned out (click here!) and are now waiting for grass to grow. I transplanted some irises from next door and created a border along the north side of our property to keep a separation between the new grass and the woods.

On Tuesday, the Blue Angels had a metro area flyover to saute front line workers. We met the Phillips and Hardy families in the Aldi parking lot and had a great view. It was short, but it was fun.

After realizing I killed some of the veggie seeds, we started over with cucumber and green beans.

School is wrapping up soon! Just around the corner. I think everyone is excited about that. Morgan has one last science powerpoint to create and the boys just want to make stuff for fun.

mothers and daughters

I don't remember much about my great-grandfather, the only great who was still living when I grew up. He lived across the state, and even if we were in town visiting my grandparents, we didn't always see my great-grandfather. When we did, the small house was packed with lots of relatives, so my memories mostly revolve around root beer and the basement pool table. I was 11 when he died.

Morgan is now 11, and she has spent a considerable amount of time with her great-grandmother. When she was a little girl, we would go over to Woodside to visit, pick pears, help with odd jobs, and pick up GG for road trips to a city she now calls home. Our visits aren't as frequent now, but are still a delight for my grandma despite her failing memory. I'm not sure what Morgan remembers about those early years, or what, for that matter, my grandma does. It's sort of an odd juxtaposition - as Morgan has grown and begun to retain memories, my grandma's ability to hold them continues to slip away. 

A couple months ago, a picture taking opportunity presented itself. Here we are, mothers and daughters. Rachel (40), Morgan (11), Wanda (95), Ruth (65).

This picture was taken on my 40th birthday, and yet I don't remember much about that weekend. Instead I look at this and think about those days at my grandma's house: running around the backyard, jumping off the front porch, decorating Christmas cookies, playing with vintage games, and girls-only Saturday mornings at Oakland Mall with lunch at Victor's. 

So on this Mother's Day, I think fondly of the times with my grandma (and mom and sister). Those girlhood moments were encouraged by my mom, who with sweet memories of her own grandmother, understood - and still does - the specialness of that relationship. I'm thankful for those days, and thankful for a mom who continues to create lasting memories with my daughter, so that she, too, will look back on these years as rich and meaningful additions to her life.  

Easter weekend 2008

blessed momma

What a guy. Pinterest or Google? He won't tell.
No matter. This is the cutest trio of hands I know.

A beautiful day together.

mom

Proud to be theirs.
Because after all, I would not be able to carry the title without them. All of them.

an open letter to my wife

It is almost silly to only have one day a year to honor you, when you do so much. You work so hard to take care of our family.  At times you get up early with the little ones, and often stay up later than you would like to spend alone time with me.  You make sure we always have delicious meals on the table (and snacks in the cupboard!), and clean clothes on our backs.  You give so much, and continue your selfless efforts even though often you don’t get what you deserve in return.  We know that you put up with a lot from all of us, and we are thankful every day to have you in our lives.  You are a great teacher, mentor, leader, mother, and wife.  You are an inspiration, and the kids and I are so proud of you.  We love you.  Happy Mother’s Day!

Love,
Scott (and the kids)

i've got a feeling

Today? It was a good, good day. Sleeping in, sunny skies, and loads of smiles.

I am one blessed Mommy. And so thankful for one amazing Daddy who
made my day so very special.

a mother's love

There's nothing like it.

mommy of two

As I was putting on my make-up this morning, Scott was trying, with a mouth full of toothpaste, to scold Morgan for pulling clothes off all her hangers onto her closet floor. We were getting ready for church, and I said to him as he walked back into the bathroom, "I keep trying to imagine getting ready with two kids running around, not just Morgan. What do you think it's going to be like?"

The question wasn't rhetorical, but he never did answer. Too busy, I imagine, to stop and contemplate that thought in that moment.

Today, I get to celebrate as a mom of two. One on the outside, with a personality all her own. One on the inside, punching me like a boxer, growing stronger every day. Both very much loved by their mommy.

Momma

Morgan just started calling out to me. Not in the way she typically does with little, indistinguishable shrieks saying, "I need something. If anyone is within earshot, please help a girl out, otherwise I might have to whine." But instead, from another room, with clear desire in her inflection for one person in particular... "Momma? Momma."

one of God's children

In celebrating my first Mother's Day, we also celebrated something so much more important... asking God into the life of little Morgan through Holy Baptism. What a very special day!

Our pastors...



Morgan's Godparents... Doug and Sarah...



Our family...



"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by his GRACE, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:4-7

mother's day

Scott and I had our parents (and my grandma) over for dinner on Saturday night to celebrate Mother's Day...











three tired ladies...