My tribute to some very special mothers...

 

 

...who give sacrificially to the little ones they have been have been blessed with,

 

...who take time to teach, train, admonish, and encourage,

 

...who share the "so happy to see you again" emotions whenever returning home,

 

 

...who are learning how to handle the many frustations and time consuming chores that go with the job,

 

...who offer helping hands and untold amounts of guidance, and leadership,

...who quite freely express surprise, gratitude, and heartfelt appreciation as a daily part of everyday life( bouquets of dandelions included),

 

...who are learning to hold back at times, when it comes to helping, and letting the little ones try on their own, even  though the effort requires huge doses of patience, and lots of spot remover,
  

...all the while, ultimately teaching them how it is all done, so that someday, they will be equipped to carry the torch, in their role as mothers.

Here is a bouquet of flowers just for you, from me, on this Mother's Day weekend.  I hope it adds a touch of joy to your weekend.

We work on this book so often.  We have one of numbers and one with letters.

All that is needed is a dry erase maker and a damp paper towel.

I bought the books at KMart a few years ago, and they seem to learn quickly with them.

Today we were working on the number 9.

 

And then we went on to the activity books and coloring, at different stages of learning.
Even the youngest one wanted to join in the activities, however her attention span is limited:)  A good five minutes and she is on to something else.
Since some of them will be going off to school after the summer, we have been talking alot about school.  They asked me some questions about when I went to school?  It feels like another life time for me.  Can you relate?  I did take them up in the attic to the old cedar chest, and guess what we found?   My elementary school report cards.  I have not seen them for hundreds:) of years.  In fact, I did not know that my mother had saved them for me.

This was the picture from the front door of my elementary school, and it was on the cover of our report cards.  Of course, we always wore dresses and lacy socks to school each day.   It wasn't until my middle school years, that rule changed.

This side of my report card, I remember so clearly.  My mom and dad would sit me down and tell me that this side was the most important.    The grades were crucial too, but not as important as the citizenship side.
I have not seen report cards since my girls went to school, but I certainly don't believe they have the citizenship side anymore.  Do you think the last item is why my mother was constantly telling me to stand tall, walk tall, and don't slump my shoulders?  Could it be?

This was my fourth grade report card.  I always struggled in math and art.  What does that say about me?   Oh, how I smiled as I showed these cards to my grandchildren, and suddenly felt old.

And then there was always the reports written on the back, personalizing it all, in the teacher's handwriting.  I remember feeling worried about what was written on the back.

I saw today, that my third grade teacher wrote that I had trouble expressing myself in written work.  Isn't that something?  I still have trouble expressing myself when I write.   That is why I often wonder, why I have a blog?

I am amazed that way back in third grade my difficulty started.

My mother so kindly signed each report card, and I dutifully took it back in the next day.

What fun to go back to my school days for a brief time today.

I guess as long as the grandchildren are this young, I will be able to keep teaching them, although I am wise enough to know, that in a short amount of time, the teacher will be the one that knows more than me.  I am already praying for the teachers that they will have.

Thanks so much for walking down memory lane with me.  Do you still have your elementary report cards?  Did you have a citizenship side to your report card?

Remember my old bottles...those little flea market finds that I found over the last ten years?

And, need I remind you of my great fondness of flowers?

Well, this past weekend I was so excited to see all the colors in my limited garden and pots, that I just had to bring some inside so I could look at them more.

I filled two of my old bottles with oil, and dropped in the wick and the plastic caps.  You can buy packs of theses inexpensive wicks and caps, at most craft stores.  I buy the ultra-pure lamp oil.

These little lamps burn for a long time.

 I took one of my green oblong plates and filled it with my old bottles and a variety of flowers.

Each blossom amazed me with it's delicate beauty and uniqueness.

I loved seeing the simple, final look that was created, on the center of my wooden kitchen table.

I added the tiny oil lamps on each side of the centerpiece, which took it up a notch in my book.
This morning it still looks good and I smile everytime I see it.  Really, God's designs and artistry are extrordinaire!

Then I added another little old, ink bottle in my powder room, and filled it with the first of my blooming knock-out roses of the season, and the first of my spirea flowers.  I find touches of beauty from the outdoors, brought inside boost my spirits. 

The fragrant bouquet of lilacs was dropped off by my oldest daughter yesterday.  She found the pretty milkglass vase at a flea market last weekend.  The aroma that fills my kitchen is heavenly.  I will keep her twins anytime.  What a sweet, unexpected surprise.

This was the bulletin at our church on Sunday.  It tied in perfectly with my "flower post" .  It is now placed on my refrigerator door, adding more flower beauty to my daily routines.

I also want to thank all of the many blogs out there that are sharing flowers too, this time of the year.  When I have time, I so enjoy seeing them.

What a change from the cold, barrenness of the trees and flower beds, that existed a few weeks ago. 

I knew you would like to see a few pictures of my nephew and his wife's baby shower.

It took place on the farm porch, you know the one that I have shared with you all before.

The weather, the setting, and the doses of creativity that those who hosted it had, made it a memorable occasion.

"Love you to the moon and back" was the theme for the afternoon.

It was fun to watch the guests visit this candy bar throughout the afternoon.

I observed my mother-in-law sitting on the porch, peeling the blue paper off of a Hershey Kiss.

Young and old alike are drawn to it's sweetness.

Blue ice cubes in the glass mugs, added a festive touch.

Iced water or blue Cool Aid...you choose.

The dear, soon-to-be-grandma and the future mother of the eagerly anticipated little boy.

Their warmth and gracious personalities were felt throughout the afternoon.

I must admit, the Macadamia Nut pie that the one on the left baked, was amazingly delicious!

I heard that she was a great cook, now I know that to be a fact.

A good friend baked and decorated the shower cake.  The decorating was exceptional on the cake.

 

Thanks again to my sister-in-law for opening her home and porch to another beautiful event.
Her little granddaughter will learn lots of hospitality lessons from observing her grandma's quiet, serving style throughout her growing up years.

Thank you so much for stopping by, for a touch of blue to your weekend.

Driving through the countryside on Sunday evening was so relaxing.

 

We came over a hill and found this peaceful scene.

It seemed like it was out of a storybook

It reminded me immediately of a Psalms from the Bible, that I learned as a young girl,

Psalms 123.  I can clearly remember my grandma repeating those verses to me.  Isn't it interesting, how a scene like this one, can instantly bring back memories of long ago?

 

 

"The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name's sake."

Psalms 123: 1-3

As we sat by the side of the road, and watched the scene before us, I realized how much I needed the 

                                                               the still waters...

                                                                and for my soul to be restored...

Life seems at times, like a roller coaster.  Life goes by so quickly, there is so much to do, so many decisions to make,  and so much info for our minds to process.

I wanted to stay by the still waters, where my soul was refreshed and restored. 

"Stillness" gives me time to think, time to process, and time to reflect.  I am praying for the time to find more stillness in my daily life.

Wishing moments of stillness for you this weekend, and some maybe, some green pastures for you to spend time in.

              

 

There are little moments in life that one treasures deep in their heart.

Moments that happen, as quickly as they are gone.

Thankfully, memories last much longer than the event itself.

 

Such were the moments I was given on Monday evening.

An early Mother's Day dinner out with five extra special females in my life.  Only one was unable to be there, and missed by all of us.

 

After dinner, we took pictures in the empty courtyard behind the cafe'.   The little ones made themselves at home.  The older ones took the pictures and worked feverishly to get the smiles.

An early Mother's Day gift and visit that I will hold in my heart for a long time.


Thanks for stopping by!  My wish is that you will be given some moments to treasure today.

 

Our youngest daughter and her good friend were together on Friday evening.  Having gone to school to study the art of pastry creations, she is always eager to try new ideas.  Her friend was up for the challenge.  Together they created these adorable little guys.

 

They found the idea and the how-to, in one of her recipe books.

 

A simple cupcake and a doughnut ball, who would have thought?

 

Add some yellow food coloring to the icing and the fun continues.

 

Next cut the beaks and the feet out of flattened Starburst candy.

 

 

Cut the duck's back out of marshmallows and attach to the cupcake.

 

 You will have a lots of happy little ducks.   What a great treat to share with a group of friends, who are over for the evening.

 

Our daughter and her husband(on the right), and their dear friends.

I am so happy you stopped by!

 It is raining today in my part of the country, so it seemed appropriate to share these little ducks with you.  Hope they bring you a smile like they did me.