Mother's Day Report

I know people have concerns that blogs sometimes show a skewed view of life: only the happy, gorgeous parts.  Forgive me then as I brag about my amazing Mother's Day.  

I was greeted in the morning by my most favorite people in the world, my delicious children:

They surprised me with breakfast in bed.  One of the perks of 11:30am church.

This was no eat-it-because-you-don't-want-to-hurt-their-feelings breakfast.  This was some seriously good food.  Swedish pancakes, fresh fruit, orange juice.

Next, we opened presents.  I was spoiled.  Let's just say my husband's love language is Gift Giving.  (You've read "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman, yes?)  One of the way my husband shows love is by giving gifts.  I show my love for him by accepting those gifts.  Even if he goes a little overboard.

Next we had lovely church services.  I wanted a picture of the whole family in our shiny church clothes.  Alas, they had already changed into mangy sweats, so I got a picture with my husband.

Do you love my dress?  I do.  Do you remember when I told you I would buy it?  It finally went on sale, so I did.  I also went all out and did a fancy bun.  Hooray for long enough hair, just barely.

After church, I lounged on our back porch, read a fun book and enjoyed some beautiful (mild) summer weather.  My family slaved away, cooking my dinner.  (Incidentally, my husband's love language is not necessarily Acts of Service, but being Mother's Day, he did a million Acts of Service, including cleaning and cooking.  He's dreamy that man of mine.)

One of the most thoughtful things my husband did was track down one of my favorite cake's from Trudy's Treats.  She is no longer selling her wares at the Farmer's Market, so he went to her house and bought me several.

I have to show you the delicious center.

After dinner, we took a walk, which is one of my most favorite things to do.

Then, my two youngest worked on riding bikes.  She picked it up, first try!

He has a great fear of bikes, after having been run over by his older sister. (True story.) He did great but is still working on mastering the skill.

After family scripture reading, weekly calendar planning, and chatting with our moms, I laid in bed and read bits and pieces from one of my all time favorites, Pride and Prejudice.

Perfect day.

I love being a mom.  I love my kids, they are really remarkable people.  Better then I deserve.  Some people might not be satisfied with a life as a stay-at-home mom.  I find it completely fulfilling in every way.  I hope you had a Happy Mother's Day too.

Mother's Day Demands, Take Two

I only have myself to blame.  When I posted what I want for Mother's Day on my blog, I some how managed to forget that my husband doesn't read my blog.  And wouldn't you know it: the Kate Spade purse is now sold out. (I would like to think that my blog is so well read and my opinion is so revered that it sold out simply because of my recommendation.  A girl can dream.)

So, I am left to come up with some alternate suggestions.  If I must.  Here goes:

There are some things I never spend money on.  Work out clothes, for example.  I work out 5 days a week.  You'd think I realize that these are worth investing in.  Nope.  I've worn the same old, worn out, unattractive work out clothes for the last 3 years.  And I have to wash them a lot.

They have some great work out tops at Old Navy.  (The red color is "Eternal Flame" which is a really dumb name for a color.)

While we are talking about Old Navy: they actually have some cute stuff right now.  It's been awhile.

I realize now that if I purchase all these, I will look like an American flag all summer.  I think I can live with that.

Back to work out clothes.  I need some more shorts.  Why are all running shorts booty shorts?  Why do the powers that be in the athletic clothing industry think that we want to wear super-short shorts while exercising?  We don't.  We'd like our wiggly bits and soft spots to remain undercover, thank you very much. I'd like running shorts with an inseam please.  Like these, for example, found at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Something else I'm not particularly good at spending money on? Hair products, the nice ones.  I splurge every now and again but rarely buy fancy hair stuff.  So I'd like this please.  I used it years ago and it was awesome.

Something I am good at spending money on? Anthropologie clothes.  Sure, I shop their sales and rarely pay full price, but I never seem to mind pulling the trigger on a cute clothing purchase.  Either way, I wouldn't be disappointed at all if this made it's way to me this Mother's Day.

Sometimes I have a hard time coming up with non-clothing items on a wish list.  Today, you are in luck.  I found something so me that I would love for my house.  This sign is available at Pottery Barn.  I grew up in a small little town named Arlington, which means I should probably own this.

I hate to get cheesy while I'm trying to pretend to be serious about demanding things for Mother's Day (who does that really?)  But in truth, the only thing I really want for Mother's Day is a lovely day spent with these guys:

 And maybe one of these:

And a nap.

This morning

This morning on my 4.3 (but who is really counting) mile run, I listened to Terry Gross interview Jack Black.  It was really funny and kept my mind off the fact that I was running and sore from yesterday's workout.  It was not quite as funny as her interview with Jason Bateman.  And not nearly as funny as her interview with Jon Stewart, which is also known as The Funniest Terry Gross Interview of All Time, according to me.

She played a portion of this song which first made my jaw drop and then made me guffaw.  Neither of which is conducive to breathing while running.

 

I've never seen the movie High Fidelity, but tried to read the book.  The book was kind of boring and so full of language (those crazy Brits!) that I gave it a pass.  But this clip makes me think I should reconsider.

Last night we took the whole family to see The Avengers.  It was all that I dreamed of and more.  SO fun.  SUPER clean.  I think it would make basis for a solid Family Home Evening lesson (cue my children's groans and eye rolls.)  Avengers is about selflessness and teamwork and looking for people's strengths instead of their weaknesses.  And defeating the bad guys!  If I do have a FHE lesson on it, I think the opening song will be "We're All in This Together" from High School Musical.  Good thing I already know the dance moves!

Now I am off to clean my house and go to Trader Joes.  I love my life.