For those of you who didn't know it, today is Mother's Day. That's the day where you tell your mom you love her, and if you are a mother yourself, tell your kids, too.
I've had several moments over the past couple of weeks to kind of reflect on Motherhood. I've been thinking about this particular post for a while, thinking it would make the perfect Mother's Day post. So...here goes.
If you're a mom, have you ever thought about how the things that your mom did with you are now reflected in what you do with your own kids? Even the things you didn't necessarily want to do, but did anyway because your "mommy made you?"
For instance, my mom taught me how to sew. (I actually enjoyed that!) My mom is one of those moms that can do anything. I'm serious! I can't think of a single thing she doesn't know how to do or isn't willing to try! Anyway, she can also sew anything. She made all of my prom dresses, dresses and outfits for all of us when we were kids. She even made my wedding dress! I can't sew anything near what she can, but I knew how to make my own barbie clothes and once time I even won an award for an outfit I made. I stopped sewing after I had my third child. I had a sewing machine, but it didn't work and I never got around to getting another one. This year, B-boo is taking a fashion class. Guess what? That means she has to learn how to sew. I thought it would be great; except that the teacher doesn't really teach the kids much. She just tells them to make such and such and they are on their own for the most part. So, I am teaching her how to sew. Only...I don't have a working sewing machine. So we were borrowing my mother-in-laws to help her with the quilts and other projects that she was making. Then, when my parents came to visit while I was recovering, they brought a brand new sewing machine for B-boo! Her last project was a stuffed elephant. She had to follow a pattern and do certain stitches. I was sooo glad my mom had taught me how to sew and made sure I knew the different stitches; because I was able to help my own daughter with the same thing. And she got an "A." I am looking forward to teaching my younger daughter how to sew now, also. And all because my mom did it with me.
Another thing my mom taught us was how to draw, paint and make crafts. I'm not great at that, either, but I do know the basics. Last week we were making props for our Children's concert tomorrow night. We were tracing, drawing, painting, etc. At one point, I needed to draw some stuff free hand. All those lessons from my mom came pouring back, and I managed to do a pretty decent job! Then, I got to give a certain teen a mini painting lesson when it came to painting Kermit the frog. And then, there was the mixing of the paint to get the particular colors that we wanted. Again, all learned from my mom. And while I always enjoyed the painting and crafts (still do), it was nice to put it to good use with my own (and other people's) children!
There is one thing that I never cared to do, but my mommy made me. My mom was a cosmetologist and loved to cut hair. I never liked it. I admit it. I never wanted to do it and had to learn great patience at being forced to learn how to cut hair. She always insisted I needed to know how to do it. I'd much rather pay someone else to make my family look beautiful, but...my mommy said I could do it. And insisted that I learn. So I did. I've been cutting my hubby's hair for years. It's not something I really enjoy doing, but he likes it, so I like it. I used to cut my boys hair when they were little, and even the girls. But as the teens have wanted certain styles and such, I started having someone else do it.
And then my hubby lost his job. And well, everyone needed hair cuts. Including myself. So, I started with my nephew one day because he wanted a cut and he knew I had the stuff to do it, so decided I needed to cut his hair. And then, I got brave and did my own hair! And the next week, I did my own hair again, a little bit better! And then, my teenage son asked me to do his. I REALLY didn't want to, that made me VERY nervous. This boy likes his hair just right. Somehow we made it through and he states he actually likes it. It kind of made me feel good to have his approval, because he is so very picky. He trusted his mom to cut his hair; something I wouldn't have known how to do if my mom hadn't taught me!
And speaking of hair, B-boo needed a french braid for her recital this week. That's something I never could quite get! So, she had to have a friend do it for her. Sorry about that, B-boo.
My mom also instilled the love of cooking in me. She loves to cook; bake, too. I grew up not afraid to try new recipes, etc. I am forever grateful for that one! Especially since I have two children with serious food allergies. Trying buying something these days that doesn't have at least one of the following ingredients in it: dairy, egg, nuts, wheat, soy, gluten, or apples. It is nearly impossible! And if you do manage to find something, it costs way too much! So, I make bread, bake cakes, learn how to substitute ingredients and manage to make some pretty good meals, too. What's even better, is that my children like to cook; especially the ones with food allergies! They will grow up learning to cook whatever their hearts desire! And all because my mom instilled the love of cooking in me when I was a child.
Mom also loves animals. Doesn't matter what kind they are; she likes 'em all! So do my kids; which is why we've had pets such as snakes, lizards, rats, birds, rabbits, fish, etc.
There is one thing I have never managed to learn from my mom. That is a taking care of plants. I try, I really do, but I did NOT inherit her green thumb! I will kill them dead after trying and trying to keep them alive. I'll give them to her for burial, and she'll have them resurrected within days!
One thing my mom was not. She was not afraid to be a mother. She taught me all about being a mom to my own five kids. She also taught me to welcome other children into our home; something my parents always did. Our home was always open to others; and now, our home is always open to others.
I've not physically been with my mom in several years now on Mother's day. She lives 12 hours away. This year, she is getting to spend it with my oldest brother. Something she hasn't done in years, so I am sure she is having the time of her life!
And me? Well, tonight as I write this to post on Mother's Day, I am sitting here typing while my own two daughters cuddle next to me. I'm needed tonight because the Drama Queen is sick. So I'm going to finish this and give my full attention to her now. Tomorrow, she's going to bless me with her beautiful voice in a Mother's Day concert, provided we can get her well!
Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you!
The Luna Family
1973
