Mothering

Mother's Day Weekend was a bright spot for me. Saturday morning the kids had their dance recital rehearsal and photos. I was holding back, but I'll post a couple of preview pics, since I'm not sure how the actual recital day will go.

The theme of this year's recital is "games" and obviously, musical chairs is much better played when you're dressed like this:

Miles' class is doing Super Mario Brothers! 

Fortunately, they recruited another boy to play Mario, a part which Miles vehemently refused. But playing Toad means he gets to wear a sparkly vest, so he's somehow content with this. 

I'll try to get a video. Their dances are adorable! And they made my morning by being unusually patient and industrious in their practices. It's been great fun, this year of dance lessons. 

Sunday morning I got a breakfast of nutella waffles with bacon. Spot-on perfect! Thanks Jon! 

After church, we strolled up to the Price House to check the progress of the irises. They're on their way, but not in full bloom yet. Still, I love a stroll in that yard; we have a lot of memories there. 

Jon getting silly with Adele's dino

"Stop fooling around everyone, and line up!"

That's better. 

A few irises were in bloom

Brunch on the roof at Boudreaux! 

In the evening, there was a long stroll at the duck pond. Miles' Chinese school had an end of the year event, and I felt strongly that we should go. Traditionally, things involving the kids that I feel we should attend have a power I cannot resist. But, it was Mother's Day, and I did not feel like it. (Actually, I was coming down with a flu & didn't know it, but that's another story). Anyway, we skipped the event and went for a calm walk at the duck pond.

I mean, as calm as these guys get:

We should do this more often.

Here are favorite pages of my Mom Book that Miles made for me in kindergarten.

"When my mom is driving she sumtims gos the rong way." It's a fact, and a family joke. I do. 

Also true, and I love the illustration. 

Mothering these two is a privilege and an inestimable gift. Becoming a parent is like being able to see colors you could never see before. Magic. I'm so grateful.

Even when they develop ear infections when you already have the flu. Even then.

Every year, I have different feelings about not having this lady in my life on Mother's Day. 

This year, I was mainly annoyed. I should be able to consult her. I should be on the phone with her, teaching her to skype, making summer plans. I'd like to close with something philosophic, but there is no acceptable philosophy for making untimely loss all right. 

God bless all who grieve. That's all.