Mother's Day 2026

 

I used to have a hard time with Mother's Day. My mom died a month after I turned 18, so I never had a Mother's Day with my mom as an adult. In 2020, I was finally able to take my time, celebrate my mom, grieve experiences I felt robbed of, and be celebrated by my husband and kids without having to go to celebrate someone else (I know this part is selfish). This was what I needed to heal and finally be able to enjoy Mother's Day. We still send my mother-in-law a gift, and my husband calls her. However, I am aloud to spend time a lone to think of my mom, and my husband and kids celebrate me. 

This year, we had a plan. Chad was going to make homemade fettucine noodles and alfredo sauce with broccoli and a cherry cheesecake for dessert. I made rolls the day to go with it when I made bread the day before. This dinner didn't happen. 

After church, we had lunch; Eric came over; and Chad started on the cheesecake. Then, Eric, Sean, and I planted some shrubs and flowers that I had bought not long ago. When we were finishing up the last shrub, Chad came to the back door and told me he was in pain and may need to go to the ER. He was having a diverticulitis attack from eating too much rice. We made the decision together that he would lie down, take some Tylenol, and drink some water as he monitored his pain. If it got worse, we would go to the hospital. It started to get better, but there was no one to make dinner, and we didn't have anything for a backup out of the freezer. The kids and I ordered from Red Robin instead of having the planned dinner. On the way to pick up our order, we stopped at the gas station to get soda for us and apple juice for Chad. (Apple juice was his dinner because that was what we were told to do before he was discharged from the hospital in March.) We still had the cheesecake for desert after we played a game. I continually checked on Chad through the night. He eventually felt well enough to come out of our room and spend time with everyone before Eric left. Today, it is like it didn't happen at all. 

Mother's Day didn't exactly look like we had planned. The dinner I dreamed of was not able to be made. That didn't matter. I was able to spend my time with my children, and they all got along. We laughed, we played, we ate good food. What more could this mama want?

Christmas 2025

 

This year, we had a good Christmas. Eric came over around 9am, and we opened presents together. I think everyone was happy with the gifts they received. I know that I worked hard to try to make sure to buy things that Eric, Sean, Noel, and Chad wanted or needed. We also do a not-so-secret-Santa, and I think everyone did a good job finding something for the person they needed to buy for which was decided in a drawing of names on Thanksgiving. My favorite reaction of the day was Noel when she opened her ironing board. I got her a small tabletop ironing board that she could easily tuck under her bed or in her closet because she doesn't like mine when she is sewing. Who knew that was exactly what she was wanting. Eric seemed to be most excited about the Dune box set. He lost his love of reading in elementary school, but he has found it again now that he can really choose which books he reads. Sean was happy about the video games he opened, but he also got a chuckle out of the shirts I gave him. Chad was excited about the cookbooks he got because they are not only filled with recipes, they also have the historical content behind the recipes. One of them even has the historical recipe and modern recipe. I was most excited about getting Elenor Roosevelt's autobiography. After presents, we played Clue for a while and ate a roast dinner before we went our separate ways. (Eric went home. Sean and Noel went to their dad's house. Chad and I took a nap.) 

Easter 2025

This morning, I woke up with this hymn on my mind. This is the hymn that my dear friend sang with me at my mom's and brother's funeral. That sweet friend had never heard it before but willingly learned it for me (a service I could never repay). I told my husband that I was sad we so rarely sang it in church anymore. Then, one of the speakers incorporated into her talk. After that, as if he knew how badly I needed it, the bishop made an impromptu change in the program and had the congregation stand and sing this very special hymn. I stood listening to everyone sing as I cried in Chad's arms. I am so thankful to know that because of Christ, I will be with my family again. He lives! He made the ultimate sacrifice for us! He comforts me when I need Him the most! 

My Easter celebration was more difficult this year than I expected. I think my cousin's death has hit me harder than I thought it would and continually throws me in the a spiral of grief over my mom and brother. Somehow, today I felt it so strong. The only thing that pulled me out of it was celebrating Easter with my kids. I love my kids, and I am so grateful that they still let me spoil them in this way. 

Celebrating Eric

Eric's birthday was last week. He came over for pizza (his choice for birthday dinner), presents, and monkey bread (his choice for dessert). I love this kid and love celebrating special occasions with him. I love watching him continue to grow mentally and emotionally. He amazes me on a regular basis. I am so blessed to be his mom.

Noel took pictures this time around because my phone had died.

Tonight, Eric and I went out for our yearly Mom and Eric day. Given several choices of things to do, he chose dinner at Fat Shack, a strange restaurant that serves very odd sandwiches. He loves this place but hasn't been there since moving back to our part of town. We had weird food and good conversation. It's nice that he still wants to spend this kind of quality time with me.

Bowling with the Family

In the past, we had a tradition of going to a movie as a family for New Year's Day. It has had to change here and there for a few reasons. This year, it looked different because we couldn't all agree on a movie. Instead, we chose to go bowling. Since Eric and Noel both had to work on the 1st, we chose to go New Year's Eve. I don't know if everyone had fun, but I do know that I love any chance I get to be with all of my kids. I hope they never feel too old to hang out with Mom. 

Christmas Day 2024

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21 

A Day of Celebration 

Today was a great day full of smiles and gratitude and fun. My oldest came over at 8am. The others stayed in their rooms until he got there so they would all experience the magic at the same time. This is what the saw as they walked into the living room.

They were all happy and excited as they went through their stockings and opened gifts. 

Then, we went to Starbucks for peppermint hot chocolate and goodies, made a ham dinner, and just enjoyed each other's company. 

I am thankful for this wonderful day to celebrate the Savior's birthday and spend time with family. I love this day, and I love this family of mine!

Recreation Photos

I love pictures that recreate past pictures. When Eric was a senior, I really wanted to recreate a kindergarten graduation picture with his best friend from that time period. We talked about it for months, and I worried we wouldn’t be able to do it because of COVID. Thankfully, his school was able to figure out how to do graduation at a drive-in and we were able to do it. 

For Sean, we were able to recreate his eight grade graduation picture with is favorite teacher. 

When it came to Noel, only one picture came to mind when I thought of doing this. It doesn’t include anyone else which is good because she changed schools in high school. She fought me a bit on it but agreed that it looked great when she saw the result. 

I love that even when they think my plans are weird or stupid, my kids indulge me in things like this. And in case you’re wondering, they are in frames with their senior pictures. 

Easter 2024

I wasn’t allowed to do the Easter Bunny thing until Eric was in first grade and heard his friends talking about it. He was so excited about the Easter Bunny coming that I was finally able to talk the person in charge into allowing it. Since then, the kids have had an Easter basket every year. This year, I used baskets they can use for some kind of organization purpose. Noel specifically asked for the carrot, Sean wanted a fuzzy bunny but got a dinosaur because there were no bunnies, and Eric was given some Hot Wheels which he appreciated. I can’t imagine a day when I wouldn’t put together Easter Baskets for my kids. I feel like it is just one simple thing I can do to show them my love. 

Valentine’s Day 2024

I like Valentine’s Day. My husband and kids love it. Yesterday, Chad gave me this beautiful bouquet. Then, we went to Walmart and got Sean and Noel stuffed animals and treats. Of course, I gave them to the kids when we got home. I can’t wait every time I get them gifts. 

Today, I made a heart shaped pizza for dinner. Our tradition was getting it from Papa Murphy, but after the Halloween pizza fiasco, I had no desire to go through that again. It is a bit fun to make pizza crust from scratch and shape it, too. I don’t know how many Valentine’s Days I have left with these two in the home, and I want to soak up these traditions while I can. I already have to miss Eric. 

Orange Candle

 

A few years ago, Eric gave me a candle maker for either my birthday or Mother’s Day. I made one with Noel a while ago, but I was rushed that day and had to leave most of the work to her. A couple of days ago, I decided to get the candle maker out and make one alone. I had a lot of fun doing it. Since I was using the orange oil, I decided to make the candle an orange color. Mixing the color was the hardest part, but I am happy with how it turned out. 

This is something I will do again. I have loved scented candles for my entire adult life. There is just something soothing about them. 

Eric and Mom Day 2024

Eric made it known that he wanted to have a day with me for his birthday again. He seemed to have forgotten that he had told me he had outgrown it. The only issue we had was figuring out what to do and when. He finally decided he wanted to go to Meow Wolf, so I got tickets for after work yesterday. 

Eric had a blast. We were there for a bit over two hours and saw everything at least once. The world they have created in this odd shaped building is amazing and intricate. Eric loved it so much that he didn’t want to leave. I really enjoyed spending time with my oldest child. I love seeing the excitement and curiosity in his eyes. 

He’s 22!

 

My sweet Eric turned 22 today. It has been such a privilege to be his mom. He has always been so kind and loving. He was always that kid that wanted to be friends with everyone and not let anyone feel left out. I am a better person because of him. I am so lucky to be the person he calls mom. 

We celebrated with a dinner at Old Chicago,

a lemon cake made by his girlfriend,

and a game an presents at our house. 

We also have plans to spend Mom and Eric time Friday night. I hope he knows how much we love him.