Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

It's 7:32 a.m. and I woke up to two little boys at 7 a.m. telling me "Happy Mother's Day!" and then begging for breakfast and sippies. There's no rest for a mama! They are now going on an indoor "bear hunt." Maddox pronounces it "beer hunt" and frankly, that's one hunt I'd gladly participate in.

But, I won't be seeing my own mom today so I thought I'd share with you some "Lessons Learned from my Mom" to celebrate.

1. Always send a thank you note when someone does something nice for you. And, if you go to a party and have a really great time, it's nice to send a note to say "Thank you - I had a great time."
2. When someone is sick or grieving, go see them and help them in any way you know how. Cook a meal. Send money. Send a gift card to a local restaurant. Take their laundry home. Clean their house. Find something and just do it.
3. Decorate your house as the seasons change. My mom is the master of fireplace mantle decorating. I've always hated decorating my mantle and my mom definitely has a gift for that. But, she just has a gift for decorating in general....but I love going there and seeing how the whole house changes as a new season arrives.
4. Brand names don't matter - on clothes or gifts or decorations. Just matters if you love it. And, my sister and I make fun of my mom because when we go to buy something, she'll say, "Do you love it, love it, love it?" And, my sister and I often respond, "No, but I'm buying it anyway." But, I do think her theory proves true on most occasions.
5. When people come to your house, you should make sure they feel at home. Your house should be a reflection of who you are. Nate Berkus gives that advice, and if only my mom would have shared it years ago, she'd be the star on Oprah. But, not nearly as hot. Or gay. But, anywho, you want people to feel comfortable. You thank them for coming. You offer them a drink. You put out your best dishes.
6. Wear cute pajamas. She always bought us pajamas growing up, and she's great at buying my boys pajamas. And, since then, sweats at night just don't cut it for me, I want pajamas.
7. When you watch movies, pay more attention to the houses that are in the movie, than the actual content. Honestly, it's the only reason I got through the movie, "Something's Gotta Give" - I dream about the house often.
8. It's also okay to vote for a Governor based on his wife's haircut or style. And, I'd like to say that if you stick with this rule, a certain party will almost always win. : )
9. Work hard and do your job with a positive attitude. Although I'm not at work with my mom, most people tell me how friendly and positive she is at work and I believe them!
10. Don't try your old cheerleading moves out once you turn 40. That was a really bad idea that my mom once tested, and she still blames most of her life's problems on that one kick.
11. Eat dinner together as a family whenever possible. Not in front of the t.v. Not in shifts. Together. That means that sometimes you have to wait to eat until everyone is home. It gets harder as you get older, but mom and dad made it a priority.
12. Go to church. And, go often. And, your kids will most likely hate you for this. And, they will pretend like they are sleeping to get out of it. And, they will moan and groan. But, someday, approximately 30 years later, they will thank you for it. And, they will drag their moaning and groaning children with them, knowing that the thanks will not come for many, many years. But, it will come.
13. Saying "I'm proud of you" is just as important as saying "I love you." My mom almost always ends her cards or notes with "We are so proud of you." (I hope my sister is reading this because I bet they never tell her that.) tee hee hee. She also taught us to celebrate the little things, the small moments of accomplishment.
14. Cleaning products are important. My mom is known for giving us toilet brushes for Christmas. Or, she'll find this really good glass cleaner and give us a bottle. Or, she'll go up to the maintenance people at the hospital and ask, "Um, how do you get those toilets so sparkling clean?"
15. Hang a flag somewhere. Love your country.
16. Make family memories. And, that doesn't mean you have to go to Florida or Colorado to do this. You can have fun together at home, or at a hotel in your own town! Kids mostly just want to be with you, they don't really care where that is. Play cards. Watch a movie. Make dinner together. Do a craft. Play outside. Pick up sticks (my mom will still try to claim that this is a great family activity). Do something, as long as it's together.

That's all for now. Thanks, mom, for all you've done for me! I love you! Happy Mother's Day!