Ode to Mother's Day

I mean let's be honest. I could do without this day.
It is just a day full of extreme emotions.

First there is sadness. Sad that my mom isn't around.

Then there is joy, joy that I have children.
I have these little people on Earth that call me mom.
I guess big people too...
"What's for dinner tonight, momma?"- Brett.
"Stop calling me momma, Brett. I am your wife."

Next there is let down, let down because you have this amazing expectation that mother's day, whether you are celebrating your mother or yourself, will be a glorious day full of laughter, fun, appreciation, connectiveness, reflection, relaxation... But really it is a day filled will referring arguments, wiping diarrhea off the bathroom rug, then cleaning a swimsuit full of it, more referring, another timeout, cutting gum out of hair, blood from a stubbed toe, fighting over the swing again, begging to play baseball,
more diarrhea (the baby, not me)

Then the feeling of sheer emotional exhaustion.

However, there is tomorrow.
No expectation, just a regular day, a good day.

.

To Lesley From Mom

This poem was written by me
 a little over a year
after my mom and dad died.
I found it the other day
when I was cleaning.
I think she would still
say this to me today.

I sure do miss that lady!
I have a million questions for her.
I want to sit on the couch
 lay my head in her lap
and have her play with my hair.
Laugh at me.
Hug me.
Run errands with me.
Share her wisdom.
Play with her grandkids.
Know Brett.
I want to celebrate her today.
So, Mom, here's to you.
Always in my heart, always on my mind.
 

 

TO LESLEY FROM MOM
written Feb. 15, 1996
(age 15)

When you look up at me
and you see the clouds
know that I am with you
Know that I see your sweet face
Don't ever shed a tear
For I am near
God grabbed me to come home
 I am sorry you were left alone
But you're not
I'm always willing to listen when you pray
You have always been my sweet angle
And I'll remember you at that
Please remember me by the good things
'Cause I'll never forgive myself for the bad
I love you and remember whenever you want to talk
Just pray
And listen for the answer
It will come another day

Sportin' It

Lately we've been real sporty.

Bella has been involved in volleyball.

Rowan t-ball.

Bella track day.
Bella made the relay team.
It is sorta like
making the Olympics, but not.

And a wedding

We went to a friends wedding. A friend Brett has know since he put gum cigarettes behind his ear to be cool.
It was a fun wedding!

Keeping Up With the Swartz's

That's Got A Ring To It.

Maybe I should change this blog name.

Or not.

Moving on.

Last week Bella Buns had allergy testing.
She has been struggling with seborrhoeic dermatitis.

It was pretty sad, since her whole right arm reacted.

She is allergic to the outside, just like her mom. And cockroaches. Like her mom too.

March On

Teeth Cleaning- Check!

I had to be drugged- this is how much I hate it.

House Framing Done- Check

I should be drugged for that too.

The kids had their show off days at gymnastics.

Here I go with the-- I can't believe they are growing up so fast. tear :*(  

Brett had a good idea to take the kids paddle-boarding.

I wondered how that was going to work with 4 kids.

Why would I ever doubt that Brett could not figure out

how to jimmy rig something.

 

This Thursday!

This Thursday a Magnolia Trunk Show at Mi Casa.

I not only love Joanna as a person,
but also as a decorator. 

She has an eye for thinking outside the box

while keeping with such a serene feel.

 

Joanna really encourages women to love
the space in which God gave them to live in.
She has really pushed me to do that in my own life.

Please come by Thursday.
She will be selling home accents,
my favorite wood burning wick candles,
adorable tea towels,
(the kind I tell my kids to look at not to use)
spring planters, and so much more.

Live out of town... she has recently started an online store
check out her website.
http://themagnoliamom.com

Roof Top

Easter 2013 Pics...

We went to my aunt and uncle's farm.

Played with the cousin

Dyed Eggs

On your mark...(lela is cheating)
GO....

Uh Oh... What did the Easter bunny bring you...

Jane wouldn't let go...
so I had to meet the Easter bunny too

This princess was worn out