Thoughts on Mother's Day

This is the first Mother's Day since my mom passed away, and I'm feeling a little extra melancholy today.  I sure miss her!  I've written about her in the past, but usually in a bit of a joking manner.  She was, after all, a very funny person.  She appreciated a good story -- even if it meant being told at her own expense.

Before her death, my brother and I were appointed as executors of her will.  Since that time, a lot of our focus has been on getting her physical assets distributed, and her financial assets freed up.  Along with a few other things, I was lucky enough to inherit a large selection of costumes.  They are beautiful old-fashioned dresses, hats and bustles -- all of them homemade.  I love every piece!  As nice as that is to have a physical inheritance from her, I'm even more appreciative that I've inherited her love of musical theatre.  It's brought me SO much joy over the years.  THANKS MOM!

I also wanted to spend a few minutes thanking my children for the opportunity to be their mom.  What a wonderful gift!

Daughter #1 -- Thanks for letting me "learn" on you.  I've heard it said that first children deserve a medal for having to put up with all of their parents' parenting mistakes.  You've certainly done your share of putting up.  I admire your strong work ethic and your love of learning, two things that I'm trying harder lately to emulate.  And thanks, too, for sharing your off-beat funny sense of humor with us.

Daughter #2 -- Even at a very young age, you've had the ability to be a good friend.  Your kind and generous heart draws others to you, and your determined efforts to sustain and strengthen those relationships, has always been an example to me.  Your love of nature and the outdoors -- not to mention your willingness to be seen in a plaid redneck coat -- is inspiring (if not a little baffling!)

Son #1A -- By a mere two minutes, you are our oldest son, but for some reason I always put your name second when referring to you and your brother.  That's not really fair is it?  I'll try to do better.  I want to thank you for being so helpful.  You always seem to know just what needs to be done, and start doing it, before I even have to ask.  I see this same thoughtfulness carry over to other people and projects you're involved with.  Thanks, too, for sharing your creative musical talents with us.  They have brought me so much joy!

Son #1B -- (Who from now on will be referred to second when linked with your brother -- just kidding!)  Although you've never enjoyed school, I'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who does as well at it as you do.  To quote Westley from The Princess Bride, "Truly you have a dizzying intellect."  I've always admired your hard work and diligence in the many extra-curricular pursuits you've been involved with, even when it seemed you were working alone sometimes.

Daughter #3 -- Right from the beginning you've exhibited a peaceful spirit which has been a real blessing to our family.  You will probably never know how much that has meant to me over the years.  I also want to thank you for your great example in your efforts to strengthen your faith.  You have always been spiritually mature beyond your years.  It's been a pleasure watching you grow up!

I love these kids!  Who aren't really kids anymore.  But to me they'll always be my kids.  And I'm so grateful to always be their mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

Dixie

Crazy Busy

Crazy and busy!  That's how I would describe my life these past several weeks.

It all started when I realized I had probably gotten a little overzealous in my plans for the Showbiz Kids' year-end show.  But can you blame me?  After all, those kids came into my classes back in September with such enthusiasm and talent that I just kept thinking of more fun songs to put into the program.

About one month before the big day, it started to dawn on me just how much work this was going to entail:

                  27 children x 42 songs = a whole lot of costumes, props, scenery, and confusion!

My sewing machine has become a permanent fixture at my kitchen table.  So has a complete assortment of thread, elastic, velcro, pins, and fabric.  Every spare area in my house had piles of costumes, props and painted cardboard scenery.  Fortunately The Mr. has been very patient.

The past five days were especially tough.  However, with help from some of the moms, Sons 1A and 1B, and 27 confused (albeit enthusiastic) children, we were able to pull off an extremely difficult production to an appreciative crowd.

Last night, as I watched the kids on stage, I was reminded again how much I love doing this.  It makes all the "Crazy Busy" worth it.

I was once told by Daughter #3 that I probably had five good years left in me.  That was five years ago.  I've decided to prove her wrong!

Dixie