three cheers for mom

Happy Mother's Day!

Today, I've thought of a lot of people. My own mom, of course. And, some truly fantastic moms that I know and love. There are a lot of warm & beautiful moms in my world.  I am in lucky and better for it. (xoxo)

You know what, though? 

I've been mothered or nurtured by a lot of women who weren't/aren't moms themselves. And, I'm thinking of them, sort of especially today,  too.  (xoxo)

We've had a day of ups and downs over here, but now that all is quiet, and it is the eve of Lucas' triennial IEP, I'm going to focus on the high points.  They are as follows:

Lucas made a little present for me at school, which was cute but I was incredibly taken with the wrapping.  I'm not certain why my hair is short, brown or asymmetrical, but I am wearing some killer heels. 

Jacob made an elaborate card with a lot of my favorite colors, but I'm really loving the two pink hearts and his signature. 

And finally, my Isaac. Well, I really wish I could have photographed each answer that can appear in that little "window", but there were too many!  I have listed a few of my favorites, and in case it's too difficult to read, the card says:

"dear mother,

I ♡ u cause, 

(appearing in cut out window)

I'll die without you

Happy Mother's Day

♡ Isaac B."

Some other endearing answers were:

"you embarrass me but, I like you so much"

"you are unkillable"

"I'll love you until the end of time"

"xxx, ooo"

"you are not just a legend"

"why wouldn't I?"

"I'm full of ideas"

"you sound like a mermaid"

So, pretty much, I love

everything about this.  And, getting to be mom to these three boys is the greatest joy of my life.

(To be read in a mermaid-voice)

Goodnight moms & tender hearts, everywhere.

Life is sweet. 

♥

beginning

This morning I was afraid.  Afraid of lots of things, I guess. But, really scared of beginning.  Or, beginning again, more accurately. And, so I'm jumping in right where I am, in the middle of my story.

I am curled up on a couch, listening to the clattering of buttons, rivets & zippers as they turn in the clothes dryer.

My hair is wet from an impromptu dance in the rain after bringing the boys home from our night drive. I spent most of the drive watching the peculiar storm that sprang up and wondering if things will really be ok.  Wondering how to start again and whether or not I should. I turned down a field-lined road and the rain started. Spitting at first, then falling steadily, and finally pelting the windshield until the boys were shouting in the backseat and I started to laugh.

I pointed out a crowd of drenched cows and laughed harder.

Then, I looked across the fields to the impossibly bright, apricot-colored sky and my heart opened wide when I finally caught sight of it...here comes the sun